ArchGuide: Introduction to Origami: Origami and Architecture

3 May 2016

Introduction to Origami: Origami and Architecture

All that I knew about origami was making aeroplanes, boats and cranes. Probably most of us around the world know just that. But it is more than just that...

Origami is the Japanese word for paper folding. ORI means to fold and KAMI means paper. It is an art form that is traditionally passed on from parent to child. It involves the creation of masks, puppets, toys, animals, birds, fishes and different geometric shapes; all by just folding paper. Isn't that wonderful!

A traditional art form that probably evolved in China around 105 AD, and then brought to Japan by the monks in the 6th Century. A debate still exists as to who were the first paper folders. Some say it were the Egyptians as their maps indicated creases while some evidence dating to 16th Century talks about Europe wherein documents were folded into little birds called Pajarita in Spain and Cocotte in France. All we can say for sure is that origami followed the invention of paper. However, in India, we find no such links with Origami or probably I am not aware of it.

My first stint with Origami was during college days when I was dealing with a complex model that required a lot of folding and I took the help of origami. It was then when I read about the relation of Origami with Architecture.

Several aspects of Origami have a lot to do with engineering structures viz. geometry, pattern generation, the strength of materials and mechanisms. It is one story to make a variety of shapes and forms by just folding a single piece of paper and a different story entirely when it comes to constructing such buildings that involve the bends and folds.

There are many buildings around the world that were inspired by the origami folds and you will find a plethora of example on the web but here is just a small glimpse to some of them to just give a rough idea for all those who think that origami is just an art .