Idea

I know your pressed for time.
but is it possible to have the fabric float in the air (eg not touch the ground like in the montages)
then you can build the base abit lifted off the ground to hide the reels/motors. and drill into the base so the string can go through that.

the lights could just run on a wire into the floating fabric. i think it will look more pure to the idea of tensegrity.

if you dont have time dont worry about this.

Phil.