PORTABLE ARCHITECTURE AND ORIGAMI : THE APPLICATION OF TRADITION ART INTO PORTABLE ARCHITECTURE AS A STRUCTURAL FORM

Abstract

Portable architecture calls for mobility, deployability for erection on varying sites. Similar concepts of portable architecture’s transformation are chanced upon in the realm of tradition origami art. A 2D plane transforms into structural spatial volumes via varying folding patterns. Origami folded planes also integrates structure and architecture as one entity. Origami as an application to form single lightweight surface structure, pack compressed makes it possible to be a potential structural pattern. Origami’s principles can hence be applicable in conceptualising the potential of folded surface structure, possessing transformability, deployability and transportability. Common rigid folding methods would be investigated on its applicability, in particular the Yoshimura folding pattern, following up with an investigation on the effects of varying folding parameters and materiality in fulfilling a potential surface structure. Cross-referencing aspects of architecture, engineering, mathematics, it will discuss upon the merits of various common folding patterns as a structure application, offering suggestions to origami folding as a structural system, leading to future development in the realm of architecture.