Tensegrity structures

Splash: a building-to-building tensegrity footbridge

2012-01-21T19:47:00.006+01:00

“Splash” is a building-to-building tensegrity footbridge designed by Joel Cullum for an online architecture challenge.

The tensegrity system is used to provide a sentiment of movement with fragments integrated among the elements of the system. It seems just as if something went through the two buildings and time just stopped.

It is not clear if the tensegrity system is part of the structural system of the footbridge. However, I think that this project is definitely a hit exploring the chaotic aspect that tensegrity systems can give.

The object of this post was found on: evolo.us.

"Helios Rehab Sanctuary" by Team CLS

2011-08-10T16:53:00.010+02:00

Team CLS including architects Darren Chan, Emily Lau, Jonas Sin and others presented the "Helios Rehab Sanctuary", a tower specially designed for a rehabilitation center.

The tower is composed of a series of tensegrity modules piled one on top of the other. The outer structure of each floor is based on the same class I tensegrity module as its inner structure may differ according to its use.

Various secondary elements such as special panels and pods are integrated in each floor hiding the tensegrity system but allowing the tower to become a green building.

A nice project that explores the modularity of tensegrity structures and their possibilities in sustainable design.

The object of this post was found on : archdaily.com.

"The Bella Chandelier" by 3XN

2011-07-05T14:46:00.002+02:00

The Bella Chandelier is a large spatial tensegrity sculpture/lighting composed of LED tubes and cables. It was designed by the well known Scandinavian architect 3XN for the Bella Sky Hotel in Copenhagen (Denmark).

[...] The Bella Chandelier boasts 7,000 coolly glowing LED tubes linked in a minimalist pattern that took the best minds in design, science, and technology from 3XN's R&D arm GXN to create. [...]

Apparently LED tubes and tensegrity seem to be a new trend in design exploring the minimal aspect of tensegrity. It is true that LED tubes bring out nicely the floating aspect of struts in a tensegrity system.

You can find more about 3XN architect on: 3xn.dk.

The object of this post was found on : fastcodesign.com.

"Tensegrity in biology" by Graham Scarr

2011-06-10T08:05:00.001+02:00

"Tensegrity in biology" is the website of Graham Scarr, an osteopath whith interest into tensegrity systems and their application in biology.

His website and research is focused on tensegrity as a structural system that allow a better understanding of biology because it integrates anatomy from the molecular level to the whole organism.

Image taken from Graham Scarr's article "Simple geometry in complex organisms".

You can find more about tensegrity in biology on: www.tensegrityinbiology.co.uk.

"Sur la route", a spectacle around a tensegrity system

2011-03-31T08:37:00.008+02:00

"Sur la route" is a spectacle by Antoine Rigot at Vidy theater in Lausanne (Switzerland). It is about the journey of two characters and the physical and emotional development of their relationship.

The journey takes place around, inside and on a large scale tensegrity system. The system is used as a rugged endless maze where the characters wander around.

The following video is the official clip of the spectacle, where you can actually see parts of the tensegrity system.

You can find more on Antoine's Rigot spectacle on: http://www.vidy.ch.

Many thanks to Xavier Alexandre for this post.

Dubai Tensegrity Tower

2011-02-12T11:03:00.005+01:00

Dubai Tensegrity Tower is a tower composed of interconnected tensegrity modules just like the Rostock tower in Germany. However, Dubai tower is not just a landmark since there will be escalators leading to platforms to enjoy the view. Furthremore, the design of the tower is astonishing.

Here is an interesting phrase that reflects the beauty of this tensegrity structure:
[...] by design, Dubai Tensegrity Tower is poised to become Dubai’s next Eiffel Tower [...]

The "Dubai Tensegrity Tower" project was proposed for a competition sponsored by an elevator company. The call was for an iconic tower with a desired height of 170 meters.

Personally I find that this project answers succesfully the call description. Therefore, I will try to find out more information about this project, so stay tuned.

The object of this post was found on : architizer.com.

Architecture Master project by Jordan Adsit

2011-01-21T10:26:00.008+01:00

Jordan Adsit completed a Masters of Architecture at Washington University in St. Louis. Her master project entitled "16 Hands; Duality of Scale Between Horse & Human" explored the relationship between horse and human and their dependencies within a small scale Equestrian Training Facility. A tensegrity system with variable height was chosen for the roof of the building.

Here is a small explication given by Jordan Adsit:

The program included three main components, a large covered dressage arena, stalls, and an outdoor multi-purpose arena, along with intermediate program components, tack and feed rooms, spectator space, trailer loading driveway, etc. The idea of a tensegrity roof came from the desire for a continuous system to provide the human with small occupiable spectator space above while also addressing a need for long span open space below. The horse becomes dominate in the scheme, as the pastures create the boundaries around the structure. The three main program components open to the landscape as the roof blankets over them, each having different height requirements.

You can find more about the project and her work on her portofolio: www.jordanadsit.com.

Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year by Tensegrity Structures!

