Folding Metamorphosis

Changhao Xin

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Folding metamorphosis explores the possibilities of using tab and slot joints to align three-dimensionally folded sheet metal parts into a free-form structure. An incremental approach was adopted, working from the ground up, where each piece has a dependency on the adjacent pieces below to create a freestanding steel structure. Profiles for the folded parts are cut out of 3mm thick stainless steel sheet using a waterjet-cutter.

The structural dependency and the expression as well as feasibility of each stub and slot connection has been explored through many iterations of cardboard prototypes. The arrangement of slots in three dimensions implies specific sequences of tab insertion; as the parts interlock the structure's stability increases.