Origami Design: 10 Projects Inspired by the Japanese Art of Paper Folding

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Dating back to the early 17th century, the Japanese practice of origami has influenced the way design projects are conceived and constructed. As per tradition, each person is given a square sheet of paper and asked to transform the material into a sculpture without using scissors, glue, or pens — only strategically placed folds. These limitations make a seemingly simple design challenge much more difficult, forcing us to think outside the box and pare down our ideas to concepts that can be communicated with only flat planes and sharp angles. Origami’s compelling minimalist aesthetic continues to influence contemporary architects, whose work pictured below takes visual cues from Japanese tradition.

For architects, origami can be a helpful tool in the early ideas phase of a new project, or alternatively, in creating 3D models of completed buildings. These paper architectural models remind us of the pop-up cities in picture books, only in this case, each structure is made out of a single sheet of paper. Using traditional origami techniques, designers can experiment with shifting planes and hard edges to push formal boundaries.

Moving from paper models to life-size buildings, the following collection of projects demonstrate the influence that the centuries-old origami practice has on architects working today.

Healthcare Center for Cancer Patients by NORD Architects Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

Sharp lines and triangular shapes set this cancer center apart from the typical, antiseptic hospital. The stylized geometry of the roof casts shadows off the white façade during the day time.

Origami House by OAB Carlos Ferrater, Barcelona, Spain

The Origami House’s folding planes create the illusion of movement. Rectangular glass planes let natural light pour inside.

ORIGAMI ark by KTX archiLAB, Himeji, Japan

Shaped like an ark, this origami-inspired retail showroom allows passersby to peek inside. Protruding, angular windows appear to burst out of the building.

Foyn-Johanson House by Harrison and White, Northcote, Australia

The digital model of this Australian home was designed using origami techniques. The angled planes open up to a garden space, creating better fluidity between the interior and exterior.

Library in Anzin by Dominique Coulon & Associés, Anzin, France

From far away, the façade of this origami-inspired library appear to be two dimensional. As we step inside, the space opens up to zigzagging white walls highlighted with artificial light.

Zigzag House by cobaleda & garcia arquitectos,Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain

Zigzagging concrete slabs come together to form this remarkable Spanish home.

Temporary Chapel for the Deaconesses of St-Loup by LOCALARCHITECTURE, Pompaples, Switzerland

Made of timber panels, this Swiss chapel uses origami design to rethink traditional religious architecture. Light reflects off the many folds to create a sense of spirituality inside.

Karuizawa Museum Complex by Yasui Hideo Atelier, Kitasaku District, Japan

Yasui Hideo Atelier combines the aesthetics of traditional Japanese origami with more modern trends to create this stunning museum. The building’s sharp triangular forms mirror the surrounding hilly landscape.

De Candido Express: an origami as a free-standing building by NMD | NOMADAS, Maracaibo, Venezuela

Made of steel plates painted white, this Venezuelan supermarket is clearly influenced by Japanese origami. The space gradually opens up to customers as they walk inside and start shopping.

Origami Peace Dove by AR+TE, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France

Painted green and white, this modern pavilion greets visitors to the historic castle of Hennemont just beyond the gate. Inspired by origami doves, the building is meant to communicate a message of peace.

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