148: Bioinspired Emergency School: Responsive Self-Supporting Structures Based On Folded Plate and Tensioned Membrane Technology

In response to growing global instabilities, this article proposes a bioinspired emergency school pavilion designed for post-crisis reconstruction contexts. Drawing bioinspiration from the Brazilian three-banded armadillo (Tolypeutes tricinctus), the project develops a lightweight, modular and self-supporting structure composed of folded plates articulated over a tensioned membrane, following origami principles. The design follows a performative approach using parametric modeling and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Three materials were evaluated, glued laminated bamboo, recycled plastic and OSB/3, with OSB/3 showing the best balance between structural performance and logistical feasibility, remaining within admissible displacement and utilization limits. The membrane serves both as structural support and enclosure, working in synergy with the folded plates to enable diffuse natural lighting and cross ventilation. The resulting hybrid system demonstrates high structural efficiency, ease of manual assembly and adaptability, offering an effective, low-cost and sustainable architectural response for educational needs in emergency and transitional scenarios.