Tensegrity: Structural Systems for the Future

The word tensegrity results from the contraction of ‘tensional’ and ‘integrity’, a word created by Richard Buckminster Fuller. He went on to describe tensegrity structures as ‘islands of compression in an ocean of tension’, and René Motro has developed a comprehensive definition which is ‘systems in a stable self equilibriated system comprising a discontinuous set of compressed components inside a continuum of tensioned components’.

This publication represents the life work of a leading exponent of a revolutionary and exciting method of structural design.

* Represents the life work of a leading exponent of a revolutionary and exciting method of structural design
* Applicable to architecture as an established structural system, can also be applied to other fields
* Design professionals will be able to design better structures. Interested non-professionals will experience the great pleasure of being able to say "I understand why the Hisshorn tower stands up"

1. Introduction
2. History and definitions
2-1. Introduction; 2-2. History; 2-3. Definitions; 2-4. Conclusion
3. Fundamental concepts
3-1. Introduction; 3-2. Relational structure; 3-3. Geometry and stability; 3-4. Selfstress states and mechanisms; 3-5. Conclusion
4. Typologies
4-1. Introduction; 4-2. Typology criteria and codification; 4-3. Elementary cells or “spherical cells”; 4-4. Assemblies of cells; 4-5. Conclusion
5. Models
5-1. Introduction; 5-2. Problems to solve; 5-3. Form finding; 5-4. Selfstress and mechanisms; 5-5. Selftress qualification; 5-6. Designing tensegrity systems; 5-7. Active control; 5-8. Conclusion
6. Foldable tensegrities
6-1. Introduction; 6-2. Folding principle; 6-3. Foldable modules; 6-4. Foldable assemblies; 6-5. Folding design; 6-6. Simulation of the folding process; 6-7. Modelling the contact of two struts; 6-8. Conclusion
7. Tensegrity: Latest And future developments
7-1. Introduction; 7-2. New tensegrity grids; 7-3. Other projects; 7-4. Tensegrity as a structural principle; 7-5. Conclusion
8. Bibliography
9. Appendices