Gizmodo: collapsible

Pop-Up Hotel Rooms

Sean Fallon — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 19:40:00 EDT

A French company called Abilmo has developed collapsible hotel-style dwellings that users can quickly construct in just about any location. The concept is similar to the Myhab cardboard units we have discussed in the past, except Abilmo packs numerous modern conveniences like electricity, a bathroom with shower, climate control and even hardwood floors into its 130 square foot space.

Currently, the Albilmo temporary housing units are being rented out to customers in European countries only—but the idea seems to be catching on, so I wouldn't be surprised if some enterprising individual tried their hand at setting something similar up in the States. [Abilmo via Cool Hunting via io9]

PLoP! Collapsible, Recyclable Bookshelves Perfect For Students, Greens

Kit Eaton — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:45:00 EDT

In between beers, my student days were spent shuttling between at least 10 different homes, and my poor battered library would definitely have benefited from PLoP! This concept from designer Joyce Hong is simply a rigid cardboard bookshelf that collapses up when you need to move it around. It weighs just 4 pounds, and can be extended from two segments up to as big as you like and still remain collapsible. And when you're done with it, you can just PLoP! it in the recycling for eco-friendliness. Simple. [Yanko Designs]

Collapsible Surfboard Concept Brings Mecano Fun to Water Sports

Haroon Malik — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 06:25:12 EST

So, you like surfing, but your apartment and car are not big enough for a full-sized board. What's the solution, I hear you ask. Sure, you could take up a new sport, or you could get yourself a Collapsible Surfboard. Designed by Nicholas Notara, who wanted to achieve portability without compromising functionality, the frame is made of carbon fiber, and the whole board is taken apart in three easy moves:

Simply remove the two pins and pull the central lever. Users can also adapt the board according to their needs, all thanks to the set of hot-swappable fins. It is a shame then that this is just a concept, but due to the likelihood of losing of itty-bitty board parts, perhaps that's for the best. Hit the link for two swanky close-up shots. [Yanko Design]