Rice Architecture
21EM_X02
PHYSICAL MODEL
DIGITAL MODEL
PROCESS
EQUILIBRIUM MODEL / EXPERIMENT TWO
The model is a tensegrity system that explores the structural and aesthetic possibilities between three wood strips, a wood block, and wire. The intersections between wires create webs of tensile support for the mass, which subsequently exert compressive forces on the wood strips to create subtle curvatures. While the wires operate in a connected configuration, the wooden elements of the system remain strictly isolated from one another.
As a result, the system consistently creates the visual impression of a “floating mass.” Variations test the extremes in possible concentrations of tension forces between the variable quantity and orientation of the wood strips and wire, ultimately creating drastic differences in the coordinates of the mass.
Grace Andrews
Neha Nayar
Tammy Feng
Tiffany Wu