2010-12-23T09:32:00.008+01:00

May this Christmas be bright and cheerful! May the New Year bring the best to you and out of you!

You can find your gift on: tensegridad.es. It is a selection of tensegrity publications provided by Valen Gómez Jáuregui, author of the book "Tensegridad. Estructuras Tensegríticas en Ciencia y Arte".

Happy holidays!

IABSE-IASS Symposium: taller, longer, lighter...tensegrity

2010-12-14T14:30:00.005+01:00

IABSE and IASS decided to hold their 2011 Symposium together in London (UK).

The International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE) is a large scientific/technical association founded in 1929 with members all over the world(iabse).

The International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS) was founded by Eduardo Torroja in 1959 in order to promote the interchange of ideas among all those interested in lightweight structural systems such as lattice, tension, membrane, and shell structures (iass).

Like in most of of the IASS symposia a specific session on tensegrity systems will be held also in London.

You can find more about the joint IABSE-IASS Symposium on: www.iabse-iass-2011.com.

Structural Engineers World Congress (SEWC) 2011

2010-11-29T14:08:00.001+01:00

The Structural Engineers World Congress will be organized in Milan next year (4 to 6 April). After San Francisco (1998), Yokohama (2002), and Bangalore (2007), this major event will be welcome by Italy under the guidance of Gian Carlo Giuliani.

A specific session on "Tensegrity" will be held by Prof. Motro from Université de Montpellier (France).

You can find more about this major event on: sewc-worldwide.org.

Tensegrity headphones by TEAGUE

2010-11-02T07:31:00.008+01:00

TEAGUE was founded by industrial design pioneer Walter Dorwin Teague and is one of the most established design firms in the world. Their latest creation is the 20/20 headphones which use a tensegrity system for the structural requirements of the headphone-adjustment mechanisms.

TEAGUE headphones are a stylish yet very suitable tensegrity application. The following video provides a nice description of the system with expressions such as "rigid yet flexible" and "forces in harmony":

TEAGUE 20/20 Concept from TEAGUE on Vimeo.

For more pictures check the following culture media magazine, where this post was found: flylyf.

You can find more about Teague and their creations on: teague.com.

The rising of the famous "Needle Tower"

2010-10-20T20:51:00.003+02:00

The "Needle Tower" is one of the most famous tensegrity sculptures made by Kenneth Snelson. The tower is assembled on the ground and then pulled over in order to rise. The video shows only the rising of the tower:

It would be interesting to have a video of the assembling procedure on the ground. In my opinion that may have been the most challenging part.

"Inter-active tensegrity systems" by Yosuke Ushigome

2010-10-06T07:44:00.003+02:00

Yosuke Ushigome from Tokyo is both an artist and a researher. His work involves tensegrity systems that can interact with their environment. The following videos are two excellent exemples:

structured creature from Yosuke Ushigome on Vimeo.

Archi/e Machina from Yosuke Ushigome on Vimeo.

Tensegrity systems are perfect candidates for adaptive structures not only due to low energy requirements for adaptation but also because their structural elements can have parallel functions as sensors and/or actuators.

For more information about Yosuke Ushigome's work visit his website: ushi web.

"Tensegrity" by Biagio Di Carlo

2010-07-19T07:55:00.003+02:00

Biagio Di Carlo is another architect fascinated by the work of R. B. Fuller with articles on many architectural magazines such as Dome Magazine, BioArchitettura, L'Architettura Naturale and Nexus Network Journal. His latest book is focused on the concept of tensegrity:

He is the author of four more books on spatial structures and very active on the field with lectures and workshops.

You can find more about Biagio Di Carlo and his work on his personal webpage on: biagiodicarlo.com.

"Bucky Lamp" by Studio Lagranja

2010-07-04T20:13:00.005+02:00

"Bucky Lamp" is a lamp designed by Studio Lagranja from Barcelona as a tribute to Richard "Bucky" Buckminster Fuller, one of the tensegrity fathers. The lamp is based on a simple tensegrity module, where cables provide stability and energy while struts provide light. Here is the description of the lamp given by Studio Lagranja:

Bucky is a minimal yet surprisingly rigid composition, the only definition being the soft touch cable which is pulled tight, giving it shape and structure. As well as carrying the electric current, the wire also provides support for the three blown glass rods, hanging like an acrobat from a rope.

Although the concept of using some kind of lights (usually LED) in tensegrity structures is not completely new, these lamps look really nice and interesting; a perfect piece of a contemporary design.

You can found more about Studio Lagranja on: http://lagranjadesign.com/.

The object of this post was found on : furnifurnish.com.

ENAC Research Day 2010 (EPFL)

2010-06-09T22:24:00.008+02:00

The School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC) at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, mostly known as EPFL, organizes once a year a day to promote its research. A research topic is chosen and analyzed in conferences that take place during this day. Furthermore, the event provides also the opportunity to view the scope of research conducted by its doctoral students.

