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Fine Arts · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

Origami Paper Art & Printmaking

This course explores the mathematics of folding and the aesthetics of surface design. It combines 3D Origami (paper folding) with 2D Printmaking. Students will learn to design patterns that align specifically with complex fold lines, creating “Tessellations” and structural forms where the printed image transforms as the paper is folded into a three-dimensional sculpture.

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Understand the mathematics of folding: Valley vs. Mountain folds
  2. Master Origami Tessellations: Repeating geometric patterns
  3. Execute "Registration": Printing 2D patterns that align with 3D folds
  4. Explore "Wet Folding" and curved folding techniques for organic shapes
  5. Create structural paper art suitable for packaging, lamps, or installation
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01Introduction to Paper Physics: Weight & Grain
  2. 02Basic Folds: The Bird & Frog Base
  3. 03Modular Origami: Interlocking Units
  4. 04Tessellations I: Square Grids
  5. 05Tessellations II: Triangle & Hex Grids
  6. 06Creating a "Crease Pattern" (CP)
  7. 07Box Making & Geometric Solids
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09Designing Patterns for the Fold (CAD/Illustrator)
  10. 10Printing the Sheet: Screen/Relief integration
  11. 11Curved Folding: The Bauhaus Influence
  12. 12Wet Folding: Sculptural Forms
  13. 13Corrugation & Pleating
  14. 14Packaging Design: Functional Folding
  15. 15Large Scale Folding: Installation
  16. 16Final Project: The Printed & Folded Sculpture

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: The Printed & Folded Sculpture

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. Folding Techniques for Designers: From Sheet to Form by Paul Jackson
  2. Origami Design Secrets: Mathematical Methods for an Ancient Art by Robert J. Lang
  3. Structural Packaging: Design your own Boxes and 3D Forms by Paul Jackson
  4. Origami Tessellations: Awe-Inspiring Geometric Designs by Eric Gjerde
  5. Paper Engineering and Pop-ups for Dummies by Rob Ives
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