Foldable Tent/Awning

Process

Ellis Cordaro

The original idea for the foldable tent started out a triangular prism, all made from one piece of plastic. The tent would be triangular and have build in steaks and would be self supported through folds. Many ideas and folding patterns were experimented with, but none of them provided adequate support or maximized the space inside of the tent. After pitching the idea to our coaches, it was decided that the idea was not original and was generally flawed. However, the folding concept remained a feasible option because it would create a light and self supported product which also had a modern and appealing aesthetic aspect. After spending about half of a week with the Cocoon Room group, Dan and I began making a separate project which included folding. Right away we began using a fold pattern which was fan folded and had one on each side. We then laser cut a frame for each side of the fold pattern. This version of the tent would be even more versatile than the original concept of the folding tent since it could be used as an awning as well as being able to fold 180 degrees which would provide full protection from the elements. This fold pattern provided great support at small scale, but it would not have had proper support at full scale. So, as suggested by Andrew and Yu, we added another fold to the design to add more support. After testing numerous ways to score the paper, engraved laser cut lines ended up being what was used in the final model. We then made a laser cut frame to provide support on the ends and added rope which was threaded through the paper, providing support and a way for the user to tie down the structure. In order to waterproof the product, polyurethane was used. This also made the paper more rigid.