The document describes origami-inspired kiosks designed by Make Architects for Canary Wharf in London. The kiosks are composed of lightweight aluminum panels that fold like an opening fan when the kiosk is opened for use. When closed, the kiosks appear as compact rectangular boxes that blend into the urban environment. The folding design allows the structures to be transformed between an enclosed shape when shut and an expanded canopy formation when operational.

1. Canary
W
harf
Kiosk
m
ake
architects
-
A
Literat
ure
Study
Rajiv
Babu

2. Refreshmen
t Kiosk – general
features
Should be light,
portable
Multifunctional,
and compact
Should suit any
environment –
interior or
exterior
Should be
aesthetically
pleasing

3.
•Designers Make Architects
•Fabricator Entech Environmental
Technology
•Location London
•Date of Completion January 2014
•Materials Aluminum plate, Stainless
Canary
Wharf
Kiosk

4. Street kiosk tends to vary little from
its default box-like design.
Canary Wharf kiosk, however is
designed based on the concept of
Origami.
Expressed as a compact, sculptural
rectangular box when closed, the
structure is transformed when open,
with folds and hinges in the
aluminium panels allowing them to
expand and contract like a fan when
the kiosk opens and closes.
The folding structure being both
Introduct
on

5. Features
The open form creates a natural canopy
Compact, rectangular box when closed
Transformed when open, with folds and hinges
Design works effectively when the kiosk is shut at
night or serving customers during the day
Stand out as an enhancement to the town’s
streetscape
A positive addition even when closed
Designed to accommodate multiple locations and
uses
Flexible : variety of uses, from coffee points to a DJ

6. Inspired from
contemporary art
forms
The art of folded
paper, Origami
became the design
influence.
Design
Process
Origami
Model
Scale 1 : 33.3

7. The design
team used
paper
models
throughout
the process.
The
prefabricate
d kiosks act
as paper
fans that are
both
functional
Origami
Model
Scale 1 : 33.3

8. Materials
Aluminum was chosen due to its lightweight and easy
manipulation, while other natural materials would be
far too heavy to mimic paper.
The opening section of each kiosk is made of 2-
millimeter-thick aluminum plate, while the rest of the
body is a stainless steel derivative developed in-
house.
Openin
Individual
Aluminium Units

9. Lightweight aluminum
panels used to create the
front-opening enclosure
concertinas like a fan when
opened and closed.
The powder-coated
aluminum gives a sleek
matte finish and provides a
resilient and durable exterior
requiring minimal
maintenance.
The folded
Aluminium
platesA folded

10. The 1.95m deep x 3m wide
internal structure comprises a
steel frame, with the inner
faces lined with a plywood-
stressed skin covered with a
waterproof membrane.
Rain-skin cladding panels are
supported off this skin to
create an insulative air gap
that helps to reduce solar
gain.
Plyw
oodStee
l
Fram
e
Interior
Dimension

11. Finished Large enough
Yellow
lines
denote
the
foldable
regions of
the front
opening
Elec
troni
c
Wenc
h
facil
itate
s
foldi
ng &
unfo
lding
When closed, the booths appear as
futuristic sculptures, their matte grey
exteriors evoking the steel and stone
of the city. During operation, the
upper folds compress to reveal a
simple, customizable interior
accented with reddish-orange strips
of metal.

12. External powder-coated aluminium
cladding panels provide the kiosk with
a highly resilient, durable finish that
requires minimal maintenance. The
extremely lightweight, portable
structure does not need foundations.
The kiosks comprise a rectangular
The
external
panels
have been
designed
to be
vandal and
graffiti-
proof,
accomplish
ed through
finishes
applied to
the
material.

13. Transport
ation &
Installati
on
The Kiosks were prefabricated
Assembled and tested off-site
Delivered to Canary Wharf via lorry and
As no
foundation is
required, the
kiosks are
simply
placed in
position

14. The opening mechanism is
a simple counterweight
system operated by an
electric winch. The structure
consists of a rectangular
hollow-section steel frame
which pivots around a steel
pin. Carefully aligned steel
counter-weights balance the
weight of the frame and the
cladding, allowing ease of
opening and closing.
Mec
hani
sm
Elec
Counte
r
weight
Ste
el
Fra
me
Steel
Pin:
the
steel
frame
pivots
aroun
d this
point

15. Sec
tio
ns
Physi
cal
Mode
l
Insulati
ve air
gap
Interior
Dimension
1.95x3m
Interior
arrangement
s can be
altered
according to
client
requirements
Origami
Model
Scale 1 : 33.3

16. The form,
and the
color
Inference
Form and Color Schemes should reflect the surroundings
Form of the structure plays a key role in grabbing attention
Lighting of the structure also plays an important role
Ensure effective utilization of space
Multi-functional and should be suitable for different activities
Should be light weight, and portable
Materials chosen should be light in weight, and easy to handle
Easy installation
Suitable finishes must be applied to prevent vandalism, and to protect from
environmental hazards

17. Bibliograp
hyArchitectural Graphic Standards, 11th Edition
Prefab Architecture: A Guide to Modular Design and Construction
Web References
A|N Blog: http://blog.archpaper.com/2014/03/origami-architecture-makes-portable-
kiosks/
Archdaily: http://www.archdaily.com/474940/kiosk-make-architects/
MakeArchiects: http://www.makearchitects.com/projects/canary-wharf-kiosk/
Design Chronicle: http://design-chronicle.com/origami-inspired-kiosks-by-make-
architects/
Design Boom: http://www.designboom.com/architecture/make-architects-folds-
prefabricated-origami-kiosks- in-london-02-22-2014/
gizmag: http://www.gizmag.com/make-kiosk/30755/
My Modern Met: http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/make-architects-

18. thank you