Space frame
structure made of connected strands of metal, fiber, or other flexible/ductile material, with evenly spaced openings between them
A space frame or space structure (3D truss) is a rigid, lightweight, truss-like structure constructed from interlocking struts in a geometric pattern. Space frames can be used in architecture and structural engineering to span large areas with few interior supports. Like the truss, a space frame is strong because of the inherent rigidity of the triangle; flexing loads (bending moments) are transmitted as tension and compression loads along the length of each strut.
Chief applications include buildings and vehicles.
History
From 1898 to 1908, Alexander Graham Bell developed space frames based on tetrahedral geometry, primarily for nautical and aeronautical engineering. He invented the tetrahedral truss.
Max Mengeringhausen developed the space grid system called MERO (acronym of Mengeringhausen Rohrbauweise) in 1943 in Germany, the first use of space trusses in architecture. The commonly used method, still in use, has individual tubular members connected at node joints (ball shaped) and variations such as the space deck system, octet truss system, and cubic system.
Stéphane de Chateau in France invented the tridirectional SDC system (1957), Unibat system (1959), and Pyramitec (1960). A method of tree supports was developed to replace the individual columns.
The public source identifies “Space frame” as structure made of connected strands of metal, fiber, or other flexible/ductile material, with evenly spaced openings between them. This brief keeps that definition visible, then builds a research path around Space, frame and structure.
Why this record matters
A short description can identify a subject without explaining its stakes. For “Space frame”, the useful work is to connect “structure made of connected strands of metal, fiber, or other flexible/ductile material, with evenly spaced openings between them” to the records capable of establishing context and consequence.
Vocabulary and entity names are the principal evidence signals here, because they determine the precision of every later search. The source revision retrieved here is dated Jul 31, 2026. The linked authority identifier is Q578444. None of the 0 selected statements returned an explicit reference. The first chronological checks are 1898, 1908, 1943 and 1957.
The absence of detail may reflect summary conventions rather than a lack of surviving documentation. The lead is largely declarative, so disagreement and counter-evidence require a deliberate search beyond the opening account. Authority statements aid reconciliation but still require their own references, qualifiers and ranks to be checked.
How to read it
Use the entry as an orientation point, then follow its citations and revision history. Names, dates and institutional relationships should be checked against the original record.
- Subject orientation
- Search vocabulary
- Locating named sources
The closest primary source, responsible institution and strongest cited specialist reference.
Three-step research path
- Establish the record: confirm the title “Space frame”, its source revision and the description used here.
- Expand the search: follow Space frame primary sources, Space frame archive and Space research across catalogues and specialist indexes.
- Test the account: compare the strongest cited source with the responsible institution’s current record and note any disagreement.
Questions for further research
- Which source most directly establishes the central claim about “Space frame”?
- What terminology or title could unlock a more precise catalogue search?
- Which institution is responsible for the underlying evidence?
Search terms from this dossier
This entry incorporates text from “Space frame” on English Wikipedia. Contributors are listed in the page history. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Selected authority identifiers and statements are retrieved from Wikidata under CC0; their references and qualifiers remain part of the verification path.