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Joseph Choma, Ph.D.

September 24, 2024

Foldable Structures and Materials

Joseph Choma, Ph.D.
Joseph Choma, Ph.D.

Join Lawrence Technological University's College of Architecture and Design on Tuesday, September 24th at 12:-30pm ET for another interesting Design x Technology Lecture as we present Director of the School of Architecture and Professor of Architecture at Florida Atlantic University, Joseph Choma, Ph.D..

Folding is a systematic method that transforms planar material into three-dimensional geometries with structural depth. Through precise calibration, flexible folded hinges can become rigid — capable of withstanding structural loads. Depending on the organization of folds, structures can be flat-packed for ease of transport. Folding can also provide the potential to reduce production costs associated with the complexity of manufacturing parts which have Gaussian curvature. By beginning with a simple flat plane and then folding it, there is the possibility to fabricate geometries which are globally doubly curved but locally developable. Additionally, there are numerous variations possible with one systematic method. This research seeks to move beyond origami — the art of folding paper — by embracing material and structural constraints. Foldable structures and materials is one exciting trajectory towards building a more sustainable future.

As part of CoAD's Design x Technology Lecture Series, guests may watch online or on campus. Register for the location/viewing details.Your on-campus registration includes a pizza lunch.

About:

Joseph Choma is Director of the School of Architecture and Professor of Architecture at Florida Atlantic University. Previously, he taught at The Cooper Union, MIT, and Clemson University. He was the 2019-20 NCCR Digital Fabrication Researcher in Residence at the ETH Zurich and received awards from the AIA, ACMA, and ACADIA — including the 2023 ACADIA Innovative Research Award of Excellence. His material explorations have been noted by CompositesWorld Magazine as “spearheading research into the use of foldable composites." He is the inventor of Foldable Composite Structures — U.S. Patent Number 10,994,468. Additionally, he is the author of three books, Morphing: A Guide to Mathematical Transformations for Architects and Designers (2015), Études for Architects (2018) and The Philosophy of Dumbness (2020). Joseph completed graduate studies in design and computation at MIT and completed his Ph.D. in Architecture at the University of Cambridge, where he was a Cambridge International Scholar.

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Use Your Cell Phone as a Document Camera in Zoom

  • What you will need to have and do
  • Download the mobile Zoom app (either App Store or Google Play)
  • Have your phone plugged in
  • Set up video stand phone holder

From Computer

Log in and start your Zoom session with participants

From Phone

  • Start the Zoom session on your phone app (suggest setting your phone to “Do not disturb” since your phone screen will be seen in Zoom)
  • Type in the Meeting ID and Join
  • Do not use phone audio option to avoid feedback
  • Select “share content” and “screen” to share your cell phone’s screen in your Zoom session
  • Select “start broadcast” from Zoom app. The home screen of your cell phone is now being shared with your participants.

To use your cell phone as a makeshift document camera

  • Open (swipe to switch apps) and select the camera app on your phone
  • Start in photo mode and aim the camera at whatever materials you would like to share
  • This is where you will have to position what you want to share to get the best view – but you will see ‘how you are doing’ in the main Zoom session.