How does composite origami differ from modular origami?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Red origami crane with outstretched wings and pointed beak, displayed against a solid black background. — origami An origami crane.

While both modular and composite origami utilize multiple sheets of paper to create a single artwork, they differ significantly in their construction methods:

Modular Origami: This style involves creating multiple geometric "units" from several sheets of paper. Typically, all sheets are folded in the same way—or using a very limited number of folding patterns—and are then assembled by tucking flaps and pockets into one another to form larger structures like polygons or polyhedra.1
Composite Origami: In this style, multiple sheets are also used, but each sheet is folded differently to represent a specific, distinct part of the final subject. While it was a common style during the 1950s and 1960s, it is relatively uncommon in contemporary practice.1