Origami

While the overlap between engineering and origami is relatively small, it does exist. Origami methods have been applied in the design of solar panels used aboard satellites and as inspiration for nanotechnology. Origami was my first exposure to design, and the art has stuck with me as a pastime well into adulthood.

Some models here are based off of real concepts in math and geometry. One parallel with 3D design that I found interesting is the translation of crease pattern to model, similar to how technical drawings are used to build 3D objects. Below is the crease pattern for the Phoenix 3.5 by Satoshi Kamiya, side by side with my interpretation.