PODS

Undisturbed landscapes through kinetic architecture

Winter 2020
In Collaboration with: Ryan Stephen Collins
Instructor: Nathan Bishop

In a kinetic architecture studio, we were tasked with comprehending and documenting the intricate movements of selected designs through motion drawings and algorithmic design. By examining Chuck Hoberman’s renowned Hoberman sphere, we recreated the sphere and redesigned its scissor-arm mechanism, investigating alternative applications such as retractable pod structures for seasonal living.

the Hoberman Sphere


A icosidododecahedron, the Hoberman Sphere is capable of folding down to a fraction of its expanded size. The sphere is composed of two main parts, the scissor arm, and the joint hub.

Kinetic drawing of the Hoberman Sphere and its motion paths


3D printed versions and experiments


PODS redesign

Redesigning the linked arm mechanism based on a NASA lunar lander mechanism provided the potential for different programs. The actuation mechanism was revised in order to create vertical expansion via internal rotation.

This mechanism was prototyped as a series of vacation pods that retract in the off-season to leave the landscape undisturbed. Nylon fabric is stretched between the top and bottom shells to enclose the structure and multiple different pod types were explored, with a stair module developed to house multi-story pods.