This folding pavilion, KASA 2.0, is the further development of KASA, a project initially developed in response to the Socrates Sculpture Park Folly/Function 2017 competition.
In the summer of 2021, Naomi Darling and Jessica Sidman further developed the theoretical basis of the project with Sohini Bhatia, Stephanie Einstein, Nana Aba Turkson, and Zainab Umar.
KASA 2.0 was developed in the spring of 2023 with two research assistants, Linh Mai and Aiko Khamar. The biggest problem with Kasa Pavilion was that the joints, made of twine, had full movement and would not stay fixed in the desired positions. Understanding the need to develop the project with joints with limited degrees of movement, KASA 2.0 iterated on an off-the-shelf ball-and-socket joint developed by HUBS in their geodesic dome kit. All unique joints were developed using a similar ball and socket joint. KASA 2.0 also assessed the overall geometry by creating both 5-fold and 6-fold symmetry variants with 5 legs and 6 legs, respectively.
Project Team
Naomi Darling - Principal
Linh Mai
Aigerim Khama
KASA 2.0
Foldable lightweight structures have many potential uses to serve a wide range of needs for shelter and protection from the elements. On campus, KASA could be deployed as an outdoor classroom or gathering space for events. Internationally, foldable pavilions have also been deployed to assist in disaster relief, such as in the aftermath of the earthquakes or other natural disasters. These structures are convenient for providing temporary housing to those who have been displaced since they can be swiftly put up and taken down. Moreover, it is possible to create earthquake-resistant foldable structures that can survive seismic activity and provide safe refuge to people in need. Foldable pavilions may be utilized to offer food distribution, medical treatment, and other essential services, assisting communities in their recovery.
