tensegrity
Tension holds rigid elements
Tensegrity is a structural principle where rigid components (like rods or struts) are held in place by a continuous network of tension elements (like cables or tendons), creating stable forms without the rigid parts touching each other.
The word blends tension and integrity.
Tensegrity appears in architecture, sculpture, and increasingly in descriptions of how the human body maintains posture through interconnected fascia and muscles: The body works on tensegrity principles rather than stacking bones like bricks.
Forcing into smaller space
- strutsWalks with swagger
- cablesHeavy ropes or wires
- prestressPreapplied structural tension
- geodesic domeTriangular-lattice spherical structure
suspension · load-bearing · framework · rigidity · lightweight · nodes · membrane · mast
Internal protein support structure
- fasciaConnective tissue sheet
- cellular structureOrganization of cell components
- connective tissueSupportive biological matrix
- musculoskeletalPertaining to muscles and bones
Design imitating natural systems
- modularityDivisibility into independent units
- prototypingMaking preliminary models
- kineticsScience of motion forces
- mechanicsScience of motion
dynamic equilibrium · efficiency · resilience · prefabrication · deployable · collapsible · icosahedron
Process of putting in
- suspendedHalted or hanging temporarily
- balancedIn a state of equilibrium
- floatingStaying atop liquid
- spatialRelating to physical extent
three-dimensional · kinetic art · mobile · abstract · geometric · minimalist · gallery · public art
compression
Forcing into smaller space
geodesic dome · suspension · load-bearing · framework · rigidity · lightweight · nodes · membrane · mast · spoke
cytoskeleton
Internal protein support structure
- fasciaConnective tissue sheet
- cellular structureOrganization of cell components
- connective tissueSupportive biological matrix
musculoskeletal · spine · joints · biomechanics · living systems
biomimicry
Design imitating natural systems
- modularityDivisibility into independent units
- prototypingMaking preliminary models
- kineticsScience of motion forces
mechanics · dynamic equilibrium · efficiency · resilience · prefabrication · deployable · collapsible · icosahedron
installation
Process of putting in
spatial · three-dimensional · kinetic art · mobile · abstract · geometric · minimalist · gallery · public art · aesthetic
tensegritymasonry
Building with mortared blocks
load-bearing walls · brick-and-mortar · stone masonry · buttressing · timber framing
tensegritystructural collapse
Framework giving way
instability · chaos · disorder · disintegration · structural failure
integrity, tension, integral, integrated, integrate, integration, tensions, tensely, integrating