2021: Creating a Lexicon of Future

T is for Tensegrity

R. Buckminster Fuller used the word “tensegrity” to describe a structure whose form relies both on compression and tension. A good example of a tensegrity structure might be a balloon. The balloon’s form depends both on the discontinuous compression (pushing) of the air molecules bouncing against the inner surface of the balloon, and the continuous tension (pulling) of the balloon, which remains stretched around the air inside it.

Fuller saw tension and compression as being complementary forces that could be balanced…