Human Elements: Through origami, science unfolds

Aeronautics professor Jinkyu ‘JK’ Yang informs design, medicine and the future of space travel with a single sheet of folding paper.

A prototype of origami design in Jinkyu "JK' Yang's lab at the University of Washington in Seattle. The aeronautics and astronautics professor uses origami as a creative way to design foldable structures. (Sarah Hoffman/Crosscut)

Jinkyu “JK” Yang sees endless possibilities in a single sheet of paper. The aeronautics and astronautics professor at the University of Washington uses origami as a creative way to design foldable structures. The resulting shapes could inform new designs for a rocket’s landing gear, medical devices or solar panels — all while pushing the boundaries of where art and science meet.

Please support independent local news for all.

We rely on donations from readers like you to sustain Cascade PBS's in-depth reporting on issues crticial to the PNW.

Donate

About the Authors & Contributors