The innovative implementation of the art of folding is more current than ever. What can be designed out of paper through carefully placed folds can also be implemented structurally. In addition to architects, engineers and scientists also find inspiration and often the right solution for their projects through paper folding. The material is accessible and particularly suitable for model making. After all, what works with paper would certainly also work with building boards etc. In this way, the art of paper folding is transferred to supporting structures and constructions and becomes the real source of inspiration for origami architecture.
Basic principles of the art of folding inspire origami architecture
TheTerm “Origami”simply means “folding paper”. Neither special materials nor special tools are necessary for this. Fascinating three-dimensional objects are created with your own hands, a piece of paper, imagination and patience. They consist of regular, repeating geometric shapes and are also changeable. These two properties make the folding structures extremely useful for architecture and technology. Furthermore, these art forms impress with their aesthetic simplicity. These advantages are the reason why architects and designers systematically use the basic principles of folding art for their projects.
Origami Architecture – 10 selected objects worldwide
As a rule, origami is based on strict rules and is usually done by folding a single piece of paper and without gluingfigurative objectscreated. When it comes to folding structures, they consist of repeating folding patterns. Another type of origami is freeform geometries, which use the regular tessellation of origami as a basis. Of course, not all origami patterns have a technical application. Others are well suited in principle, but need to be modified or simplified. In this article we present 10 objects of origami architecture.
Starhill Gallery in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Starhill Gallery is a shopping center like no other in Malaysia. Strongly influenced by the work of the French fashion and costume designer Christian Lacroix, SPARK Design Studio designed the unique building. Then it is not surprising that behind theMirror facadeLuxury boutiques and the finest restaurants line up. In any case, the origami architecture arouses the curiosity of passers-by and that is exactly what the designers aimed for - to attract many visitors.
Translucent facade in Tokyo
The building by the Japanese architecture firm Amano Design Office differs greatly from the other office buildings with its translucent origami facade. It is located at the back of the main street “Ginza”, which has historical significance for Tokyo. The distinctive folding structure of the façade is created by perforated aluminum panels with a decorative floral pattern, which function as a curtain façade.
The lighting from within paired with pre-programmed LEDs behind the aluminum panels create the translucent effect and change colors depending on the season. The daylight allows you to see an interesting play of shadows within the office space.
New campus building by Henning Larsen in Denmark
The architectural firm from CopenhagenHenning Larsen Architectsdealt with the Syddansk University campus in Kolding in 2008. The expressive facade is a great example of origami architecture. It consists of several movable elements that change position depending on the position of the sun and the season. The 1,600 sun protection elements are made of perforated steel and when they are not closed, they create a moving facade image.
Origami buildings in Paris
The “Origami” building in Paris is a project by Manuelle Gautrand architectural firm and houses the French headquarters of Barclays Capital Bank. The glass facade of the modern office building is clad with triangular marble panels reminiscent of origami structure. Marble is a traditional material used in a contemporary way.
Art Museum in Tel Aviv, Israel
Since 2011, the art museum in Tel Aviv has had a new architectural star: the Herta and Paul Amir Building. The building, which resembles a paper origami, was named after its Los Angeles donors. The American architect Preston Scott Cohen designed the creative structure with which he won the architectural competition. Inside and outside, the building is characterized by complex surfaces and nesting, which are highlighted by a total of 430 polished cement surfaces.
ABC Museum of Illustration and Comics in Madrid, Spain
The ABC Museum is certainly not one of the most famous in Madrid, but it impresses with both its unique architecture and the largest collection of illustrations and drawings in Spain. The design belongs to Aranguren & Gallegos Architects and adjoins an old historical building in which there are additional exhibition rooms. The geometric elements of the facade are reflected in the design of the inner courtyard. The window openings have been replaced by translucent panels.
Climbing gym in Polur, Iran
One of the highest mountains in the Middle East – Damavand 5671 m, stands just 80 kilometers from Tehran. Although Iran is not a classic holiday destination, more and more people from all over the world are coming to try it out for themselves. Interest in climbing is rapidly increasing and New Wave Architects have designed a project for a modern climbing gym in a small village nearby.
The origami structure is created by concrete panels and part of the building is made of glass and faces the nearby mountains. So while climbing indoors you can take a look at nature and strive for the high peaks. The climbing hall has not yet been built, but would meet the highest standards for sporting equipment.
Klein Bottle House in Australia
Klein Bottle House is a holiday home near Melbourne. Characteristic of origami architecture, it also consists of multiple geometric structures that take on new shapes depending on the viewing angle. The interior is also designed according to this principle and offers different, interesting and winding views that invite you to linger and enjoy your free time.
Origami House in Kells, Irland
Origami House was designed by architect Jane D Burnside in 2009 as an ultra-modern single-family home that incorporates traditional architecture. It is located in a small village - Kells, in Northern Ireland and actually comprises a group of eight buildings connected by a footbridge. The regular repetition of the shape of the roofs and windows creates a uniform geometric structure that, from afar, is reminiscent of origami.
Origami, Japan
“Origami” is also the name of the last object with characteristic architecture. TSC Architects designed it in 2013. The house is located in an old Japanese village in the mountains. The special thing is the roof, which reaches the ground and completely covers two sides of the house. The facade is made entirely of glass and faces east. Due to the unique roof shape, orientation and use of materials, the house is designed to optimally benefit from the climatic conditions.
