Inlinas

Inlinas is a fictional concept used in this article to illustrate a modular architectural system designed for flexible urban space. The term refers to modular units called inlinas, which can be joined along standardized connectors to form continuous or branched layouts. Each unit has a defined footprint and a set of connection interfaces that allow quick assembly and disassembly.

Origin and development of the concept trace to speculative design discourse in the mid-2010s, where researchers used inlinas to explore scalable, rapid-deployment architecture. The name combines a sense of inline assembly with a modular suffix, emphasizing repeatable units that can be reconfigured.

Design principles center on modularity and interoperability. Inlinas are conceived as uniform units with standardized geometry and interfaces, enabling linear arrangements to create corridors or grid patterns for courts or rooms. The system emphasizes reusability, data-driven planning, and compatibility with digital fabrication workflows, allowing designers to test configurations without bespoke manufacturing for each project.

Construction and materials are chosen to support prefabrication and efficient logistics. Typical options include light timber framing with panelized skins or composite materials that balance strength and weight. Connections use standardized fasteners or interlocking joints, designed for rapid on-site assembly and disassembly. Assemblies are intended to accommodate basic environmental envelopes, with modular insulation and shading packages.

Applications envisioned for inlinas include temporary housing, disaster-relief shelters, cultural pavilions, and adaptable commercial or community spaces. The modular model aims to enable scalable growth, easy reconfiguration, and reduced construction waste, though its practical adoption would require addressing regulatory and logistical challenges.

See also: modular architecture, prefab construction, rapid deployment housing.