With the redefinition of flexible space into what is now being called kinetic architecture, we need to go beyond movement to really think about what growth, expansion and contraction has the power to do.
Furthermore, we can begin to bring forward what it might mean for architectural design when we think about a folding space — space transiently reconfigured through variation.
It is time to revisit walls, by really looking at them in section, and understanding how easily walls can turn into the ceilings, floors and transient windows.
Xile, a flexible tunnel designed by Swedish designer Mats Karlsson.
It’s one of three winners of the Forum AID Award 2008. The plastic product, which won the awards’ interior design category, can be used indoors or outdoors and is expandible.
Folded metal kiosk by Make
London architecture office Make has designed a portable prefabricated kiosk with a folded aluminium shell that opens and closes like a paper fan. Make based the design of the kiosks on the folded paper forms of Japanese origami, but chose to reproduce them in metal to create a compact and robust structure that can house street vendors.
