Knit Tensegrity Shell is a novel structural type that taps on principles of tensegrity to create an ultra-lightweight, free-spanning structure that can be erected quickly with unskilled labor. It consists of two main types of elements: a continuous bespoke machine-knitted membrane and a network of linear compressive struts that work in tandem to create an elastic shell in equilibrium.

Knit Tensegrity Shell is a 4.5-meter diameter by 3-meter tall, one-to-one scale prototype of this novel structure type.  Leveraging on iterative physical prototyping and digital form-finding simulations, the pavilion’s 3D curved shell geometry is created by rationalizing linear strut members in a reciprocal configuration within a textile membrane. The struts are inserted into integrated pocket details within a bespoke tailored membrane that is machine-knitted out of spandex yarns. The resultant tensioned elastic shell is weighted onto the ground using nine 3D printed bases that can be re-positioned to meet the diverse spatial needs and uncertain terrains of the urban and natural environments.

Knit Tensegrity Shell has been recognized for its innovation, winning the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS) 2019 innovative lightweight structures international competition.

Further reading:
Gupta, S. S., Tan, Y. Y., Chia, P. Z., Pambudi, C. P., Quek, Y. H., Yogiaman, C., & Tracy, K. J. (2020). Prototyping Knit Tensegrity Shells: A Design-to-Fabrication Workflow. SN Applied Sciences, 2(6).

Gupta, S. S., Tan, Y. Y., Chia, P. Z., Pambudi, C. P., Yogiaman, C., & Tracy, K. J. (2019). Knit Tensegrity Shell. In Proceedings of IASS Annual Symposia, International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS), 5, pp. 1-9.

Tracy, K., Gupta, S. S., Stella, L. Y. N., Wen, S. J., & Pal, A. (2019). Tensile Configurations. In Proceedings of the 39th Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture (ACADIA), pp. 110-119.