One construction method wey follow origami idea, and wey MIT report on October 27, use separate folded metal pieces to build big, strong structures. Researchers show how e work with one sculpture wey hang for Boston Public Library. Di work carry laboratory idea enter public building space.
Everything start from flat sheet. Dem cut individual units, fold dem and connect dem into network. Di shape of di parts hold di final structure for position. Dis method different from using one giant sheet for di whole building shape and trying to fold everything together.
Computer tool divide di design problem into smaller cells and check whether each one fit fold and whether machine fit make am. So calculation join di actual assembly process. E no just produce fine drawing before another person begin struggle to find how to build am.
Di team report computer tests wey show greater stiffness with less material than some other origami methods. Dat comparison concern particular methods and conditions. E no mean say folded metal better pass every normal building material or every type of structure wey people dey use.
Di library installation give practical example wey dem assemble with hand tools. Future possibilities include shelters wey people fit erect quickly and lightweight parts. But sculpture demonstration no automatically prove how emergency shelter go withstand weather, how long e go last or whether e suitable for people.
Di unusual contribution na how parts wey fit fold become strong form after connection. Further building tests fit show how di method behave when scale increase. For now, di work demonstrate how well-planned joints and repeated units fit carry familiar paper-folding idea enter construction research.