description Engel's Bat Overview
Engel's Bat is a well-known origami model designed by American artist and architect Peter Engel. It was popularized in his 1989 book, "Folding the Universe: The Infinite Infinite Possibilities of Paper." The model is recognized for its complex wing membrane structure and detailed anthropomorphic features, all achieved from a single uncut square of paper. It is a classic design frequently studied by intermediate and advanced paper folders interested in the techniques of modern wet-folding and complex crease patterns.
insights Ranking position
Engel's Bat ranks #148 of 219 in the Origami ranking, behind Hyperbolic Paraboloid, ahead of David Brill's Bulldog.
help Engel's Bat FAQ
Where can I find diagrams for Peter Engel's Bat?
The Bat is diagrammed in Peter Engel's influential 1989 book "Folding the Universe," which remains one of the most celebrated English-language origami books. The book also includes other complex models and essays on the art and mathematics of folding.
How difficult is Peter Engel's Bat to fold?
It is a complex model that requires advanced techniques to create the intricate wing membrane structure from a single uncut square. Folders should be comfortable with box pleating, sinks, and manipulating many layers simultaneously.
What type of paper works best for folding Engel's Bat?
Large-format paper such as tant, double tissue, or MC-treated paper is recommended because the wing membranes require thin yet strong material. The model pushes paper to its limits with extensive layering in the body and thin extensions for the wings.
What makes Peter Engel's Bat unique among origami bat models?
Engel's design is specifically praised for its anatomically detailed wing membrane, which captures the membrane structure through careful crease patterns rather than simply suggesting wings with broad flaps. This reflects Engel's interest in the intersection of origami, mathematics, and natural forms described throughout "Folding the Universe."
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