"After discussing and synthesizing multiple opinions, here’s the final design plan." In the living room of Chen Xin’s shelter, the designer responsible for submitting the design proposals was introducing the whole plan to him: "The main part of the Ecological Dome has a maximum diameter of 512 meters, the radian of the dome itself is 1.1 rad, making it a perfect circle structure. The diameter of the ground part is 496 meters, the dome’s highest height is 41.2 meters, and the building is divided into three above-ground levels and one underground level."

"The interior adopts a circular layout, with the center consisting of a small ecological circle and a heating hub providing heat for the entire building, forming an atrium. The main body of the building is distributed around this central atrium."

"The above-ground part is mainly used for various laboratories, while the underground part serves as a weapons testing ground and storage warehouse, with space reserved for experimental institutions that may need to be located underground for contingency purposes."

After listening to the structural introduction of the Ecological Dome by the designer, Chen Xin was quite satisfied with this design. However, he pondered and asked, "Where are the military camp and the planting greenhouse I previously mentioned located, and are you planning to use the heating hub to provide warmth to the Ecological Dome?" 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"Yes, the heating hub and Energy Tower technology are very efficient ways to utilize geothermal energy and can be directly converted into electricity. Compared to building another power plant for power supply and a boiler for heating, constructing a geothermal power plant can not only obtain efficient and clean energy but also provide heating for the Ecological Dome, making the investment much smaller than other options." The designer clearly considered many plans before finally choosing the current design scheme.

Chen Xin didn’t say much about this. Although the technology originated from him, he didn’t feel proud or have other emotions; he simply nodded affirmatively and said, "Using the heating hub to warm the Ecological Dome is indeed sufficient, but it seems like you’re thinking of calculating the electricity separately?"

"Yes, according to our design, an Energy Tower will be built near the Ecological Dome to extract underground heat for power generation, and the remaining energy will be transmitted to the heating hub inside the Ecological Dome for warmth, while the circulating medium will be re-injected underground through the return well beneath the heating hub." The designer, having adopted this plan, is undoubtedly well-versed in the relevant technology.

"Hmm, this is quite a good application; it can generate electricity and provide heating. Very good." Chen Xin nodded, affirming the design of this plan. But he looked over the blueprints again and continued to ask, "So, you placed the planting greenhouse and military camp outside the Ecological Dome? Although connected, they’re not placed inside the main body of the Ecological Dome?"

"That’s right, because according to our calculations, while it’s not impossible to fit the planting greenhouse and military camp inside the Ecological Dome, it would mean a lot of space inside will be occupied, making it feel very cramped. So, it’s better to adopt this layout that spreads out more." The designer explained his design concept and even made notes on the blueprints: "We’ve designed the military camp as the main entrance. To enter the Ecological Dome area, you’d have to go through the area where the military camp is located, which also serves security and screening purposes.

On both sides, there are the geothermal power plant and planting greenhouse areas, respectively located on the sides of the Ecological Dome, presenting an overall triangular layout. This way, each part gets enough space while being relatively compact."

"You guys know better in these aspects, so let’s go with your design as long as it meets my usage needs. There’s no problem otherwise." Chen Xin didn’t express differing opinions or views on this matter; he nodded before continuing to ask, "Regarding construction, what are your plans? Using the heating hub to melt the snow first and then leveling the ground before construction?"

This was the method Chen Xin previously used at Lin City Railway Station and was also the original intention of his heating hub design. Considering that there was similarly more than ten meters of snow in front of his house, Chen Xin first thought of this construction method.

"Yes, so we will first complete the construction of the geothermal power plant and the heating hub, and then proceed with the construction of the Ecological Dome and other buildings." Facing Chen Xin, the client, the designer answered his questions in great detail, leaving nothing unsaid: "Once the geothermal power plant and heating hub parts are completed, we’ll begin to lay the foundation of the Ecological Dome and simultaneously start the military camp construction.

After laying the foundation, we’ll proceed with the construction of the main steel structure support of the Ecological Dome using the 3D printing robots you, Academician Chen, provide. Once the entire structure is completed, we’ll install the glass facades of the dome and construct the internal structures."

"Are the glass facades reliable? Although the frequency of meteor falls has greatly reduced, occasional meteor fragments still fall to the ground, right? How did you consider this aspect?" It’s no wonder Chen Xin had this question, as Blue Star’s current disasters stem from meteor impacts.

In the past year or more, even though Flame Country wasn’t the main disaster area for meteor collisions, fiery meteors were often seen falling from the sky.

In such circumstances, not to mention whether it can withstand sporadic meteor impacts, at least it should ensure that post-impact, the entire building facade doesn’t shatter completely, necessitating a complete rebuild.

"We have adopted a multi-layer composite structure for the glass facades, with tempered glass as the main material, added with lamination to prevent shattering. Moreover, the glass itself has a heat-absorption coating, capable of adjusting transparency according to light intensity, ensuring the maximum acquisition of natural light and radiation, while providing insulation." The designer clearly gave it thorough consideration, particularly flipping through the blueprints to show the glass facade design, introducing it to Chen Xin proudly: "Considering potential meteor impacts, we adopted a hexagonal honeycomb-like splicing design for the glass facades. If an impact occurs, some glass might be shattered but won’t shatter completely.

Additionally, we’ve adjusted the building’s internal structure. Even if explosions or meteor impacts occur due to various factors, the impact on the glass facades won’t be strong, nor will it lead to the breakage of all glass facades on the entire building."

"If that’s the case, I have no other opinions. Proceed with the construction according to your design plan." Chen Xin felt he had learned enough and decisively said, "As for the 3D printing robots needed for construction, I’ll provide them to you before the commencement of work."