- Informed Architecture
Since the art of paper folding is strongly related to geometric principles, origami has received a considerable number of mathematical studies. Besides the well-known straight folded structures, like the classical Miura fold and other conventional tessellation techniques, curved folding opens up more spatial options while delivering at the same time more performative structural effects, as the resulting bended (single-curved) surfaces enhance the overall stiffness of the structure.
The columns thus obtained (approx. diameter: 60 cm, height: 200cm) showed a significant overall stiffness, with a material thickness of only 3mm. The fabrication and assembly was fast nor did the material buckle or show any signs of fatigue from the bending. The columns were extremely light, while maintaining the shape also under pressure and tension. Apart from the fabrication of architectural components, like façade elements, the process could potentially also be applied to complex casting molds of concrete columns or other building parts.
CREDITS
Prof. Marco Hemmerling, Alessio Mazzucchi, Prof. Luigi Cocchiarella.
School of Architecture, Urban Planning and Construction Engineering
Polytechnic University of Milan