THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A TENSEGRITY LIGHTING SCULPTURE

摘要

This paper presents the design and construction of a tensegrity lighting structure. The intention of the paper is to share an application of the novel structural system with special emphasis on aesthetical appearance. Thus, the paper highlights the realisation and the construction methods used to realise the architect's specific design idea. Computer based form-finding of the tensegrity structure was carried out, but that is not the main aspect of the paper. Within the described project, the greatest difficulties were due to the lack of engineering tools, the compact design of the LED struts and the inherent uncertainties within the construction phase mostly due to the restricted time and budget. The paper describes a way to build the tensegrity structure by using a low-tech method and within a low budget.