ZEBRA – A Heteromodular Origami Technique for Constructing Large-Scale 3D Framework Architectures and Kinematic Linkages from Standard A4 Office Paper

This paper, which was originally presented at 7OSME in 2018, introduces a highly scalable heteromodular origami art technique for constructing 3D framework structures using elementary struts and connectors folded from uncut sheets of standard A4 office paper. The presented technique, named ZEBRA, allows the design of meter-scale architectural objects, such as truss bridges and towers, which are capable of bearing substantial mechanical loads. Moving parts, ranging from simple levers to complex multi-bar linkages, can be integrated into static frameworks using a set of kinematic extensions. An overview is given of how the ZEBRA system can be used to teach university students various theoretical and practical aspects of the engineering sciences in an entertaining and hands-on way.