Deployable applications based on biological organisms

The paper illustrates some ideas for architectural and structural applications ofdeployable systems which have been inspired by biological deployment systems. The following applications are illustrated: eccentric umbrellas that is based on the vannus part of the locust wing; foldable tubes based on the locomotion of the earthworm; foldable plate surfaces for miscellaneous applications based on the Dermaptera (earwig) wing; adaptable living spaces inspired by the locust egg-laying mechanism and by the jaw of the egg-eating snake. The applications involve a wide range of known deployable structural systems, such as tensioned membranes; folded plates, pantographic scissor systems; various strut-tendon systems, including tensegrity; rigid members with articulated joints.