The topic for 2010 was "Living with risks" and here is my poster:

The poster on the tensegrity footbridge was selected for the first prize of the doctoral poster award.

You can find more on ENAC and the research day on : enac.epfl.ch and JDR ENAC 2010.

"Tensegrity harp" by SQUID Labs

2010-06-04T13:06:00.003+02:00

A tensegrity harp was presented by SQUID Labs during the 2005 Extreme Textiles exhibit at the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. Its form is based on the simplex module with 3 stuts and 9 cables. For the harp, each cable was replaced by a spline of 12 cables resulting in a total of 108 cables as you can see on this image:

The tensegrity harp can produce three types of sound based on the three different sets of ropes.
One set sounds like bells or wind chimes. The 2nd set sounds like a dulcimer or xylophone. The 3rd set has a variety of fun percussion sounds.

You can find more about the harp and SQUID Labs on : squid-labs.com.

"Instant Skyscraper" by Farzin Lotfi-Jam and Jerome Frumar

2010-05-23T20:25:00.004+02:00

Instant skyscraper was a project presented at the 2009 Skyscraper Competition by Farzin Lotfi-Jam and Jerome Frumar from Australia. The project is quite complete including aspects such as inspiration, physical models and structural response under various load cases. Here are some words written for the project:

The tensegrity principle is explored for its potential to provide a feasible structural system that enables the deployment of an instant skyscraper in areas struck by disaster. [...] The tensegrity structural system that has been developed for this proposal is highly adaptive yet incredibly stable.

Personally, i find this is an excellent tensegrity project. The project highlights not only architectural aspects but also exploits the structural properties of tensegrity structures for adaptive architecture.

The object of this post was found on : eVolo.us.

FEA and tensegrity form-finding: an update

2010-04-21T14:19:00.001+02:00

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, USA) developed a unified approach through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and unconstrained non-linear programming for form-finding and static analysis of tensegrity structures.

The source code (written in Ada95) and an associated text are available for downloading on: http://www.arcaro.org/tension/tensegrity/tensegrity.zip.

"Tensegrity build with light" by archxx

2010-04-08T07:54:00.005+02:00

Archxx is a company from Germany that operates as a network of designers, architects and lighting manufactures. They are particularly involved with tensegrity structures, lightweight constructions, membrane technology and digital lighting design, and grapple intensively with the interplay of architecture and light.
Archxx presents some quite impressive tensegrity-light projects revealing once more a contemporary side for the floating struts.

The official website of archxx can be found on: http://www.archxx.de/. On their website do not miss their video section including their tensegrity-light projects!

Many thanks to Filippo Broggini for this post!

Tensegrity roof by ABDR Architects

2010-03-28T12:47:00.003+02:00

ABDR Architects from Rome proposed a tensegrity roof for the National Museum of Reggio Calabria in the south of Italy. Here is a picture of their design:

The official website of ABDR architects can be found on: http://www.abdr.it/site2010/.

The object of this post was found on : complexitys.com.

Special report: Rolex Learning Center, EPFL

2010-02-28T18:10:00.003+01:00

The Rolex Learning Center opened for public this week. Although structural engineers may argue about its design, its fluid curved architecture is one of a kind. The building was designed by SANAA (Sejima And Nishizawa And Associates) for the campus of EPFL, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. Here is the official video presenting the project:

You can find more on the official Rolex Learning Center page: http://www.rolexlearningcenter.ch/.

Tensegrity sphere bouncing

2010-02-19T07:55:00.004+01:00

A nice video from Gerald de Jong showing a tensegrity sphere bouncing on a surface. The video is based on the calculated reaction of the impact of the tensegrity sphere on the surface after free fall.

You can find more on the work of Gerald de Jong on: http://www.beautifulcode.eu/.

Students learn about tensegrity

2010-01-31T16:26:00.010+01:00

Students Thibaud Bongard, Shpetim Dabiqaj, Alexandre Gobbini , Elvira Kossi-Odi, Winnie Martins and Fabien Oulevay from the College of Engineering and Architecture of Fribourg designed a tensegrity structure in the framework of a multidisciplinary project runned by Prof. A. Rime and Prof. A. Fidanza.

The students learned about tensegrity and tried to find and design a form fitting their goals. Their tensegrity module is based on the well known simplex and it is the result of small scale experimentation with struts and cables. They managed to get a stable configuration by adjusting cable lengths and strut positions.

Here is a couple of pictures during the construction of their small scale model (scale 1:10) and the final result:

The students enjoyed working on tensegrity and hopefully they will use it again in the future.

You can find information on the College of Engineering and Architecture of Fribourg on: http://www.eia-fr.ch/.

FEA and tensegrity form-finding

2010-01-24T18:41:00.011+01:00

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, USA) unify through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) several different geometrical minimum shape problems, including tensegrity form-finding*.

*Form-finding is the determination of an equilibrium configuration and it is one of the main challenges of tensegrity structures.

The algorithm defines tensegrity modules through unconstrained non-linear programming. A script file for AutoCAD is also created for the visualization of the generated shapes.

