Lego Emergency Deployable Shelter

This project explores how LEGO bricks can be used to prototype a compact, foldable emergency shelter designed for rapid deployment in disaster zones or resource-limited environments. The structure uses simple hinged panels and angled supports to create a stable canopy that folds flat for transport and unfolds into a protective space. The goal was to design something that could be built quickly, scaled easily, and adapted to different terrain — all while using accessible, modular parts.

In real-world emergencies, shelters need to be lightweight, portable, and intuitive to set up without specialized tools. This LEGO model demonstrates how folding mechanisms and angled paneling can achieve those goals, even in miniature. It also serves as a proof-of-concept for how architectural ideas like deployability, modularity, and rapid assembly can be explored through hands-on building. The project was created for the Make It Fold Autodesk contest to highlight how folding design principles can support both humanitarian needs and creative engineering.

2x 6x6 Dark Gray Webbed Radar Dish

16x Gray 2x1 Plate W/ Holder

8x Black 1x2 Plate W/ Handle on End

8x Gold 1x1 Round Plate W/ Handle on End

I started with a round dish as the base, webbed to ensure structural integrity while still maintaining minimal weight.

I added some connection pieces to make it foldable and able to extend up and down.

Added more connection pieces to assist with the size of the final structure to ensure it is capable of accommodating and supporting people.

I added some more to the structure to ensure it can expand to a fully functional shelter while remaining foldable and compact.

We end up with a finalized product, able to extend and fold down to a quarter of its max height, easy to carry, lightweight, and offers protection, with the roof capable of being upgraded to a solid brick for extended protection against more elements.