Oldies-goldies. This tensegrity series engaged me with its deviation from the strict principles of its kin. The classic, widely accepted definition of tensegrities describes them as structures where discontinuous compressive members float within a continuous tensile web. Here the structural integrity is maintained within a system where both compression and tension elements are islanded.
"slingshot" study, 3x2
That’s why I called it dissegrity, which emphasises on the uniqueness of its composition and differentiates it among the pattern integrities. The striking feature is that the tendons which keep it together are far fewer than those that would normally be deployed for structural stability of the assembly. This creates an awkward tendency of the structure to deflect, which can easily be remedied by adding cables, but is engaging for sculptural purposes.
The next steps would be in several directions:
- scale up by multiplying the members into a higher order of a generative polyhedron. I have studied two of those, respectively with 12 and 20 struts
- move towards asymmetry
- apply the principle into a meaningful sculptural composition
- export it into a furniture series
A dissegrity tower; study, 1993
Shown here is an earlier study of a towering structure based on 3×2, 4×3, and 5×4 dissegrities. Generated circa 1993.