Daniel Kwan's Six Intersecting Pentagonal Prisms (SIPP)

[Kernel Sohcahtoa]

Hello everyone. The SIPP model is an example of modular origami: individual modules are folded out of paper and each module contains pockets and hands that connect with one another (without the use of glue) in order to form geometric objects.  I have posted pictures below of my attempt at completing Daniel Kwan's SIPP model along with links to the diagrams and video.  I have also left notes in hide tags for anyone who may be interested in completing this model (I hope that my notes are useful).

* Please note that I have posted the pictures in a manner that depicts the evolution of my model from one pentagonal prism into six intersecting pentagonal prisms.

I. Pictures

One Pentagonal Prism



Two Intersecting Pentagonal Prisms



Three Intersecting Pentagonal Prisms



Four Intersecting Pentagonal Prisms



Five Intersecting Pentagonal Prisms




Six Intersecting Pentagonal Prisms



Six Intersecting Pentagonal Prisms (Top View)






II. Diagrams and video

Diagrams






III. Notes and Tips

This section contains various observations and notes that I have made throughout my attempt of this model.

A. Folding and Assembly of pentagonal prisms

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The author’s diagrams depict a model made out of starburst candy wrappers, which would require 150 wrappers (modules).  However, if you wish to use standard color paper, then you will only need 90 modules: 60 short modules and 30 long modules (please see the video or the author’s notes on the last page of his diagrams for instructions on how to make the long module).  As per the video, the dimensions used for the paper are the following: 3.8cm by 5.7cm for the short modules and 3.8cm by 14cm for the long modules (I actually used 3.8cm by 15cm to give me more wiggle room).

It is extremely important that you take your time folding the modules and that you use the right dimensions: taking your time with this process will make your assembly easier and will result in a good-looking model (please see the diagrams and/or the video for instructions on how to fold them).  Once you’ve finished folding the modules for the first prism, I recommend that you begin getting a feel for how the pentagonal prism is assembled: assembly will take time and patience, so don’t get discouraged.  When beginning the prism assembly, it is a good idea to first form the pentagonal ring as per the author’s diagrams/notes: IMO, this makes the initial assembly easier (be sure that your ring looks like the diagram: the ring is supposed to form a pentagon).  Now, assuming that you are making the first prism, once you have connected each long module to the ring, I recommend that you individually assemble each short module to the legs in order to close the prism.  For each new prism, begin forming the pentagonal ring as before and then connect the legs to them.  Once this is accomplished, then the weaving process must be completed before each prism can be closed.

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B. The Weaving Process

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The fundamental weaving relationship in this model is captured in picture two (the author has a diagram of it too): the weaving pattern of the yellow and red prisms will be the exact same for any two prisms in the model.  Thus, as the author recommends, after you weave a new prism through, check to make sure that the new prism has the correct weaving pattern with the other prisms before you close the prism (IMO, it is easier to close the prism by assembling one short module at a time, which eventually forms the pentagonal ring).  Thus, when continuing the weaving process, you only need to ensure that the new prism has the correct weaving pattern with the other prisms; you’ve already verified that the other prisms have the correct weaving relationship with the others via your previous checks.

To elaborate a bit more on the preceding paragraph, I used the yellow prism as a base, and in each photo, the model is in the same base position: this actually gave me a marker for how to begin weaving the next prism through.  For example, any pentagonal prism has five sides.  As a result, in picture two, there is a single red prism leg that is on top of the front side of the yellow prism.  In picture three, if we move counter clockwise to the next side, then there is a single blue prism leg that is on top of that side of the yellow prism. Continuing with this process, each side of the yellow prism will have a leg of another prism that is on top of it (this is true for any prism in the model that has a prism or prisms woven through it).

Now, going back to picture two, suppose I wanted to weave the blue prism through the model (picture three).  I would first begin by moving counter clockwise to the next side of the yellow prism and then begin weaving the blue prism through the yellow prism so that a leg of the blue prism is on top of that side.  Furthermore, I’d keep in mind that the blue prism must weave through the yellow prism just as the red prism had been woven through the yellow prism.  As a result, once I started to weave the blue prism through the yellow prism, I’d also check that the blue prism was also being correctly woven into the red prism.  Hence, in general, I would first slowly begin to weave each new prism into the yellow one and then stop and modify accordingly to ensure that the new prism had the same weaving relationship with all other prisms.

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C. Final Observations and Tips

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As a final note, do not feel bad if your first attempt is not successful: I actually had to abandon an attempt I made last week, because I rushed through the folding and assembly, which resulted in a crowded, messy looking model.  Thus, it is very important to be patient with this model.  Take your time with folding and assembly and be sure to give your hands and eyes multiple breaks throughout this process. That said, for anyone who wishes to attempt this model, I hope that you enjoy it and please post a picture of your model here.

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