Expandagon Field

Textile Museum of Canada

Toronto, Ontario - 2001

Chuck Hoberman is the inventor of Unfolding Structures, objects that transform dramatically in size and shape. He holds numerous patents in this area. Hoberman's unique folding methods have been developed for uses ranging from miniature surgical tools to retractable stadium roofs. Recent and ongoing projects include design and production of emergency shelters, folding houses, portable theaters, museum installations, tents and toys.

Philip Beesley worked with Hoberman Designs and students at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture to create an expandable textile terrain for the exhibition at the Textile Museum of Canada entitled On Growth and Form. The elements of the terrain are from a new children's toy system, Expandagon, which is based on interlinking flexible-jointed units in injection-moulded plastic. Wave-like motions arose within the field from the complex interconnections between elements.