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III.
Although the wide scientific research activity on Origami deployable structures, the application of foldable principles on real structures is currently under-explored (Schenk, 2013). This circumstance depends on difficulties in transforming geometric models to real structures, where the geometric, mechanical and structural aspects, previously discussed, have to be integrated with technological issues. In this context, the selection of the material for low thickness plates, the connection system between adjacent plates through hinges, the assembly and manufacturing, the deployment mechanisms and the locking system may interfere with the realization of an efficient deployable structure. A lightweight material is required for ease of both transportation and manipulation. Various are the solutions (concrete, wood, cardboard, textiles, etc.), which have a considerable impact on the model in terms of structural behavior and aesthetic value. Low thickness of the panels is crucial because when the structure is approaching the closure, contacts between the adjacent faces take place. The hinges have to be integrated with the whole system by guaranteeing the simultaneous folding motion of adjacent plates and they have a strong impact on the final perception of the structure. In order to investigate these aspects, the development of an application for a deployable mobile shelter is proposed, in which the geometric and the structural principles are integrated with technological issues. It has been estimated the whole structure’s life cycle, aiming to meet criteria related to the design (architectural flexibility and component uniformity), the storage and the transport (compactness of the stowed state) the site operation (low complexity and high speed in the assembly) and the erection process. A new shape, inspired by various Origami pattern, has been modelled to provide maximum flexibility in planning and to facilitates variations in site configuration. An innovative composite material is tested: HyliteŽ has the core advantage to provide a hinge function without the application of additional components for cylindrical hinges realization, with structural and aesthetic benefits. All elements are factory made and easily transported and installed on site, providing costs benefits and ensuring high quality standards and rapid delivery. The scope of this phase is to propose a new project testing and showing its feasibility. The novel mobile system is designed to provide weather protection for a wide range of outer activities. Exhibition and recreational space, temporary refuge in remote construction sites, emergency shelter or relocatable temporary building are the most interesting applications for the project. The last part of the dissertation focuses on the development of a reduced scale physical model, which enables to exemplify the concepts elaborated in the design of the mobile temporary shelter. Moreover, it aims to gain the three following objectives: to demonstrate the feasibility of the project, focusing the attention on the fabrication, folding process and locking system, to simulate the folding motion and to verify the ultimate configuration of deployment, and to examine the accurateness of the drawing developed using the parametric methodology.