I was excited to fold this model because of its interesting history. The Miura-Ori map fold was designed by a Japanese physicist named Dr. Koryo Miura. Miura was interested by the efficient way that hornbeam leaves are folded up before opening in the spring, and he based Miura-ori on the crease pattern. The finished model could be “compressed” into a small roughly rectangular package of paper. When I folded the model it was exciting to be able to open up the piece of paper and then easily close it up into a tiny rectangle with my own hands. Another interesting property of this design is that when you pull the ends, the paper opens up easily without anything catching on itself. When I played with the Miura-ori, it reminded me of a flexible accordion, which was very interesting because it used to be just a rigid piece of paper. Because of this property, Miura used this design to fold maps and tried to make this idea a viable product for consumers. Although not many people used these maps, I find the model even more fascinating after folding it and moving it around.
Folded by Sophie Usherwood
Designed by Koryo Miura
The Origami Journals 