The Mathematics of Origami

Please note: The Museum of Mathematics opens on Dec. 15. This event takes place at the Baruch College Conference Center, 151 E. 25th St., 14th Floor.

What does the ancient Japanese art of paper folding have to do with airbags and telescopes? How do mathematical techniques facilitate origami designs of awe-inspiring complexity and realism? These questions and more are answered by Robert Lang, one of the foremost origami artists in the world and a pioneer in computational origami. Lang will explain how an abstract theory has led to some surprising practical applications as well as a whole new genre of art. Math Encounters is a public presentation series celebrating the spectacular world of mathematics and presented by the Simons Foundation and the Museum of Mathematics.