Why did some 1960s environmental activists choose rural communes and geodesic domes?

During the 1960s, some environmental activists turned to rural communes and geodesic domes as a form of rebellion against the perceived negative impacts of high-rise urban congestion and suburban sprawl.1

By moving to rural areas, these activists sought to adopt a lifestyle inspired by Native American traditions, which they admired for having a minimal impact on the land. The use of geodesic domes—a structural innovation developed by R. Buckminster Fuller that provides maximum strength with minimal materials—aligned with their desire for sustainable, efficient, and lightweight shelter.123

While these choices reflected a commitment to environmental principles, some critics noted that by isolating themselves in these communes, these activists were paradoxically ignoring the ecological principle of interdependence, which emphasizes that elements must work in harmony for the benefit of the whole community.1