Modular origami

Modular origami, also known as unit origami, is a special kind of paper folding. It involves making many small pieces called modules from sheets of paper. Each module is folded on its own, and then all the pieces are put together to form a flat shape or a 3D structure.

The modules are usually held together by inserting flaps into special pockets made during folding. These flaps create tension or friction that keeps the model in place. Sometimes, people use glue or string to make the model more stable.

This type of origami is fun because it lets you build bigger and more complex designs than regular origami. It’s a great way to practice patience and creativity while making beautiful paper art.

Definition and restrictions

Modular origami is a fun kind of paper folding. You make many small pieces called modules from separate sheets of paper. These pieces are then linked together to form a flat shape or a 3D structure, usually by fitting flaps into pockets.

In modular origami, you cannot use glue, thread, or other materials that are not part of the paper itself. All the pieces must be identical and linked in a symmetrical way to create the final design.

History

The first known example of modular origami was in a Japanese book by Hayato Ohoka in 1734. It shows a modular cube called a tamatebako, or magic treasure chest. In 1965, Isao Honda also described a similar cube design using six modules.

Interest in modular origami grew in the 1970s, especially after Robert Neale and Mitsunobu Sonobe developed new techniques. Artists like Tomoko Fuse and Tom Hull helped make modular origami popular with many beautiful designs.

Types

Modular origami can make flat shapes like stars and rings. It can also make three-dimensional shapes, such as regular polyhedra. It is used to make lidded boxes in many shapes, as shown in books by Tomoko Fuse. Some designs look like fractals. Larger structures can be built using finished origami pieces.

Modeling systems

Robert Neale made a special way to build shapes using folded paper pieces. Each piece, called a module, has two pockets and two tabs that can bend at different angles. These angles can be set to 60 degrees for triangles, 90 degrees for squares, 108 degrees for pentagons, or 120 degrees for hexagons. By connecting these modules at their corners, you can make flat shapes or 3D structures. For example, three triangle modules can form a strong triangle shape.

Another type of module is called the Mukhopadhyay module. These modules have a central fold and triangle-shaped wings that help make complex shapes. For instance, building a shape like a cuboctahedron needs 24 of these modules because that shape has 24 edges. These modules often work best when glued together.

Notes and references

This section has notes and references that help support the information in the article. They include sources and extra details that help prove the facts. For younger readers, the most important idea about modular origami is that it is about making small paper pieces and putting them together to make interesting shapes. The references are mostly for researchers and adults who want to learn more.