Monolithic Dome Cafeteria at Dale, Oklahoma
![The Monolithic Dome cafeteria/tornado shelter has a diameter of 109 feet. School Superintendent Charles Dickinson said that visitors are amazed by its inside spaciousness.](/vault/img/2012/11/05/50980c02c29e06d847000002/medium/image_2.jpg)
The Monolithic Dome cafeteria/tornado shelter has a diameter of 109 feet. School Superintendent Charles Dickinson said that visitors are amazed by its inside spaciousness.
![The walkway to the dome has a canopy over it, and the front door is FEMA approved for wind resistance.](/vault/img/2012/11/05/50980cacc29e06f841000004/medium/dale_2.jpg)
The walkway to the dome has a canopy over it, and the front door is FEMA approved for wind resistance.
![Architect Michael McCoy said that they used an impact-resistant glazing system for the dome’s six windows.](/vault/img/2012/11/05/50980ca6c29e06d84700000f/medium/dale_3.jpg)
Architect Michael McCoy said that they used an impact-resistant glazing system for the dome’s six windows.
![The cafeteria produces and serves meals to Dale’s 726 students in grades kindergarten through 12 AND is a tornado shelter for the school and the community.](/vault/img/2012/11/05/50980cb4c29e06f841000005/medium/dale_4.jpg)
The cafeteria produces and serves meals to Dale’s 726 students in grades kindergarten through 12 AND is a tornado shelter for the school and the community.
![The cafeteria generally seats 225 but can seat up to 800 for special events, such as concerts and presentations.](/vault/img/2012/11/05/50980cb7c29e06d847000010/medium/dale_5.jpg)
The cafeteria generally seats 225 but can seat up to 800 for special events, such as concerts and presentations.
![In case of a tornado, this dome can shelter all of Dale’s students and staff plus a spillover of 400 to 500 community members.](/vault/img/2012/11/05/50980c7bc29e061e4f000002/medium/dale_public_schools_image001.jpg)
In case of a tornado, this dome can shelter all of Dale’s students and staff plus a spillover of 400 to 500 community members.
![The superintendent calls this dome “a blessing to this community. It’s a wonderful building.”](/vault/img/2012/11/05/50980cd2c29e06f841000006/medium/dale.jpg)
The superintendent calls this dome “a blessing to this community. It’s a wonderful building.”