  Eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the volume operator, associated with the
symmetric coupling of three SU(2) angular momentum operators, can be analyzed
on the basis of a discrete Schroedinger-like equation which provides a
semiclassical Hamiltonian picture of the evolution of a `quantum of space', as
shown by the authors in a recent paper. Emphasis is given here to the
formalization in terms of a quadratic symmetry algebra and its automorphism
group. This view is related to the Askey scheme, the hierarchical structure
which includes all hypergeometric polynomials of one (discrete or continuous)
variable. Key tool for this comparative analysis is the duality operation
defined on the generators of the quadratic algebra and suitably extended to the
various families of overlap functions (generalized recoupling coefficients).
These families, recognized as lying at the top level of the Askey scheme, are
classified and a few limiting cases are addressed.
