A Fuller Explanation
The Synergetic Geometry of R. Buckminster Fuller
Published on 1. January 1986
Book
Paperback/Softback
XXVI, 302 pages
978-0-8176-3338-7 (ISBN)
Description
In a broad sense Design Science is the grammar of a language of images rather than of words. Modern communication techniques enable us to transmit and reconstitute images without the need of knowing a specific verbal sequential language such as the Morse code or Hungarian. International traffic signs use international image symbols which are not specific to any particular verbal language. An image language differs from a verbal one in that the latter uses a linear string of symbols, whereas the former is multidimensional. Architectural renderings commonly show projections onto three mutually perpendicular planes, or consist of cross sections at differ ent altitudes representing a stack of floor plans. Such renderings make it difficult to imagine buildings containing ramps and other features which disguise the separation between floors; consequently, they limit the creativity of the architect. Analogously, we tend to analyze natural structures as if nature had used similar stacked renderings, rather than, for instance, a system of packed spheres, with the result that we fail to perceive the system of organization determining the form of such structures.
More details
Series
Edition
Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1987
Language
English
Place of publication
Boston
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Research
Illustrations
XXVI, 302 p.
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 155 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight
505 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-8176-3338-7 (9780817633387)
DOI
10.1007/978-1-4684-7485-5
Schweitzer Classification
Content
1. Return to Modelability.- From Geometry to Geodesics: A Personal Perspective.- 2. The Irrationality of Pi.- "Nature Isn't Using Pi".- Finite Accounting System.- Which Way Is "Up"?.- Visual Literacy.- Peaceful Coexistence.- 3. Systems and Synergy.- Conceptual and Real Systems.- Limits of Resolution as Part of the Whole-Systems Approach.- 4. Tools of the Trade.- Plato's Discovery.- Euler's Law.- Duality.- Truncation and Stellation.- "Intertransformability".- Symmetry.- 5. Structure and "Pattern Integrity".- Pattern Integrity.- Structure.- 6. Angular Topology.- Frequency and Size.- Topology and Vectors.- Dimension.- Angular Topology.- 7. Vector Equilibrium.- "Nature's Own Geometry".- Spatial Considerations.- Planar Equilibrium.- Cuboctahedron as Vector Equilibrium.- VE: Results.- 8. Tales Told by the Spheres: Closest Packing.- Equilibrium: Equalization of Distances.- Symmetry versus Specificity of Form.- Organization of Identical Units.- New Level of Focus.- 9. Isotropic Vector Matrix.- A Quick Comparison: "Synergetics Accounting".- Cells: "Inherent Complementarity".- 10. Multiplication by Division: In Search of Cosmic Hierarchy.- Volume.- Multiplication by Division.- Cosmic Hierarchy (of Nuclear Event Patternings).- 11. Jitterbug.- Folding a Polyhedron.- Icosahedron.- Fives.- Four Dimensions.- Complex of Jitterbugs.- Other Dynamic Models.- 12. "All-Space" Filling: New Types of Packing Crates.- Plane Tessellations.- Filling Space.- 13. The Heart of the Matter: A- and B-Quanta Modules.- A-Quanta Modules.- B-Quanta Modules.- Energy Characteristics.- 14. Cosmic Railroad Tracks: Great Circles.- Why Are We Talking About Spheres?.- New Classification System.- Operational Mathematics.- Energy Paths.- Inventory: Seven Unique Cosmic Axes ofSymmetry.- 15. From Geodesic to Tensegrity: The Invisible Made Visible.- Theory Behind Geodesic Structures: Summary.- Geodesic Design in Nature.- Geodesic Domes: Design Variables.- 16. "Design Science".- "Comprehensive Anticipatory Design Science".- "Comprehensive... ".- "... Anticipatory... ".- Dymaxion Map.- Suspended Storage Systems.- More with Less.- Appendices.- A. Trigonometric Calculations.- B. Volume Calculations for Three Prime Structural Systems.- C. Sources of Additional Information.- D. Special Properties of the Tetrahedron.- E. Glossary.- Notes.