Inspired by the Japanese art of origami, the Urband Origami is designed by Nanyang Optical Co Pte Ltd and its Chairman, Yang Wah Kiang. Mr Yang has spent much of his life working with optical technology and in eyewear manufacture and design, and the Urband Origami is a demonstration of his hands-on approach to applying existing technical know-how and technology to the design of innovative eyewear.

Mr Yang describes the target audience for the Urband Origami as “mainly men in their mid- 30s and above”. The intended customer is “someone who likes to wear unique eyewear and appreciates a frame that is constructed with precision engineering. It is similar to someone who appreciates a mechanical watch over a quartz watch.”

Unlike other brands that are identifiable by their branding, the Urband Origami stands out due to its distinctive frame design and revolutionary production process. In a first for the eyewear design industry, the Urband Origami is created by bending and folding a single stainless steel sheet measuring only 0.4 mm 23 times to form a frame front with multi-function mechanisms. Says Mr Yang, “We have designed and produced Urband Origami eyewear in an innovative way instead of following conventional methods. We strive to be one of the best international eyewear design and R&D companies in the world.”

The design process began with the team at Nanyang Optical putting the design on paper, marking each bending in a process similar to the origami paper-folding process. Says Mr Yang, “For the first prototype model, we experimented with aluminium, which is a softer material that is easier to bend. Once we succeeded with the prototype constructed with aluminium, we proceeded to do moulds for the final design using a stainless steel sheet.”

The frame front is made of stainless steel while the temples are made of acetates. The bending process of the sheet metal creates a threedimensional effect with 23 folds, and while it achieves the “block metal” look, the frame retains a lightweight quality. The frame front and S-clip locking devices are cleverly bent into one piece, where the S-clips secure the frame to the temples and create a spring-like effect for wearing comfort. The manufacturing process is also environmentally friendly, requiring no soldering at all. Says Mr Yang, “We believe this innovation is a first in the eyewear design industry.”

This manufacturing process to turn the design into reality is every bit as complex and exacting as it sounds. The greatest challenge lies in achieving accurate alignment for all the bendings on the stainless steel sheet, which requires precision engineering of the highest level. Says Mr Yang, “It is very difficult and challenging to bend and fold a stainless steel sheet into a nice pair of frames. The slightest misalignment can cause defects to the frame. Up till now, we are still facing a high rejection rate in our Origami frames.”

Despite the difficulties, Mr Yang is delighted with the final product. He says, “The most satisfying aspect of this project is the successful creation of the Urband Origami frame, followed by winning several international design awards which provide strong endorsement and recognition of our designs. The most gratifying win of all is the prestigious President’s Design Award 2009 … My team and I feel honoured! At the same time, we are more inspired to explore new challenges in the design and innovation of eyewear.”