Tensegrity structures with 3D compression members: development and assembly

Over the past six decades, the notion of tensegrity has prompted significant research in the fields of structural engineering and architecture. Tensegrity is of interest to architects and engineers wishing to explore lightweight and rapidly deployable structural solutions for non-standard architectural forms. Despite thorough investigation by a variety of researchers, the ability to determine, control, visualize and deploy tensegrity structures within building construction remains elusive. This paper presents a novel approach to tensegrity through the development and morphological analysis of 3D `compressed¿ components. A range of physical models is presented to illustrate some of the configurations and arrangements that have been assembled by the authors. Two speculative design projects implement a computational method of form finding that demonstrates a digital means of expanding the design potential of tensegrity structures. Although basic in its implementation, this form finding application is a significant step towards computational platforms where design and engineering information can converge. That is, digital modeling environments where form is inextricably linked with force and design conception is enmeshed with appropriate strategies for design realization.