Tensegrity, tensional integrity or floating compression, is a structural principle based on the use of isolated components in compression inside a net of continuous tension, in such a way that the compressed members (usually bars or struts) do not touch each other and the pre stressed tensioned members (usually cables or tendons) delineate the system spatially.
Cleints - Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, International Center for Theoretical Sciences.
Brief - Use the concept of tensegrity to create interactive pieces of exhibits for The Mathematics of Planet Earth exhibition to take place in Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, Bangalore.
Tensegrity And Strength
Using Tension and its load bearing capabilities to create forms such as pieces of furniture that can take human weight.
Use of Simple cheap materials to create a DIY method for building a Tensegrity furniture
A Simple Tensegrity using 3 struts.
Materials used - Neem wood , wood pegs and Poly Propelene rope
Materials used - Neem wood , wood pegs and Poly Propelene rope
Method - I begin with this basic triangular form where in one end of each strut passes through a length of rope from another strut. This done for one end of each of the three struts. Then a rope is passed along all three extendeded edges and a single pull point is used to make the structure rise upwards and form a three dimensional tensegrity.
Metal cable and wood to test structural strength with other materials
Comfort and Ergonomics
Using fabric with pockets to create a dismantleable tensegrity stool which is comfortable. A triangular piece of canvas with pockets at each vertex that slips onto the ends of each strut. a length of rope is passed along ther perimeter inside the fabric for durability. The upper triangle formed by the rope(in the structure) is kept at a distance under the seat as it tends to bite into the thigh due to its high tension. This leads to a very comfortable seat while keeping the tensegrity.
Using fabric with pockets to create a dismantleable tensegrity stool which is comfortable. A triangular piece of canvas with pockets at each vertex that slips onto the ends of each strut. a length of rope is passed along ther perimeter inside the fabric for durability. The upper triangle formed by the rope(in the structure) is kept at a distance under the seat as it tends to bite into the thigh due to its high tension. This leads to a very comfortable seat while keeping the tensegrity.
A Pentagonal stool - A Tensegrity stool with 5 struts using the same method
Further Finishing - Using Artificial Leather seats instead of canvas for durability. Further star weaving over the upper pentagon for comfort. Gloss varnish spray on the wood
In Press
Featured in Wikispaces - Tensegrity
A Special Thanks to Sudipto and Nandini, our facilitators incharge, for their help and valuable inputs.