platesbased
Platesbased is a design and construction concept that centers on flat, plate-like elements that interlock or join to create larger surfaces, structures, or installations. The idea emphasizes modularity, reusability, and rapid reconfiguration, allowing pieces to be swapped, rotated, or expanded without specialized tools. The term is used mainly in discussions within design studios, maker communities, and some architecture blogs, and there is no single canonical definition.
The term emerged in online design discourse in the early 2020s, where practitioners contrasted platesbased assemblies
Common principles include using standardized plate units made from durable but lightweight materials (such as metal,
Applications span furniture, exhibition stands, interior architecture, and temporary installations. Platesbased systems can support walls, tabletops,
Reception to platesbased is mixed: supporters highlight sustainability, flexibility, and efficiency, while critics point to potential