Origami : from paper art to a design trend

Abstract

Origami is a prominent design trend in the twenty-first century. Originating as an ancient Japanese art form, origami has developed over the years to become an important tool for designers worldwide; from architects to product and fashion designers. Folding has always been an integral part of design. At some point in their working life, all designers have folded materials to make pleats in dresses or produce joints and curves in architecture and furniture works. In the nineties, the fold was given prime importance as an essential concept in architectural design. This concept was derived from French philosopher Gilles Deleuze’s 1988 writings on the folding of space within a Baroque building and reinterpreted a short while later, in 1991, this philosophy was reinterpreted by Peter Eisenman. Consequently, several architects of the nineties noted the importance of having a homogenous building made up of spaces that link to one another continuously. Nowadays, interest in the fold has resurfaced, and this time around, as a more tangible and visible concept. Designers are drawing their inspiration from origami art and its concepts to create interesting pieces that resemble this art form both aesthetically as well as in function. Origami has today become a widespread trend that has filtered throughout all the sectors of the design world.