Tensegrity Structures

The development of spatial constructions since the second half of the 20th century took place simultaneously through several complementary processes: affirmation of new materials with experimental-theoretical confirmation of their properties, referential for certain elements of architectural and construction objects; development of methods (theory) of computational verification of structural elements and their assemblies. Development of appropriate software that accelerated the budgeting process, with the possibility of quickly checking a large number of solution variants; the realization of individual architectural and construction objects (in economically strong parts of the world) which by their appearance have become new symbols of cities (and entire nations), and as such – an inspiration for others; innovative work of creative individuals who are able to anticipate the near or distant future with their ideas (theories, patents) based on the assessment of the present moment (the state of any science, philosophy, practical action); the introduction of computers into architectural design (first as an effective 'aid' in drawing architectural plans, and later also in the process of 'imagining' and designing architectural forms. A special discipline, 'computer-aided design', is established in schools of architecture. Once the needs of people (scientific expeditions in different climatic conditions, for example), life in conditions of natural disasters, life in war conditions, imposed special requirements for certain architectural programs (limitation of physical dimensions, speed of construction, assembly-disassemblyrepeated use, possibilities of transportation to the desired location, materialization, cost of construction, material recycling).