The UrbanWorks concept ORIGAMICS was featured in the AIA Chicago Small Projects exhibition at Architectural Artifacts in Chicago, Illinois. UrbanWorks examined Origamics as a new paradigm, exploring the mathematical theory behind folding and the resulting algorithms those folds create. Structural folding planes respond to the physical and environmental needs of the residents creating a spatially engaging atmosphere that offers dynamism. The UrbanWorks design competition team members were Jose Esquinca, Tim Wang, Tej Varpe, Ameera Ashraf O’ Neil, Maria Pellot, and Patricia & Robert Natke.
The international design competition launched in November 2015 solicited speculative design proposals that would provide housing for Chicago’s youth experiencing homelessness. It was organized by AIA Chicago, the AIA Chicago Foundation, Landon Bone Baker, Windy City Times, Pride Action Tank and funded by the Alphawood Foundation.