Origami in 3D

I while back I was thinking about Origami, and the limits of working in three dimensions.

I realized that if you start with a rigid piece of paper, and fold it back on itself, this can create a layered buffer of paper that can be tapped or stored. So, a rigid sheet can be converted into one of virtually limitless elasticity. That means any form that is possible within traditional sculpture (clay, metal, etc) can be built from a single sheet of uncut lamina.

I ran across work by origami artist Joel Cooper that demonstrates this potential on an amazing level.

From Joel Cooper:
http://joelcooper.wordpress.com/2008/08/19/faq/

From Joel Cooper: http://www.flickr.com/photos/origamijoel/sets/72157606262466165/

Robert Lang explains origami

Robert Lang explains the principles behind origami, origami design software, along with practical applications in space, medicine, and auto industries (18 min).

One thing that is not covered, is that origami folding can construct the same point sets that can be constructed with a marked-ruler and compass. For example, how to trisect an angle:

http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/8567/title/Math_Trek__Trisecting_an_Angle_with_Origami