Algorithmic Design and Analysis of Architectural Origami

Abstract

The objective of this research is to explore the ability of folded origami tessellations to adapt to free-form surface configurations and to evaluate the structural behavior of these folded tessellations for architectural and engineering applications. A mathematical exploration of the kinematics of folding provides the basis for understanding the relationship between the geometric parameters of the Miura-Ori origami fold pattern and the flexibility of the three-dimensional folded form. The structural behavior of folded plate structures derived from the Miura pattern on an architectural scale is studied in an effort to answer the question: does function follow fold? A parametric workflow provides the platform for evaluating the effect of fold pattern variations on the structural performance of the folded geometry, and computational methods are used to optimize the performance of the structure.