Modular origami
From Free net encyclopedia
Modular Origami is a two stage paperfolding technique which uses multiple sheets of paper. In the first stage each individual sheet of paper is folded into a module, or unit. In the second stage the modules are assembled into an integrated flat shape or three-dimensional structure by means of flaps and pockets, tension or overlapping layers.
Modular origami is known as Yunnito Origami, or unit origami, in Japan.
Modular origami can be viewed as a sub-set of multi-piece origami. Modular designs are assemblies rather than arrangements. The word modular is most commonly used to describe geometric designs but can properly be used for representational models where several folded units have been integrated to create the finished result.
Modular assemblies are often made from one or more sets of identical modules, but this is not a defining requirement. Many 2-part designs are folded from non-identical modules.
As far as the folding of the individual modules, or units, is concerned the ethics of modular paperfolding are similar to the ethics of single sheet origami. In considering the ethics of the assembly stage most modular paperfolders prefer designs that can be integrated into a stable design without the use of glue etc.
The first historical evidence for a modular origami design comes from a Japanese book by Hayato Ohoka published in 1734 called 'Ranma Zushiki' which contains prints of decorations intended to enhance sliding room dividers. One of these prints shows a group of folded paper objects, among which are the traditional crane, Yakkosan, the boat now commonly made from a Newspaper Hat and a cube. The cube is pictured twice (from slightly different angles) and is identified in the accompanying text as a tematebako or 'magic treasure chest'.
It is almost certain that the cube in the picture is the one that appears in Isao Honda's 'World of Origami' (Japan Publications ISBN 0-87040-383-4 published in 1965) where it is called the Cubical Box. The six modules required for this design are developed from the traditional Japanese paperfold commonly known as the Menko (which can be used to hold thread and so is also sometimes known as the Thread Container). The modules are provided with tabs and pockets (the tabs are developed using cuts) and can be combined to form the cube without the need for glue. Each module forms one face of the finished cube.
There are several other traditional Japanese modular origami designs, including balls of folded paper flowers known as kusudama, or medicine balls. These designs are not integrated and are commonly strung together with thread. The term kusudama is sometimes, rather inaccurately, used to describe any three-dimensional modular origami structure resembling a ball.
There are also modular origami designs in the Chinese paperfolding tradition, notably the Pagoda (from Maying Soong) and the Lotus made from Joss papers.
Most traditional designs are however single-piece and the possibilities inherent in the modular origami idea were not explored further until the 1960's when the technique was quite independently re-invented first by Robert Neale in the USA (Robert Neale's Octahedron) and later by Mitsonobu Sonobe in Japan (the Sonobe module, hexahedron and cube).
Since then the modular origami technique has been developed extensively and there are now many thousands of designs in the repertoire.
Modular origami forms may be flat or three-dimensional. Flat forms are usually polygons (sometimes known as coasters), stars, rotors and rings. Three-dimensional forms tend to be polyhedral.
Macro-modular origami is a form of modular origami in which finished assemblies are themselves used as the building blocks to create larger integrated structures.