The source code (written in Ada95) and an associated text are available for downloading on:
http://www.arcaro.org/tension/minshape/minshape.zip.

Tensegrity beauty by Chanel

2010-01-10T13:13:00.005+01:00

Tensegrity is a structural principle also used in the simulation of cellular mechanics (see an older post on the work by D.Ingber).

Chanel used tensegrity as a starting point for their research in skin correction lift.

Important actors of the field of tensegrity were invited by Chanel for consultation on this application. Achim Luhn's applet (see older posts) also contributed in the project.

You can find more about the use of the tensegrity principle by Chanel in: http://www.ultracorrection.com/ucl/en-ww/.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Tensegrity Structures

2009-12-18T09:35:00.003+01:00

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everybody! Back in January with many interesting posts, stay tuned!

Tensegrity structures in Switzerland

2009-11-19T20:22:00.004+01:00

Switzerland is a pioneer when it comes to tensegrity structures. Here is a series of pictures of Swiss tensegrity structures:

World Cycling Centre (Aigle)

Blur Building (Yverdon)*

*This structure was constructed only for the duration of the Swiss Expo'02 and therefore it no longer exists.

IMAC tensegrity (Lausanne, EPFL)

Tensegrity Torus (Trubschachen)

Tensegrity structures will continue to arise hopefully not only in Switzerland but all around the world.

Jakob AG and the Tensegrity Torus III

2009-11-08T16:52:00.006+01:00

As previously presented, Jakob AG - a rope-system manufacturer in Trubschachen (Switzerland) - decided to construct with the help of Blue Office Architecture a large Tensegrity Torus. The torus will be used as a landmark for their site. Here is a series of pictures from the final stage of the construction:

You can find Jakob AG on: http://www.jakob.ch/ and Blue Office Architecture on: http://www.grenoble.archi.fr/enseignement/cours/tixier/boa.html#haut.

CO2PENHAGEN 2009

2009-11-01T17:14:00.004+01:00

Tensegrity sculptures were used in the CO2PENHAGEN 2009 Festival, the world's first CO2-neutral festival. The sculptures were designed by the architectural enginnering students Katrine From, Tobias Øhrstrøm and Jacob Drachmann from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). These sculptures were placed at the entrances and next to the information area; they helped to create an identity for the festival site.

The photos are taken by Tobias Øhrstrøm. The sculptures were made of 2mm thick glassfiber allowing LED lights to shine through the 3m long tubes. This created the "light sword" effect seen on these pictures.

Personally, i think that it was a great idea to use the principle of tensegrity for this festival. Plus, the final result was an excellent fit.

You can find more about CO2PENHAGEN Festival on: http://www.co2penhagen.com/. Many thanks to Jacob Drachmann for this post!

Tensegrity footbridge: an update

2009-10-25T18:37:00.005+01:00

As you might know from one of the first posts, my thesis is focused on a tensegrity footbridge. Today, I have decided to share a hint of this idea with the help of a video made by Govind Gopinath. The video is an excellent visualisation of the structural system of this peculiar footbridge.

If you are interested and you want to know more about the project, just contact me.

Kurilpa Bridge opens... and the controversy continues!

2009-10-09T22:10:00.008+02:00

Kurilpa Bridge is described as the first ever tensegrity bridge by architect Michael Rayner and the Department of Public Works of Brisbane. The bridge is situated in Brisbane’s inner city in Australia linking Brisbane City center with South Brisbane. The structural system contains a multiple-mast system which looks like a tensegrity system. However, there are always doubts about the structural nature of this bridge. One thing is sure, tensegrity is getting a lot of attention these days and this may be a turning point for the recognition of this structural system.

Check out the Kurilpa Bridge opening from Channel 9:

For more information about the bridge visit the official website of the Department of Public Works: http://www.publicworks.qld.gov.au/majorprojects/Pages/KurilpaBridge.aspx.

"City Bike" by Ionut Predescu

2009-09-05T23:56:00.001+02:00

City Bike is a bike conception by the romanian designer Ionut Predescu. The bike structure is made out of cables and struts using the equilibrium between tension and compression in order to create a stable structure.

The designer describes the bike as a "high strength tensegrity frame made of carbon fiber and kevlar cables. A balance between compression and tension elements is able to offer a lighter alternative to traditional bike frames by producing a stiff structure where elements seem to float one against the other."

There are many discussions online about this design such as whether it can be a safe or useful concept for bikers. For Tensegrity structures the question is whether the word tensegrity can be used for such a structure. Personally, i think that the appropriate term would be tensegrity-like.

You can find more about Ionut Predescu and the City Bike on: hhttp://www.coroflot.com/public/individual_file.asp?from_url=true&portfolio_id=1645688&individual_id=168463.

