a new and useful dome kit , dome shaped structural system and method of assembling a dome shaped structural system is provided . the dome kit and method are used to form a dome shaped structural system comprising a compression ring , a lower ring that is larger than the compression ring and spaced below the compression ring , and a plurality of ribs connected with the compression ring . the lower ring , the compression ring , lower ring and connected ribs form a dome shaped structural system ; i . e . a structural system with a dome shaped appearance . new and useful structure is provided for coupling the ribs to the compression ring and to the lower ring . such structure is particularly useful when the ribs are formed of metal .