Cells

A cell is;

"An autonomous self-replicating unit that may exist as functional independent unit of life (as in the case of unicellular organism), or as sub-unit in a multicellular organism (such as in plants and animals) that is specialized into carrying out particular functions towards the cause of the organism as a whole" (http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Cell)

UNICELLULAR ORGANISMS

A unicellular organism is simply an organism that consists of one cell and generally refers to micro-organism such as bacteria and some algae such as diatoms. Unicellular organisms are the simplest of life forms and epitomise the two fundamental principles of life; reproduction and survival. Flat pack architecture in essence is like a unicellular life form, a flat pack system is a kit of parts (like the DNA in a cell) which combine to form a space or an object in order to address a singular problem, whether that be shelter from the elements, storage or an expression of ownership. Embedded in this unicellular nature is the idea of autonomy which when translated into unicellular flat pack systems means that the space would have limited interaction with its environment and focus purely on the task it was designed for.

diatoms

bacteria

algae

MULTICELLULAR ORGANISMS

By comparison a multicellular organism is comprised of many cells in order to accomplish vital functions such as reproduction and survival. Multicellular organisms are orders of magnitude more complicated than unicellular ones and the interaction between cells becomes more important as a result. Multicellular organisms rely on the interaction between various sets of specialised cells to accomplish task. In the case of a person, we rely on input from the specialised cells that make up our 5 senses as well as nervous, muscular and skeletal systems to perceive and interact with our environment and each other. In a similar way a flat pack system should be able to evolve from a simple one use, unicellular, structure to a complex conglomeration of different members, joints and claddings to better address the changing needs of its users and the natural and social environments which these structures occupy.