University of Tokyo - Department of Architecture

Tomohiro Tachi


We clarify the relationship between three-dimensional form and structural function, thorough which we create structures with new functionality. We start by making familiar “forms” such as “folding,” “stuffing,” and “weaving” and reveal them through geometry, computation, and parametric modeling, leading to the realization of novel fabrication methods, deployable structures, and mechanical metamaterials. We aim to create mechanisms with “softness” in a broad sense, such as temporary buildings that can be repeatedly transformed between a flat state and a three-dimensional state, and devices that can control the environment such as heat, light, and sound, by changing their shapes.

Areas of specialization:
structural morphology, computational design, fabrication

Keywords:.
origami, kirigami, braiding, weaving, space filling, polyhedra,
computational geometry, optimization, CAD programming, discrete dynamical systems
deployable structures, self-build, self-assembly, self-folding, cellular materials, modular systems

2022-Present Professor, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo (Graduate School of Engineering, Concurrent Appointment)
2018-2022 Professor, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo (Graduate School of Engineering, Concurrent Appointment)
2010-2018 Assistant Professor, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo
2010 PhD, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo

https://origami.c.u-tokyo.ac.jp