Modular Folds

Queens, New York | 2017 | Competition

Modular Folds are temporary structures that work as individual units or combined modules to support several scenarios. They are simply constructed from readily available products and only require a drill, table saw, and hand saw to construct. Once constructed, each module can be easily assembled by two people and then collapsed to be stored in an 2’x2’x8’ portable box.

The frame of each module is built from 2”x3” pressure treated dimensional lumber. The frame is constructed from individual members that are connected by carriage bolts, with a long smooth shaft, to allow the frame to rotate into the desired configuration. Four out of twenty of the necessary bolts can be manually removed to allow the assembler to shift the frame into the desired configuration. Once the configuration is set the assembler reinserts those bolts to lock the frame into the new formation.

The modules can be adjusted and configured to support classroom, presentation area, and vendor or information kiosk scenarios. Each unit supports the insertion of optional wood planks that can rotate to become shelves, countertops, or pin up space as necessary. In a classroom setup, the optional planks can be rotated perpendicular to the ground to become a flat board on which someone can present. When used by a vendor the boards on the module can be rotated parallel to the ground to become shelves, and when used as an information kiosk the boards can be used as a countertop. The roof of each module is made from an off-the-shelf 10’x16’ canvas tarp with grommets every 2’ on center. These grommets would slip over preinstalled bolt heads on the top of each frame.