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Everything I Know, Section 7
gist
R. Buckminster Fuller treats closest-packed spheres as an isotropic vector matrix in which sphere and space exchange places, then isolates A and B quanta modules as the complementary units that rebuild all space-filling geometry. Conventional architecture, he says, is still a craft of client shapes rather than a science of livingry. The little individual should make tested artifacts for the unconditioned newborn instead of persuading the already conditioned.
ideas
- Closest packing is a coordinate system. Spheres and the spaces between them occupy the same isotropic vector matrix, so nuclear contraction and molecular association share one geometry.
- A and B modules rebuild geometry. The 1/24 tetrahedron (A) and the matching octahedral remainder (B) complement each other and can fill all space.
- Building is still a craft. Architects specify shapes; craftsmen make them stand. Fuller wants science applied to shells and livingry instead of client-chosen form.
- Artifacts beat persuasion. Commit the environment to the unconditioned newborn, and do not talk about a tool until it has been designed, made, and tested.
quotes
“The “A Quanta” and “B Quanta” these two alone complement one other to make all the geometries.”
“there was no science in it it was beautiful skilled craftsmen”
“I’m going to surround and commit myself primarily to the young life, to the new born”
“I invented the word called “livingry””