The Albert II project is an undertaking to develop a complex tensegrity structure, evolving from the initial Albert model by Tom Flemons from 2005 (intensiondesigns.ca). In early 2023 I created a duplicate Albert mirroring Flemons’ design. Over the past ten months, I have been working with Dorothea Blostein to create an updated Albert to represent several key concepts of tensegrity as applied to the structure of the human body.
The focus has been on enhancing the design to emphasize the ‘floating’ quality of the compression members in the structure and to include an articulated spine and five digits on each foot, aiming for a height of over one meter.
The project is now entering the production phase as preliminary designs have been made and the structural elements have been validated.
Tensegrity Experiments from 2023
Additional Changes:
The original Albert's reconstruction was straightforward as I directly captured all dimensions. However, creating an upgraded version was more challenging due to the need for a deeper understanding of the principles governing tensegrity, which I previously lacked.
Original Albert by Tom Flemons
Albert Duplicate by Mike Oleon
Tom Flemons was himself aware of the the limitations in the original Albert’s stability and movement, particularly in the pelvis and lower extremities. Flemons has since experimented with modified tensegrity structures to more accurately emulate complex human movements, striving for a balance between stability and range of motion.
Albert also had several joints represented by “Class 2” Tensegrity structures. Class 2 tensegrity structures, present in Albert I, where compression elements touch or connect, can obscure the core principles of tensegrity by compromising the clear separation of tension and compression. While there is nothing inherently wrong with Class 2 structures, they can lead to a less distinct demonstration of the inherent mechanical and structural integrity found in pure tensegrity systems.
‘Class 2’ connections at knees on Albert 1 (not to mention only 3 toes on each foot)
Original Albert with a straight strut representing the spine.