Which town?

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Now a particular decision must be arrived at, which would be heavy with consequence = what would be the spatial framework made of that would join the four structural arcs, completing the volume of the sphere? The engineers had included in their complex calculations the weight of a space-frame composed of precast beams assembled in horizontal circular rows of triangles joined by nodes of concrete cast in-situ. R.’s initial wish had been for a lighter space-frame made of thin metal beams, covered with a translucent plastic membrane and mounted as if with golden pins with an array of concave and convex discs of varying sizes, some of them oscillating with the wind, but he had also given his consent for a more solid and durable framework. PC. considered, as did others on the site, that the entire structure of the sphere must be homogeneous and equally durable in all its parts, while some others appreciated the flexibility of the metallic option, despite its vulnerability to the ravages of time, humidity and corrosion. All, however, dreaded the enormity of the task; for, at the prevailing pace of the work and having no capital to draw from, one would require many years to accomplish it; the nature of the work would also be more mechanical and repetitive – less graceful.

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