The rolling paper is converted into load-bearing forms
In Pattern as Structure, Muto Yumi presents a series of furniture made entirely of paper rods formed from rolling sheets of paper with pre-cut holes. The project explores how a two-dimensional surface can be transformed into a three-dimensional structural system through a simple manufacturing process.
While a single sheet of paper is thin and flexible, rolling several layers together increases its density and creates a stiff rod capable of carrying loads. The project begins with the paper in a flat state, where a pattern of holes is cut into the surface before the sheet is rolled.
During this transformation, the perforations that appear as a graphic pattern on the flat sheet become through holes within the finished bar. These openings serve as connection points, allowing additional paper rods to be inserted and connected. As a result, the pattern is not only translated into three-dimensional form but also becomes an integral part of the manufacturing system.
rolling process | all images courtesy of Muto Yumi
Printed paper introduces color and graphic variation
The furniture is assembled entirely from these interconnected paper rods. Through the relationship between rolling, drilling and joining, the project shows how structural stability can be derived from a lightweight material and a simple construction method.
Because the bars are produced from printed sheets, the system can accommodate a wide range of colors, graphics and surface patterns without altering its manufacturing logic. The same structural framework can therefore create multiple visual expressions while maintaining a consistent assembly method.
Turning a flat design into a building block, Pattern as Structure, developed by designer Muto Yumi, explores an alternative approach to papermaking, in which surface, bond and structure are developed through a single process.
the holes, which appear as a pattern on the flat surface, become through holes after rolling
initial design before scrolling
open shelf in two sizes
single compartment open shelf
details of the open shelf
detail of stacking system
two-level open shelf
detail of stacking system
open shelf family
open shelf family
a row of open shelves with a sheet of paper before the roll
project information:
name: Pattern as structure
designer: Muto Yumi | @muto_yumi
designboom received this project from us DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
edited by: Christina Vergopoulou | designboom
