The fully self-supported cantilever folded structure by Tal Friedman, which uses traditional Japanese paper folding techniques in the scope of an architectural form and does not require a sub structure, was defined in his master thesis as the first of its kind. The inspiration of this project lies in the structural and aesthetic values of Origami.
Composed of just eight ALUCOBOND® panels Friedman created the algorithms needed to best utilize the material’s surface rigidity. It therefore incorporates a minimalist thin shell from which nothing can be added or subtracted, using its surface rigidity as its structural foundation. A Pavilion modeled with zero thickness to define elements of Origami folding and implements them on an architectural scale, creating a full scale pavilion made of ALUCOBOND®.
At the beginning various paper models were designed and built, starting with thin paper and increasing material thickness gradually until a parametric paradigm was created that could be used to accommodate the design of 4 mm thick ALUCOBOND® panels.
Friedman claims: “The technique can in many instances replace traditional construction methods utilizing individual panels, as its composition of just a single material. This can save both fabrication time and building tolerances. The project is made to resemble Origami not only in its structural and aesthetically values but also in its fabrication method, which is actually folding the sheets rather than individual panels as is being done today in architecture.”