tensegérais

Tensegéris, also known as Tensegrity, is a structural design principle and a philosophy developed by Buckminster Fuller. It describes a system where isolated, compressed components are interconnected by a continuous network of tension elements. This creates a structure that is strong, lightweight, and able to withstand significant loads while remaining flexible. The core idea is that tension is distributed throughout the entire structure, preventing localized stress points.

Fuller's concept of tensegrity is often illustrated with simple models made of rods and elastic bands. The rods represent the compression elements, and the elastic bands represent the tension elements. When assembled correctly, these components create a self-stabilizing structure that can appear to defy gravity. This principle has applications in architecture, engineering, and even biology, where similar force-balancing mechanisms can be observed in living organisms.

The term "tensegrity" itself is a portmanteau of "tensional integrity" or "tensile integrity." Fuller believed that tensegrity represented a fundamental principle of the universe, governing everything from atomic structures to galactic formations. His work aimed to harness this principle for creating more efficient and sustainable designs for human habitats and technologies. The understanding and application of tensegrity continue to be explored in various scientific and artistic fields.