Tensegrity sculpture by Buckminster Fuller in UW-Madison

2009-08-21T15:41:00.005+02:00

The University of Wisconsin-Madison awarded R. Buckminster Fuller with an honorary doctorate for his work as an inventor (incl. the geodesic dome and the tensegrity concept), architect, engineer, artist, humanitarian, mathematician, poet and cosmologist. His sculpture, the Sixty Strut Tensegrity Sphere, was placed in 2002 in the building's Engineering Drive entrance.

You can find more about the sculpture in UW-Madison on: http://www.engr.wisc.edu/news/headlines/2002/Aug12.html.

Jordan Brand uses tensegrity !

2009-08-07T20:34:00.005+02:00

Jordan Brand is the sport brand after the greatest basketball player ever, Air Michael Jordan. As a big basketball fan i was really happy when my friend, Achim Luhn, posted on his Twitter page his finding about the use of tensegrity on the Jordan XXII shoes. After a little research i found the official description provided by the Jordan Brand:

Titanium shank plate: With its incomparable strength-to-weight ratio and atomic number 22, ”tensegrity” patterned titanium provides the ultimate in mid-foot and arch support.

You can find the Jordan Brand on: http://www.nike.com/jumpman23/home/index.html.

Many thanks again to Achim Luhn for this post! You can find his Twitter profile on: http://twitter.com/xozzox.

Tension designs: order your tensegrity design !

2009-08-06T13:07:00.004+02:00

Tension designs is the website of artist Bruce Hamilton where you can order small or medium scale tensegrity sculptures. Bruce Hamilton lives and works in Arcata (California) charmed by the natural beauty of mathematical harmony. On the website, you can find different tensegrity kits based on size, material and design.

Take a look and order your tensegrity sculpture on: http://www.tensiondesigns.com/home.html.

Many thanks to Phil Earnhardt for this post!

Jakob AG and the Tensegrity Torus II

2009-07-31T13:03:00.006+02:00

Here are some pictures on the construction of the Tensegrity Torus by Jakob AG (a rope-system manufacturer in Switzerland) and Blue Office Architecture.

The compression members of the Tensegrity Torus contain LED lights. The combination of LED lights with the tensegrity system create a really nice levitating illusion. Here is a real picture of the Torus during the night (on the ground this time).

You can found the site of Jakob AG on: http://www.jakob.ch/949/ and Blue Office Architecture on: http://www.grenoble.archi.fr/enseignement/cours/tixier/boa.html#haut.

Many thanks to Filippo Broggini from Blue Office Architecture for the pictures!

Jakob AG and the Tensegrity Torus

2009-07-26T15:10:00.007+02:00

Jakob AG is a rope-system manufacturer in Trubschachen (Switzerland). They believe that tensegrity structures have a large potential for future structural systems. Therefore, they decided to construct with the help of Blue Office Architecture a large tensegrity structure for their site, the Tensegrity Torus. Here is an illustration of the project:

The Tensegrity Torus is currently under construction. Pictures from the construction phase will be posted during this week.

You can found the site of Jakob AG including some drawings and pictures of the Tensegrity Torus on: http://www.jakob.ch/949/.

A tensegrity in the National Building Museum in Washington DC

2009-07-23T12:35:00.003+02:00

Wilkinson Eyre Architects proposed a tensegrity bridge constructed from glass tubes for the National Building Museum in Washington DC (US). The tensegrity structure would be a temporary bridge for the high level galleries of the museum and an exhibit itself. LED lights would be used inside the glass tubes. The lights would change their color in relation with the internal force variation due to the people walking on the bridge.

You can found the website of Wilkinson Eyre Architects including more pictures of this fascinating project on: http://www.wilkinsoneyre.com/.

"Digital tensegrity sky light" by Blue Office Architecture

2009-07-06T17:22:00.005+02:00

Blue Office Architecture and architect Filippo Broggini proposed a tensegrity structure for the enlightenment of the routes of Zurich (Bahnhofstrasse) and Bellinzona (Viale Stazione). The tensegrity structure proposed was composed of led lights creating a digital sky as colors could vary. The tensegrity system allows great transparency especially considering that it does not need massive anchoring. Here is the picture for the tensegrity sky light in Bellinzona.

You can found Blue Office Architecture on: http://www.grenoble.archi.fr/enseignement/cours/tixier/boa.html#haut.

Tank Street Bridge (or Kurilpa Bridge) Update

2009-06-29T22:17:00.005+02:00

As posted back in December, Tank Street Bridge (or Kurilpa Bridge) is a tensegrity pedestrian bridge under construction in Brisbane’s inner city (Australia). The bridge contains a multiple-mast system based on principles of tensegrity.

For more information about the bridge visit its website on the Department of Public Works: http://www.publicworks.qld.gov.au/majorprojects/Pages/KurilpaBridge.aspx.

Tensegrity in civil engineering - University of Rome "TorVergata"

2009-06-26T13:15:00.005+02:00

Prof. Micheletti and his research team at the University of Rome "TorVergata" are working on a project of a tensegrity pedestrian bridge. Numerous tensegrity modules were examined and in some cases additional members were required to increase the overall rigidity of the tensegrity system.

