Programming Shape

Abstract

Thin sheets are easier to bend than stretch. This simple observation leads to the constrained freedom underlying the shape shifting abilities of sheets that can accommodate globally periodic wrinkles, localized defect-like creases, and a host of variations in between. But how can we design shape (for function) ? I will describe our attempts to solve this problem in a few different settings that include 2d kirigami tilings for planar shapes, 3d origami tessellations for complex surfaces, and 4d printing and growing strategies of flowers and faces that also include time, using a combination of experimental, computational and theoretical approaches.