Zooming in on biomimicry: the potential of tensegrity structures

Pomponi, Francesco; Inzitari, Giuseppe

Abstract

The foundations of biomimicry lie with the idea that Nature can inspire solutions to complex human problems. Biomimicry in Architecture is a rapidly growing field which also echoes the new paradigm of a circular economy. Recent applications of biomimicry in architecture have shown that it is possible to achieve factor 100 savings in resource and energy use. Tensegrity structures are one of the many aspects of biomimicry, and research has made a lot of progress on the theoretical foundations of tensegrity structures.

Yet, the construction remains one of the biggest challenges and as a consequence most of these structures only exist as prototypes. This paper presents findings of a project aimed at facilitating industrial manufacturing and endless replications of tensegrity components. The results on the joints and hinges, as well as the prototype that was built to show how the practical application works, allow to exploit the benefits tensegrity has to offer to architects in terms of lighter structures which require significantly less material and energy.

Citation

Pomponi, F., & Inzitari, G. (2017, July). Zooming in on biomimicry: the potential of tensegrity structures. Presented at PLEA 2017 - Passive and Low Energy Architecture

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (published)
• Conference Name: PLEA 2017 - Passive and Low Energy Architecture
• Start Date: Jul 2, 2017
• End Date: Jul 5, 2017
• Acceptance Date: Jun 5, 2017
• Publication Date: Jul 5, 2017
• Deposit Date: Jul 11, 2017
• Publisher: Network for Comfort and Energy Use in Buildings
• Book Title: PLEA Conference Proceedings
• Keywords: biomimicry, tensegrity, building structures, façade design, biomimetic
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/960108