For more information, visit their website on the University of Rome: http://www.uniroma2.it/ppg/ts/.

Geneva Cornavain Train Station - Blue Office Architecture

2009-06-23T09:31:00.007+02:00

Blue Office Architecture is an innovating architecture office by Filippo Broggini in Bellinzona (Switzerland). They believe that tensegrity systems are very promising structural systems allowing to architects to integrate various forms. Additionally, when properly designed tensegrity structures are found to be economical solutions. Therefore, Blue Office Architecture has been presenting numerous projects such as a tensegrity roof for the Geneva Cornavain Train Station (in collaboration with Rodolphe Lüscher Architectes).

More tensegrity projects by Blue Office Architecture will be posted soon. Until then, you can visit their page at the University in Grenoble (France): http://www.grenoble.archi.fr/enseignement/cours/tixier/boa.html#haut.

Tensegrity structures version Web 2.0

2009-06-12T13:08:00.005+02:00

Tensegrity Structures is now on Twitter. You can receive messages for new posts and interact with the blog as well as other users.

Tensegrity structure's twitter profile is open for everybody: http://twitter.com/Tensegrity_Str.

Notice: Twitter is responsible for the pop-out advertising window.

A tensegrity glazed roof in Russia

2009-06-11T12:45:00.005+02:00

Wilkinson Eyre Architects designed a tensegrity glazed roof for the central market district of St. Petersburg (Apraksin Dvor) in Russia. The roof will cover approximately 140'00 m2 creating a large covered space for the city. The tensegrity system was chosen for its delicate lightness allowing natural enlightenment while respecting historical buildings.

You can find the project on the official website of Wilkinson Eyre Architects: http://www.wilkinsoneyre.com/.

An active tensegrity structure that learns

2009-05-28T14:45:00.010+02:00

The Applied Computing and Mechanics Laboratory (IMAC) at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) constructed a prototype of an active tensegrity structure in 2003. The structure is equipped with sensors and actuators (telescopic bars) so that the shape of the structure can be adapted. This video shows the response of the structure when loaded. The goal of the active control is to maintain the initial slope of the structure on the upper level.

Three Ph.D. thesis were conducted with succes on this structure: Fest 2002, Domer 2003, Adam 2007. The next step of the reseacher in IMAC is to include deployability studying an active deployable tensegrity pedestrian bridge.

For more details visit the website of IMAC on: http://imac.epfl.ch/index.jsp.

Bridging Mars by Zoran Novacki

2009-05-28T13:52:00.008+02:00

This movie illustrates an excellent example for the use of deployable structures such as tensegrity systems in space engineering. The deployable system presented is actually inspired from a tensegrity system. A patent was filed for this system including joint design and a prototype is planned to be built.

The video can be found on: http://www.bridging-mars.de/.

P.M.S.R-B Bridge in Tensegrity Applet by Achim Luhn

2009-02-23T12:10:00.005+01:00

Achim Luhn has created a dynamic JAVA applet containing numerous elementary tensegrity modules. The user can change its point of view, change the relative length of elements creating new modules, and even see characteristics of the module such as internal forces. The applet was previously presented on the blog.

However, the applet has now been updated with a new render that makes it even better. Additionally, a new tensegrity structure can be found on the object menu: the P.M.S.R-B. Bridge. This bridge - named by all the authors of the project: Pugh, Motro, Smith and me - is the object of my thesis on active deployable structures.

The applet and the bridge can be found on: http://complexity.xozzox.de/tensegrity.html.

Tensegrity structures on ArchDaily

2009-01-30T22:53:00.006+01:00

In parallel with this blog, I will write some articles on peculliar structures - including tensegrity structures - for an architectural portal: ArchDaily.

You can find ArchDaily on: http://www.archdaily.com/.

The first article is about the Tank Street Bridge: http://www.archdaily.com/12914/tank-street-bridge-or-kurilpa-bridge-baulderstone-hornibrook-queensland-cox-rayner-architects/.

Tensegrity applet II

2009-01-09T16:25:00.008+01:00

This is a new applet about tensegrity cells and how they can combine to create larger systems. Modules are generated automatically based on their height from the ground creating a tensegrity tower that finally collapses. It is a very amusing applet. The user can also change its point of view.

However, no details about internal forces of the structure or member lengths are provided like in Achim Luhn's applet (http://tensegrity-structures.blogspot.com/2008/11/tensegrity-java-applet.html).

More details on: http://www.darwinathome.org/tensegrity-20080619/

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Tensegrity Structures

2008-12-19T14:09:00.004+01:00

Tensegrity Bamboo Bridge

2008-12-14T17:16:00.003+01:00

BambooBridge is designed by Michael McDonough Architect using the principles of “tensegrity”. It is a essentially a “tensegrity hack” of experimental models developed in the 1960s by Buckminster Fuller and Robert LeRicolais. It is located in a temperate redwood rainforest near Mendocino, California, being built to demonstrate the structural and aesthetic capabilities of bamboo as an engineered, high-tech material.

