Brian Chan's Nautilus Shell

Brian Chan is an MIT-trained origami artist and engineer known for his highly complex, mathematically informed paper-folding designs. His repertoire ranges from single-sheet insects to intricate geometric forms like the Nautilus Shell, and he is recognized for pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved from one uncut square.

Yes, Brian Chan's Nautilus Shell is folded from a single uncut square of paper, adhering to the purist tradition of origami. The model captures the chambered spiral geometry of the actual nautilus cephalopod using complex sequences of pleats and sinks.

The model uses graduated pleats and sinks arranged in a logarithmic spiral, echoing the mathematical growth pattern of a real chambered nautilus shell where each chamber increases proportionally in size. This geometric precision reflects Chan's background at MIT and his interest in the intersection of art, mathematics, and natural forms.

Brian Chan is also known for highly detailed single-sheet models of insects, such as beetles and stag beetles, as well as tessellations and other complex representational designs. His work frequently appears in origami exhibitions and conventions focused on advanced folding techniques.