The wooden roofs of Leonardo and new structural research

Abstract

The two types of spatial patterns reproduced in the Codex Altanticus fol. 899v can be deciphered in light of recent studies on reciprocal and tensegrity frames. For the construction of his wooden component roofs, Leonardo utilized two main modules: a grid of square modules and a grid of a tri/hexagonal module. Leonardo's drawings offer an opportunity to attempt a synthesis between the two structural systems, demonstrating the affinity that exists between the reciprocal frames used by Leonardo and the rigid tensegrities developed by Fuller. The continual observation, study and construction of models have permitted the verification of this hypothesis. © 2008 Kim Williams Books.