If domes are built, I don’t see then being built like those we typically see on Earth. Instead, I expect there to be layers of pressure sealing to prevent the escape of air. If you are going to put in several layers anyway, why not make the dome structure habitable.
You could do what they do in The Expanse. Spin the planet fast enough that you have artificial gravity, and build upside-down housing as you now fall away from the center.
Wouldn’t that also make the surface gravity negative and rip the planet apart?
The only reasons skyscrapers exist is due to a lack of available footprint. If you’re settling a new planet just build out single story shit as far as the eye can see.
Lack of space might be a reason why they exist but it’s not the only reason they might be preferable.
How are we feeding people on this planet and what are people doing with their days? If we’re trucking in supplies and everyone is working at MegaCorp, you need skyscrapers. Spread out domes are needed if you’re relying on self-sufficient kitchen gardens and the main purpose of the inhabitants is simply to survive there.
It depends on the planet. Unless the planet was earthlike to some degree I would suppose MOST habitats would be underground.
It depends on whether you need to contain atmosphere.
Kim Stanley Robinson’s Mars Trilogy goes into exquisite detail about the tradeoffs between different construction methods on Mars and other worlds in our solar system.
