Analysis of Origami Applications within the Scope of Kinetic Architecture

Abstract

In the past three or four decades, scientists working in computer science, physics and mathematics have had significant research studies on origami. Currently, most of the articles and books that can be reached by designers or architects describe and deal with the subject through mathematical expressions. It does not seem possible for a reader who is not related to mathematics to understand what is explained in articles and books. Therefore, folding systems have been basically classified to make the subject more understandable for designers. Examples of kinetic architectural products that act with origami principles were evaluated through folding and building hierarchy concepts. The matrix has been generated to visualize the distribution of the characteristics and to display architectural tendencies. By the visualization of data, it becomes possible to examine the potential outputs of desired folding technique on the existing projects. Thus, the matrix guides designers to select a folding technique that meets the function. It can be mentioned that the proposed method can be attributed as a novel perspective for predesign phase of origami-based elements. Thanks to the matrix, the areas that have not been studied in architectural applications such as flexible foldings are demonstrated. Also, the relationship between building concept levels and movement motivations such as configuration and compactness has been revealed by the study. The findings and the matrix demonstrate that there are still many possibilities that can be studied.