Tensegrity

Tensegrity is an interesting principle that we are looking at utilising for the Open Sailing boat and equipment. Put simply, it is a method of ensuring a beautiful harmony of compression and tension between elements in a structure. Unlike in normal structures, beams don't need to touch each other, but are held in place by tensile wires.



This is one of the simplest structures possible, and takes the form of a prism. Note that the beams don't touch each other, but the structure is supported nonetheless. Tensegrity structures are currently mainly used for ornamentation, but increasig research is looking at their possibility as architectural elements.


Find out more about tesegrity structures here.