Sustainable Furniture Design Direction Based on Paper Folding Principles, Methodology and Materials

This study aimed to propose a sustainable furniture design approach by integrating paper-folding (origami) techniques with eco-friendly paper materials. First, the historical background and characteristics of origami were examined, followed by an analysis of domestic and international examples to classify origami furniture into four categories: (1) direct implementation of familiar folding forms, (2) folding a single sheet of material but substituting its primary substance with another, (3) using paper as the base material and mixing resins or adhesives to form the desired shape, and (4) cutting and assembling multiple sheets of corrugated cardboard. Through this process, I investigated key aspects such as load-bearing capacity in folded structures, methods of enhancing water resistance and durability according to each material, and recyclability. I also conducted expert interviews with both origami practitioners and paper-recycling specialists to gather technical and practical insights. The findings revealed that origami-based furniture can maximize the lightweight and recyclable nature of paper, yet ensuring structural stability and long-term durability requires reinforcement methods, water- or scratch-proof treatments, and pre-creasing techniques for thick paper. Moreover, to facilitate repulping or easy disassembly for recycling, the initial design stage should consider modularization and straightforward separation of components. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of origami structures in combining space efficiency, portability, and environmental friendliness within a single piece of furniture. Nevertheless, further prototype development and diverse experimental validation will be essential to confirm its viability in real-world applications.