G-shells:flat collapsible geodesic mechanisms for gridshells

Abstract

We present G-shells, a new strategy for deployable elastic gridshells developed from an initially flat and compact geodesic mechanism. The one-degree of freedom mechanism evolves from its initially flat state into a geodesic net corresponding to some smooth doubly-curved surface. The construction is based on straight, flat planks, and simple coplanar joints. As the geodesic mechanism deploys, it provides a smooth transition across a characteristic family of surfaces. By reversing the path, the mechanism may be returned to its initial state, and thus collapse. Our approach opens new possibilities for the prefabrication, transport and erection of gridshells.