The Art, Science and Engineering of Folding

History of Origami - The Story of Paper Folding

Explore origami's journey from an ancient Japanese ritual to a modern scientific tool. This workshop covers key milestones, like the work of Akira Yoshizawa, and its applications in engineering and math. Participants will fold the iconic origami crane, a timeless symbol of peace and tradition. 

Space Explorers -  Where Origami meets Engineering

Reveal how origami solves key aerospace challenges, like fitting massive solar panels into small rockets. This workshop explores the Miura-ori fold, a technique invented by Kōryō Miura that allows large structures to unfold from a single point. Participants will see real-world examples, like Japan's Space Flyer Unit and the IKAROS solar sail, and then fold their own space-themed models like a flying rocket. 

Shape-Shifting Structures -  Where Origami meets Architecture 

Explore how origami helps engineers design buildings that adapt and transform. The workshop shows real-world examples, like foldable houses for disaster relief, mobile bridges, and energy-saving smart facades. Participants will learn how folding creates sustainable architecture and then fold a "Waterbomb Base," a key structural model. 

Sustainable Energy -  Where Origami meets clean energy innovation

Explore how origami makes clean energy tools efficient and portable. The workshop shows real-world examples, like foldable solar cells, wind turbines, and sun-powered water purifiers. Participants learn how folding creates smarter green tech and then fold an origami fan, a model related to turbine designs. 

Folding Life -  Where Origami meets Life-saving Science

Show how folding in nature, like in our DNA and brains, inspires life-saving medical tools. The workshop highlights real-world examples, including foldable stents that open blood vessels, tiny surgical tools, and DNA "boxes" that deliver medicine. Participants learn how folding helps doctors heal patients and then fold their own "Pill Case," a practical, foldable container.  

Origami-inspired Robots -  Where Origami meets Robotic Innovation

 Show how folding creates flexible, adaptable, and safer robots. The workshop highlights real-world examples like soft robots for rescue, gentle robotic arms, and ingestible medical robots. Participants learn how folding reshapes robotics and then fold a "Springy Snake" to see how stored energy creates movement.