ASLA invites chapters to join National headquarters in its ongoing celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.

Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. In modern usage, the word "origami" is often used as an inclusive term for all folding practices. “Oru” in Japanese means ‘to fold’ and “Kami” in Japanese means ‘Paper’, so it translates as ‘To fold paper‘. The goal is to transform a flat square sheet of paper into a finished sculpture through folding and sculpting techniques. (Source Wikipedia).

Members can participate by decorating office or outdoor spaces with a landscape architecture themed origami project. Whether your creation is simple or elaborate, just remember to be creative, have fun, and share your creations on social media throughout the month (don’t forget to tag National ASLA).

Origami has inspired the work of landscape architects for years and has become the anchor of community-wide activities honoring Japanese culture. Check out two of our favorite origami-inspired projects designed by landscape architects.

• Origami Landscape, Jane Berger, Landscape Architecture Magazine, Vol. 99, No. 7 (JULY 2009)
• Unfolding Terrace, ASLA Residential Design Honor Award Recipient

Other fun uses of origami in landscape architecture:

• Origami Landscape, Urban Design with Design Studio, University of Trento
• Origami Stories, dezeen
• Origami Wall, LANDEZINE Landscape Architecture Platform
• Riverside Origami, Garten Studio

We hope to see your origami projects on social media.