Modular Origami Photography Shack Guide
Modular Origami With Multiple Identical Pieces
By Sylvia Adolvana
As with all true origami, including modular origami,
the practice does not include using adhesives or cuts
at all. The entire unit is folded and built through
clever ways of interlocking segments.
The idea behind it, is to create a symmetrical model
or geometric shape, if you will, which is the same on
all sides. Though there is evidence of unit origami
dating back as far as 1734, this origami subset did
not truly realize its potential until the 1970s. This
is because of the Sonobe Module.
There are restrictions that separate unit origami from
other forms of multi-piece origami, which includes using
several identical copies of any folded unit, and linking
them together in a repeating or symmetrical fashion
to complete the model.
Linking Units To Hold Your Construction
There is a common misconception that abounds that treats
all multi-piece origami as unit origami, but this is
just not the case. You are allowed to review your options
and use more than one type of module.
Generally, this means using separate linking units
hidden from view that hold areas of the construction
together. Any other type of usage is typically frowned
upon.
The Cubical Box
The first historical evidence of modular origami design
came from a Japanese book published in 1734 by Hayato
Ohoka, called "Ranma Zushiki." It contains
an illustration that shows a group of traditional origami
units, one of which is a modular cube called the cubical
box.
The six modules that are required for this design were
developed from the traditional Japanese paper fold known
as the Menko. Each unit forms one side of the finished
cube. The model’s appearance in the 1700s suggests that
unit origami remained part of the paper folding tradition,
though it is also indicative that not much experimentation
had taken place up to that point.
Flat And Three Dimensional Unit Origami Forms
Generally, most traditional designs are a single piece
and the possibilities inherent with the unit origami
idea were not explored any further until the 1960s,
when the technique was re-addressed by Robert Neale
in the United States and later by Mitsonobu Sonobe in
Japan.
Since that time, the unit origami technique has been
popularized and developed much more extensively, and
now thousands of designs have been developed. Unit origami
forms may be flat or three-dimensional. Flat forms are
typically origami stars, polygons, rings and rotors.
A Parallelogram With Two Tabs And Two Pockets
The actual launch of modern unit origami can be traced
to one single invention; the Sonobe Module. Credited
to Mitsunobu Sonobe of Japan, it is a module unit bursting
with possibility. The design is that of a parallelogram
with two tabs and two pockets. Corresponding tabs of
corresponding Sonobe units can be inserted into these
pockets.
Modular origami can be classified as a sub-category
of multi-piece origami, since in it, the rule of restriction
to one sheet of paper is not adhered to.
But, all the other traditional rules of origami still
apply, so the use of scissors or glue or any other use
of fasteners that is not already a part of the sheet
of paper is not typically acceptable in unit origami.
About the Author:
Sylvia Adolvana is an author of articles on crafts, digital photography and software including
Red Eye in Portraits,
Adobe Upgrade,
Photo Albums,
Photo Enhancement,
Small Digital Cameras,
Create DVDs,
DVD Burner Software,
Family Web Site,
Bridal Portraits,
Wedding Photos,
Wedding Announcements.
Keep a lookout for more articles coming soon.
More Origami Ideas....
Is origami very complicated to learn?
Learning the basics of origami
is quite simple. All one needs to do is find a book
or website that contains diagrams of the shapes you
wish to form. These diagrams usually offer step by step
instructions that show the novice what folds to make
and in what order.
Additionally, most diagrams will
provide an image of what the model looks like at that
stage, which can become a valuable asset to the beginning
folder. With time and practice, basic folds and shapes
can become second hand, allowing the individual to focus
on more challenging models.
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