systems that are structural frameworks where tension and compression elements work together
often in ways that look counterintuitive, extremely light, or even floating
the term comes from tensional integrity
describes a principle where rigid elements are held not by direct contact
but by network of tensioned components that suspend and stabilize them
permaculture & off-grid
lightweight and low material use
less mass = less labor, fewer resources
resilient to earthquakes and wind
absorbs vibration without snapping
adaptable to local materials
easy to scale: modules can be combined or nested
real-world inspirations
buckminster fuller’s domes
kenneth snelson’s floating sculptures
spider webs and plant root systems
nasa’s deployable space structures