More details on: http://www.michaelmcdonough.com/projects/spec/bambridge.php4

"Tank Street Bridge" : a tensegrity bridge under construction

2008-12-07T15:40:00.007+01:00

Tank Street Bridge is a tensegrity pedestrian and bicycle bridge under construction! It is described as a multiple-mast, cable-stay structure based on principles of tensegrity; an architectural and engineering system in which the structural integrity is a synergy between balanced tension and compression components. This produces a lightweight yet strong and stable structure.

This tensegrity bridge is being constructed in Brisbane’s inner city (Australia). It will be one of the few large scale tensegrity structures under service.

More details (including pictures!) on: http://www.publicworks.qld.gov.au/showcase/tankstbridge.cfm

Many thanks to Achim Luhn for his hint!

"Tensegridad" by Valentín Gómez Jáuregui

2008-12-04T18:22:00.005+01:00

Valentín Gómez Jáuregui did his Master thesis on the applications of tensegrity in Architecture. His study is an excellent starting point for people who want to know more about tensegrity structures. His work is now available on a book. Unfortunately, the book is available only in spanish.

More details on: http://www.tensegridad.es/

A smart tensegrity structure for Aquaculture

2008-11-30T16:15:00.004+01:00

Norway’s SINTEF Marine are investigating the development of “smart” sea-cages for fish farming with the using the tensegrity concept. Their conception is an aquaculture sea-cage comprised entirely of tensegrity structures that can change its own shape, so that it reduces the cross-sectional area that it presents to the waves. Additionally, if there is little current and thus relatively little oxygen available to the fish, it will increase the area turned towards the direction of the waves.

More details on: http://finfish.org/blog/tensegrity-bringing-the-geodesic-dome-to-aquaculture/

A tensegrity institut in Japan

2008-11-27T17:22:00.002+01:00

The Chiba Experiment Station is part of the Institute of Industrial Science of the University of Tokyo. Its purpose is to accommodate largescale research facilities and experimental works that cannot be carried out on the Komaba II campus in downtown Tokyo. Among the research topics studied there is a tensegrity dome called "White Rhino". The enclosed area is used for the several research purposes, such as steel structure research, dynamic systems and control for vehicles, and spatial structure engineering.

More details on: http://www.iis.u-tokyo.ac.jp/chiba_e.html

Many thanks to Nizar Bel Hadj Ali for this idea!

"Biotensegrity" by Stephen M. Levin

2008-11-24T09:25:00.009+01:00

Stephen M. Levin is an Orthopedic Surgeon with a special interest in Tensegrity biomechanics and biotensegrity. In his website he explains how tensegrity icosahedrons are used to model biologic organisms from viruses to vertebrates, their cells, systems and subsystems.

Another justification of the term bio-inspired structures for my work.

More details on: http://www.biotensegrity.com/

Many thanks to Phil Earnhardt for this idea!

"Tensegrity" by Marcelo Pars

2008-11-18T08:51:00.006+01:00

In his website "Tensegrity", Marcelo Pars studies different tensegrity modules. There are photos of different small scale modules that he constructed.

There are also some innovating tensegrity conceptions. Unfortunately the site is not in english but the images are excellent.

Marcelo Pars website can be found on: http://www.tensegriteit.nl/index.html

Many thanks to Robert Burkhardt for this idea.

Tensegrity Java applet

2008-11-06T14:21:00.008+01:00

The interplay of compressive and tensile forces of tensegrity systems is simulated on an excellent Java applet. Different modules and options such as changes in relative cable length and damping are available. A really excellent visualization tool by Achim Luhn!

The tensegrity applet can be found on: http://complexity.xozzox.de/tensegrity.html

Video: Tensegrity step by step

2008-10-02T14:44:00.007+02:00

A video presenting the construction of different tensegrity modules made by Daniel Wyllie. Available on YouTube.

Many thanks to Ahn Dung Nguyen from LMGC (University of Montpellier) for this idea!

Tensegrity tube bridge

2008-07-18T10:47:00.002+02:00

Another tensegrity bridge created by Andreas Kirchsteiger of the Technical University of Vienna in Austria.

More details on: http://www.fibersource.com/Textile_Arch/Cat-5.htm

Tensegrity interior design

2008-07-18T10:01:00.009+02:00

Tensegrity systems present an ultra-efficient design that can be used not only for structural elements but also in interior design. Here is a tensegrity lamp and a tensegrity coffee table.

More details on the lamp on: http://www.christian-alexy.net/tensegrity-leuchtturm.html
More details on this table on: http://faculty.virginia.edu/guilford/tensegrity_coffee_table.html

Tensegrity wall by LIFT architects

2008-07-18T09:27:00.003+02:00

LIFT architects explore an array of disciplines that architects rarely utilize to develop new forms and theories about architecture, such as tensegrity systems. They created a 4x4 tensegrity wall, fully controlled by a slider that controls the vertical movement of an actuator inserted in the middle of each module.

