Rice Architecture
F_X01
FOLDING MODEL / EXPERIMENT ELEVEN
Michelle Schneider
Paul DeFazio
Kim McGlone
The manipulation of a fan-folded sheet of paper is the basis for our folding model. The original prototype was a rectangular sheet of paper twisted into various forms to explore multiple iterations. To add complexity, we used a flattened conical form as a pattern and created a structural scaffolding system to give more options. As we experimented with the fan-folded paper on the structure, we discovered that although we got a couple of nice forms, the scaffolding actually limited our options. The structural stability of the paper alone was more flexible than the combination of the two systems. By expanding the conical pattern with a rectangular geometry, we were able to create several possibilities through form-finding experiments. The triangular forms of the pleats carried forces through minimal points of contact and provided strong structural support. We did use tension by attaching a string from the model to the base for a couple of the more linear iterations to offset horizontal forces.