Tensegrity

“The word tensegrity is an invention: it is a contraction of tensional integrity.” https://www.bfi.org/about-fuller/big-ideas/tensegrity/ -- Buckminster (Bucky) Fuller, cited on the Synergetics Dictionary

Tensegrity refers to structurally sound constructions that feature a radical separation of compression and tension. Generally the compression members are wooden or metal struts, while the tensional members are cables, rubber bands, string or steel wires. Tensegrity structures are admired as with gossamer tendons or struts, their solid struts seem almost magically suspended in air.

The term itself was coined by Buckminster Fuller as a portmanteau of “tension” and “integrity” in 1955. Since then tensegrity’s innovative approach has been found in nature, and to have applications to cellular biology, anatomy, dynamic control systems, foldable models, social systems, and robotics. Fuller intuited the broad applicability of tensegrity, and though he only began investigating it in the Sixties, by the time he wrote Synergetics in the Seventies he would claim that Tensegrity was the underlying principle of all his work and the Universe itself.

Tensegrity Wiki, The Encyclopedia of Tensegrity https://tensegritywiki.com/

The origins of tensegrity are not universally agreed upon.[21] Many traditional structures, such as skin-on-frame kayaks and shōji, use tension and compression elements in a similar fashion. Russian artist Viatcheslav Koleichuk claimed that the idea of tensegrity was invented first by Kārlis Johansons (in Russian, and German as Karl Ioganson) (lv), a Soviet avant-garde artist of Latvian descent, who contributed some works to the main exhibition of Russian constructivism in 1921.[22] Koleichuk's claim was backed up by Maria Gough for one of the works at the 1921 constructivist exhibition.[23] Kenneth Snelson has acknowledged the constructivists as an influence for his work (query?).[24] French engineer David Georges Emmerich has also noted how Johansons's work (and industrial design ideas) seemed to foresee tensegrity concepts.[25] In fact, some scientific paper proves this fact, showing the images of the first Simplex structures (made with 3 bars and 9 tendons) developed by Johansons.[26] In 1948, artist Kenneth Snelson produced his innovative "X-Piece" after artistic explorations at Black Mountain College (where Buckminster Fuller was lecturing) and elsewhere. Some years later, the term "tensegrity" was coined by Fuller, who is best known for his geodesic domes. Throughout his career, Fuller had experimented with incorporating tensile components in his work, such as in the framing of his dymaxion houses. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tensegrity