This tensegrity wall can be configurated to work with a sensor so that the structure can change shape according various environmental stimuli. Another interesting exemple of an active tensegrity structure.

More details on: http://www.liftarchitects.com/journal/2007/10/5/tensegrity-wall.html

Master Thesis: poster

2008-07-17T11:12:00.003+02:00

And this is the poster of my Master thesis:

Master thesis: abstract

2008-07-17T10:58:00.003+02:00

This is the abstract of my Master thesis on Active and Deployable Structures presented on 8th of July at the Laboratory of Applied Computing and Mechanics (IMAC).

Tensegrity is a system in a stable self-equilibrated state combining compression components inside a continuum of tension components. This project studies the feasibility of a pedestrian bridge composed of deployable tensegrity modules.

Tensegrity modules for a pedestrian bridge require continuous compression members in order to sustain acceptable vertical displacements. The lack of continuity in the compression components induces a lack of bending stiffness. A static analysis of different modules is done under various loads using the method of dynamic relaxation with kinetic damping. There are three main criteria to satisfy for every module: compression resistance (buckling), tension resistance and vertical displacements. A parametric analysis is done to identify the parameter with the biggest influence on the vertical displacements of the structure.
The analysis shows the existence of feasible configurations. The need of continuous compression members is also verified. A problem of differential displacements (torsion) is revealed due to the lack of symmetry in the modules. This problem is overcome with the right member design. The direction of the wind also has an influence on the magnitude of the displacements due to the lack of symmetry. Active pulleys and telescopic bars are good solutions for active control of this structure.

Tensegrity structures are perfect candidates for active and deployable structures. The application of active elements has the potential of avoiding instabilities during deployment and later, to ensure a good service behavior.

Dynamic Tower: the wolrd's first builiding in motion

2008-06-25T09:16:00.006+02:00

The world's first building in motion is going to be constructed in Dubai. The Dynamic Tower heralds a new era of architecture: Buildings in motion will challenge traditional architecture, becoming the symbol of a new philosophy that will change the look of our cities and the concept of living.

A solid proof that the era of active structures is not that far away.

For more visit: http://www.dynamicarchitecture.net/21-06-08/new-web_23-06-08/home.html

Active tensegrity structures are ... Wired !

2008-06-16T12:14:00.004+02:00

An interesting article on Wired magazine introducing adaptive architecture, a field where tensegrity structures are very promising.

Find the article on: http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2006/08/71680

Filamentosa: Tensegrity skyscrapers by Orambra

2008-06-16T11:30:00.007+02:00

Filamentosa is a new type of ultra-lightweight skyscraper that integrates responsive technologies into its structural frame and living skins to reduce the amount of material and energy required to live within, construct and maintain large scale structures.

Filamentosa is an active tensegrity skyscraper. A challenging innovating project combining different fields such as civil engineering, computer science and robotics.

The tensegrity modules of the Filamentosa skyscraper are similar to the hollow modules presented by Prof. Motro of LMGC (Montpellier) and used on my Master thesis.

More details on : http://www.orambra.com/

Tensegrity quiz question

2008-06-13T12:02:00.004+02:00

"What is the minimal structure that can support a weight and oppose horizontal forces, that uses compression and tension, but experiences no torgue?"

Buckminster Fuller, cited in Flavin (1996)

"The making of a tensegrity tower (Rostock, GER)"

2008-06-04T13:51:00.008+02:00

For the fair in Rostock a tensegrity tower (figure below) was conceived by architects Gerkan, Marg and Partners in cooperation with engineers Schlaich, Bergermann and Partners.

An interesting article by K. Herbert and St. Soeren on the making of this large scale tensegrity structure.

More details on: http://www.mero.de/uploads/tx_cwtcartoongallery/tens_tower_e.pdf

Tensegrity in art

2008-05-22T13:19:00.008+02:00

Kenneth Snelson is a contemporary sculptor and photographer but also one of the fathers of tensegrity. He is the creator of some famous tensegrity sculptural works like the "Needle Tower" (see figure).

For more visit: http://www.kennethsnelson.net

"The architecture of life"

2008-05-17T00:22:00.007+02:00

" A universal set of building rules seems to guide the design of organic structures—from simple carbon compounds to complex cells and tissues"

by Donald E. Ingber, Scientific American, January 1998

An article proving that everyone has a part of tensegrity inside him.

More details on :
http://vv.arts.ucla.edu/Talks/Barcelona/Arch_Life.htm

Master thesis: Active and Deployable Structures

2008-05-16T17:17:00.011+02:00

While much work in the fields of deploying structures and active structures has been completed, there are few outcomes on the above mentioned combination. Adding active elements to deployable structures has the potential to prevent instabilities during deployment and to correct the deployed position. Once deployed, active elements help ensure good service behaviour. Active and deployable structures have many applications in civil and space engineering.

The objective of my master thesis is to study the feasibility of a pedestrian bridge composed of deployable tensegrity modules and to investigate a future application of active members.