London architecture office Make has designed a portable prefabricated kiosk with a folded aluminium shell that opens and closes like a paper fan (+ movie).

Make based the design of the kiosks on the folded paper forms of Japanese origami, but chose to reproduce them in metal to create a compact and robust structure that can house street vendors.

"Origami was fundamental in developing the design; the ideas of a folding fan informed the design and folded paper models were used throughout the process, right up to the final testing of the completed design," project architect Sean Affleck told Dezeen.

Two of the kiosks were installed in a public plaza at London's Canary Wharf and acted as information and vending points for the duration of an ice-sculpting festival last month.

Affleck said the kiosks were created to perform multiple functions at different venues: "They've been designed to be used anywhere and for a multitude of purposes; from serving coffee, to information points, to a spot for DJs at events."

The folded structure is made from hinged aluminium panels that radiate from a central axis and are treated with a resilient powder-coated finish.

A counterweight system controlled by a winch raises the front of the kiosk upwards from the base to create an opening that reveals the interior.

The folded section forms a canopy that protects the inside and anyone standing in front of the counter.

An interior space measuring 1.95 by 3 metres is lined with a plywood skin covered with a waterproof membrane, while a further layer of cladding creates an insulating gap to reduce the impact of solar gain.

Make collaborated with metal fabrication specialist Entech Environmental Technology Ltd to manufacture and test the pavilions off-site and then transported and installed them pre-assembled.

The kiosks will continue to be used as information points or rented out to vendors during an ongoing series of events taking place in Canary Wharf, and can subsequently be moved to a new location.

All images are courtesy of Make.

The architects sent us the following project description:

Make kiosks open for business

Two unique prefabricated retail kiosks designed by Make Architects were opened to the public for the first time when they became part of the Canary Wharf's Ice Sculpturing Festival.

The simple folding geometric form of the kiosk is 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.

Sean Affleck, Make lead project architect, said: "It's fantastic to see the kiosks on site being used and enjoyed by the public, and adding vibrancy and character to Canary Wharf's public realm area.

"Our solution on the modern street kiosk is a distinctive sculptural rectangular box that transforms when it opens and its function is revealed. The design is also efficient and functional with compact, robust, durable, easy to maintain and vandal and graffiti- proof features. The internal fit-out elements can be adapted to suit the needs of individual vendors."

The extremely lightweight, portable structure was tested and prefabricated off-site by Entech Environmental Technology Ltd, delivered to Canary Wharf via lorry and installed complete and pre-assembled.