[feb]

On the other hand, there are some niches where compression tension, aka tensegrity, may have a practical utility. For example, the current lightest hammock stands are inspired by it. The HandyHammock stands [1][2] use cords to reduce the weight of the poles. Sadly, that model is not manufactured nor sold anymore. The small company Tensa Outdoor makes and sells the Tensa4 [3] which is based on an equilibrium with poles and guy lines. They also have plans for a DIY version [4], called tensahedron stand. The DIY 3-person Hammock Stand from The Ultimate Hang is also inspired by tensegrity [5]. The 3-Pole, 3-Person Tensegrity Stand (DIY) is even more impressive [6].

Although none of them are floating like in the sculptures, the concept and the art inspired some practical constructions.

[1] https://www.ddhammocks.com/images/products/_ALL_PRODUCTS/Ham... [2] https://theultimatehang.com/2012/12/11/handy-hammock-stand-r... [3] https://www.tensaoutdoor.com/product/tensa4-hammock-stand/?v... [4] https://www.tensaoutdoor.com/make-your-own-tensahedron-stand... [5] https://theultimatehang.com/2013/04/02/3-person-hammock-stan... [6] https://sectionhiker.com/portable-hammock-stands-for-camping...

[jamal-kumar]

Those hammock stands look pretty cool. I met someone who was experimenting with making his own tables this way. Here's some links [1] [2]

[1] https://www.copper.org/consumers/copperhome/DIY/cu_tensegrit...

[2] https://beltsandboxes.com/top-5-diy-impossible-tensegrity-ta...