100 is in the fully deployed state in another example embodiment upper hinges 1080 may be disposed between lower hinges 1040 and a network of cables or flexible members 1700 joining the middle hinges 1120 as shown in fig1 fig2 is a schematic representation of the deployable structure 100 in a partially folded state the deployable structure 100 is folded from the fully deployed state by detaching the central element 130 from the upper hinge 108 this may be done by various means for example by releasing the fastening mechanism not shown on the upper hinge 108 where the central element 130 is in the form of a telescopic element the length of the central element 130 may be reduced during detachment of the central element 130 from the upper hinge 108 when the detachable end of the central element 130 is disconnected from the upper hinge 108 the elements 140 150 are folded towards the central member by exploiting the flexibility of the cables or flexible members 170 to improve the foldability of the deployable structure 100 improved compaction of the structure 100 can be achieved when the structure 100 is folded further the use of the cables or flexible members 170 make the deployable structure 100 significantly lighter and stiffer compared to conventional designs the mechanical complexity of the structure is also minimised the cables 170 also carry tensional loads efficiently and help to stabilise the geometry of the deployable structure 100 furthermore a wide variety of structural shapes may be created by varying the length of the cables 170 the cables 170 may be metallic or composite materials cables fiber based cables etc a plurality of deployable structures may be connected and deployed to form structural systems for example a plurality of the.