Simple Folds/ Form finding in Architecture

The feasibility of folded patterns inspired by Origami in real construction has been carried out in different materials through years now. Results have shown astonishing variability in form evolution as well as stability. Complex geometries can be generated in an economic way by this Japanese art of paper folding. It not only fosters a sense of aesthetics but also our hands and eyes elaborate in a dialogue in understanding the potentials of such forms.

My curiosity is not only in folding paper just for mere fun but it extents more into form finding and overall structural benefits that it could provide. Here is a link to an interesting research I came across on the use of Origami for folded plate structures with a prototype made of wood.  http://www.ewpa.com/archive/2008/june/paper_286.pdf 

Yoshimura Pattern folds to generate a form

This is a basic Pleated Roof structure that I tried using an A3 sheet with the folded pattern as per the drawing below. This pattern is also referred to as Yoshimura pattern. 

Pattern on an a3 sheet to understand the folds for the form evolved.

Side view of the folded sheet

A lot of architecture and engineering has incorporated origami for form finding and developed large spanning structures using simple pleated forms. A great example of this is seen in Yokohama international port terminal which also utilizes similar Yoshimura pattern which gives it the structural rigidity required to span the large space.

One end pressed for evolving a different form with the same pattern

Nazish