Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC, October 29-30, 2025
https://cdfam.com/nyc-2025/
Organization:
MIT
Presenter:
Alfonso Parra Rubio
Crease, Fold, Transform.
Presentation Abstract
Folding is a fundamental process found throughout nature on multiple scales. Rather than altering the material itself, folding transforms its shape, offering a powerful means of engineering without compromising integrity.
This presentation explores, from an engineering and design perspective, the unique potential of folding and discrete assembly as a design and manufacturing tool across multiple scales in engineering.
From millimeter-scale bulk cellular materials to meter-scale structural corrugations and actuated robotic systems, and ultimately to architectural shell structures spanning tens of meters, folding enables the creation of high-performance, architected materials.
Speaker Bio
Alfonso Parra Rubio is a PhD candidate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, working at the Center for Bits and Atoms led by Neil Gershenfeld. His research explores how folding and discrete assembly can be combined to design and manufacture architected materials across multiple scales: from bulk cellular materials (millimeters to centimeters), to structural corrugations and actuated systems (centimeters to meters), and up to architectural-scale shell structures (meters to decameters). His work fundamentally explores how materials and structures are designed, engineered, manufactured, and assembled. In addition to his academic research, he founded RnKolektive, a collaborative platform for sculptural exploration. This parallel practice focuses on mixed-media works that merge folding techniques with blown glass, creating pieces that use the same research contributions but with an expressive intention.
