Date of Submission
Spring 5-6-2025
Degree Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Architecture
Department
Architecture
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Christopher Welty
Abstract
What is origami? Origami is the ancient Japanese art of folding paper into decorative pieces. Today we use origami as a way to compact things for better storage or transportation and still to create decorative pieces of art. Origami is a must in space travel as it allows for large satellites to be folded and compacted down into a rocket and then unfolded in space to allow for the most surface area for solar absorption.
How can origami help? By making it possible to create lightweight, expandable structures that can be used in alien environments and by enabling the repair and modification of existing structures through creative folding techniques, origami-inspired design has the potential to completely transform space architecture. The architectural difficulties of creating and maintaining settlements on other planets get more complicated as humanity enters a new era of space exploration. In zero-gravity settings, where moving heavy objects presents major logistical challenges, traditional building techniques are frequently impracticable.