FOLDED STRUCTURES IN MODERN ARCHITECTURE
Abstract. Folded structures are three-dimensional structures - spatial structures and
they belong to the structural systems. The term folded structure defines a folded form of
construction, including structures derived from elements which form a folded structure
by their mutual relationship in space.
For very long time this type of construction has been realized in practice only in of
reinforced concrete and made on site, which conditioned the use of a very complicated
shell. Development of prefabricated building led to improvements of this type of
construction so that the folded structures could be derived by assembly of prefabricated
elements and their relationship – monolithization on site.
Development of the research of folded structures, starting from their earliest days to
today, followed the innovations and latest developments in terms of applied materials and
methods of connection. The tendency for the cost effective and quicker construction
pushed the folded structures made in reinforced concrete, and led to the construction
realized in wood, steel and other modern materials that eventually experienced expansion.
Key words: folded construction, spatial structure, forming folded structures,
the formation of folded structures in modern architecture.