Folding the Circle for Information
The tyranny of the square (and the mistaken idea that the circle is only a drawing), have prevented us from exploring the nature of the circle. Folding circles has proven to be a limitless source of valuable information. Hundreds of years ago paper circles were folding. And yet, for some reason, square paper has become the standard for origami and paperfolding.Circlefolding has been extensively explored and presented by sculptor Bradford Hansen-Smith. Hansen-Smith shows what can be formed, re-formed, and transformed with circles, in the form of common paper plates. An extraordinary amount of educational information that is inherent in the circle and is revealed through the systematic folding and joining of paper plates.
Folding circles as an information-generating process is what Hansen-Smith calls Wholemovement™. His process expands our understanding about learning mathematics, making it experientially accessible at the primary grade level. The circle reveals patterned formations and transformations not possible with any other form of modeling or mathematical construction. In contrast to using the circle as a symbol for zero that stand for nothing, through folding the circle it shows itself to be Whole, everything demonstrating unity in ways nothing else but the circle can do.
You will find more information about folding circles by visiting our store.
Two intersecting 2-frequency tetrahedra made from circles;
8 folded/taped paperplates colored with markers.