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101.01 Synergy means behavior of whole systems unpredicted by the behavior of their parts taken separately. 102.00 Synergy means behavior of integral, aggregate, whole systems unpredicted by behaviors of any of their components or subassemblies of their components taken separately from the whole. -- R. Buckminster Fuller, Synergetics, 1975 |
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Synergetics, in the broadest terms, is the study of spatial complexity, and as
such is an inherently comprehensive discipline. ... Experience
with synergetics encourages a new way of approaching and solving problems.
Its emphasis on visual and spatial phenomena combined with Fuller's holistic
approach fosters the kind of lateral thinking which so often leads to creative
breakthroughs. -- Amy Edmondson, A Fuller Explanation, 1987 |
Thank you to Design Science Toys for hosting this, the first, public SNEC meeting!
About 25 people attended the January 25-26 SNEC Symposium at Design Science Toys [a now defunct company]. Everyone who attended gave a short introduction of their work and interests. Victor Acevedo video taped all of the introductions, scheduled talks and formal discussions. Paul Elie said about the event "A fantastic reunion of the most interesting minds that I have experienced in years! Risk takers, scientists and mathematicians, artists and teachers. At Design Science Toys we are so happy that our efforts brought so much positive energy and a sense of community."
Joe Clinton gave the keynote presentation covering his experiences in geodesics, tensegrity, IVM and transformations. He "set the stage" for each of the remaining speakers.
Shoji Sadao talked of his experience working closely with Bucky and the projects they worked on. There was a lively discussion after the presentation.
Bob Burkhardt gave a talk on the mathematical calculations used in his work in tensegrity. Bob's main web site is https://web.archive.org/web/20120723014446/http://www.trip.net/~bobwb/ where his on-line book A Practical Guide to Tensegrity Design can be found.
Yasushi Kajikawa presented his paper "Growing Icosahedra" which was published in the Japanese Scientific American magazine. Yasushi showed how to subdivide the Icosahedra and then grow other polyhedra.
Ron Resch showed "The Ron Resch Paper and Stick Film" which Joe Clinton has used in his design classes. Ron also showed a film "The Cube's Transformations" and several of his other computer modeling projects. Ron showed pictures of his work on the first physical structure designed entirely with computer-aided geometric modeling software: A large Easter egg which is still standing in Vegreville, Alberta, Canada. "The Easter Egg Capitol of the World".
Dick Fishbeck introduced his RanDome technique for building domes without complex calculations. The lack of precision in assembly and the repetition of only one type of panel is a novel and advantageous system. One panel type means compactability and ease of transportation. After Ron Resch explained that the RanDome approach does not use the mathematicians' geodesic lines, he clarified how much he liked the RanDome method and added "The method you are exploring allows for looseness in the geometry. This makes it immediately buildable without expensive computing and fabrication techniques. That is the beauty of the method. It has the potential of putting the construction method in the low cost, do-it-yourself arena."
Russell Chu presented his paper "Mapping the Hidden Patterns in Sphere
Packing"
| (Mostly Complete) List of Attendees: | |
| Yasushi Kajikawa | Jeannie Moberly |
| Dick Fischbeck | John Belt |
| Russell Chu | Stuart Quimby |
| Joseph Clinton | Cary Kittner |
| Ron Resch | Bernie Kirschenbaum |
| Shoji Sadao | Marvin Solit |
| Robert W. Burkhardt | Jean Levaux |
| David Lovler | Howard Levaux |
| Victor Acevedo | Donald Fischbeck |
| Sima Kajikawa | Phil Bishop |
| CJ Fearnley | Paul Elie |
| Blaine D'Amico | Irvin Gallen |
| Caegan Quimby | Theo Quimby |
| David Stoltz |
The promotional flyer for this Symposium
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