Art of Engineering Workshop, 2014
This project was completed in collaboration with Nakisa Dehpanah and involved the design and assembly of a tensegrity structure approximately 1.3 meters in height, composed of four stable glass sculptures.
Tensegrity refers to structures in which compression members (rods) are connected solely through tension members (cables), creating the visual effect of elements floating in space. This installation consists of 16 glass tubes and 60 cables. Each tube is pre-stressed with internal steel bars to ensure structural compression during assembly, and all glass elements are pin-ended with stainless steel fittings.
The sculpture comprises four smaller pyramids, each formed by four glass tubes and 12 cables. These pyramids interconnect to form a central, smaller pyramid at their intersection. Internal steel bars not only enhance compression but also connect the tubes via rings pinned to the bars. Additionally, thicker rings at the tube ends guide cables through pre-drilled holes, ensuring structural stability and precise tensioning throughout the system.
The project demonstrates the interplay of transparency, tension, and compression, resulting in a visually striking structure that appears to defy gravity while maintaining complete stability.