Folding Pods: Study and small-scale design application of deployable structures

The quest for architectural space has most probably never been greater than in the present time. Architecture is created at the stake of space, which it encloses. Architectural structures which are temporary not used still enclose a precious amount of space. The aim of this publication is to test out the potential of deployable structures designed to encapsulate space when needed and to release space, when not in use, by employing folding mechanisms. The theoretical part will take a look at micro-architecture as a means of compressing and condensing functionality. Folding structures will be investigated in order to gain an understanding of different deployment mechanisms. Further, in the practical part the Kresling folding pattern will be tested in a design application aiming to translate the paper folding mechanism into material and load bearing structures with shape-shifting capacity. A small-scale capsule was designed - attached to an existing building, investigating the potential interaction with the built environment and as a modular configurable unit serving as a temporary living / working space in different locations.