We usually associate origami as a traditional Japanese craft or childrens’ activities. But in the last few decades, there have been a proliferation of new origami design techniques and research. The topic of this lecture will focus on curved folding, one of the new areas of origami being explored by artists and academics alike. Professor Mitani, one of the pioneers in this area, will talk about:

Some basic theory behind curved folds
Application of curved origami
Recent research he has carried out

You will also have the opportunity to fold one of Professor Mitani’s curved origami design at the end of the lecture!

Speaker's Bio:

Jun Mitani is a professor of information and systems in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tsukuba. He was previously a PRESTO researcher at the Japan Science and Technology Agency, a lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Tsukuba, and a postdoctoral researcher at RIKEN. His research focuses on computer graphics, including computer-aided origami design techniques. He is the author of the books 3D Origami Art and Curved Folding Origami Design (available in both Japanese and English).

Credit

Image: 3D Origami based on axisymmetrical shape by Jun Mitani