Origamists dedicated to creating practical models?

[Sunburst]

Agree with you! Did you look at the contest? Lots of good practical and semi practical designs there

Ok, someone has to point this out: of course Gerardo looked at the contest since HE was the one who created it!

Back on topic: Ilan Garibi has worked on origami architecture, jewelry and even cake molds.

[Tankoda]

Ah. Thanks, Sunburst. Didn't know that!

[Gerardo]

Yeah... it was a really cool challenge .

Ilan is doing some incredible stuff with alternative materials. I envy him for that! In regards to the type of models he's creating, I'd say he's actually concentrated in tessellations. Know what I mean? He puts his tessellations to different uses through the unconventional materials he is using, but they aren't practical models per se.

[mkosmul]

There are some business card holder designs which are supposed to be practical. I have designed one myself (https://flic.kr/p/NE3Cu7) and I folded one designed by Shuzo Fujimoto at the last German convention.

[Gerardo]

Thanks for the info mkosmul. Cool looking business card holder!

[CharlesWallace]

Your question certainly piqued my interest from both an artistic and functional capacity--though I recognize how broad an overlap these elements have days--on how amazingly practical Origami has been in addressing thorny and difficult "real word" applications.

I, too, am fascinated with the functional, utilitarian components of Origami. So much so, that I want to integrate it as an important (and central) feature of something I am trying to invent. I've been folding for a few decades, and watched practitioners across origami landscape help it enter its second (third?) Renaissance, so I recognize the astounding potential inherent in what we collectively love to do.

Unfortunately, my project requires a some input from people with a solid mathematical as well as materials science background. As my project is something I would prefer not to broadcast across the ether--at least not the overarching goal--its been difficult to solicit help online. (Though I'm sure there's a way.) Trying to tap local academicians has been even more daunting. But I digress. sorry.

Kudos for your candor in expressing your interest in exploring the practicality--however you wish to define it--of Origami. I feel the same gratification in seeing how expansive and unexpected the applications for this beautiful craft form have become!

Best,
CharlesWallace

[Gerardo]

Thanks Charles!

I hope everything goes great with your project and to learn more about it once it goes public .