Tensegrity
- Ade McCormack
- Aug 3
- 1 min read
Updated: Aug 10
What is Tensegrity?
Tensegrity is a structural principle in which stability emerges from a dynamic balance of tension and compression rather than from rigid supports. Originally developed in architecture and engineering, it provides a useful metaphor for adaptive organisational design, where resilience comes from the relationships between interconnected parts rather than from hierarchy or rigidity.
Living systems extend this principle through biotensegrity. The human body, for example, maintains its shape, balance and mobility through a continuous distribution of forces across muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones. This allows a person to absorb shocks, regain their balance when pushed, and move with strength and flexibility.
Intelligent organisations apply the same principle by creating interconnected structures and relationships that enable them to absorb disruption, adapt continuously and remain viable without relying on rigid command-and-control mechanisms.