Compass — A Metarecursive Interpretation of a Star-Shaped Recursive Structure (after Du Jialei)
This work is an interpretative origami piece based on a star-shaped recursive structure originally designed by Du Jialei.
The original model is a purely recursive star form generated through a fixed inward scaling rule. Whether functioning as a parent or a child, the structure itself constitutes a complete and self-contained recursive system when considered independently.
In this interpretation, I preserve the original star-shaped geometric logic while extending the structure from single-level recursion into a metarecursive fractal configuration.
I deliberately introduce a single metarecursive embedding relationship between a parent and a child recursive structure along only one direction. Since both the parent branch and the inserted sub-branch are themselves fully recursive, the resulting directionality does not arise from any disruption of recursion, but from the specific placement of this metarecursive relationship within the overall configuration.
This configuration gives rise to a clear directional quality, causing the overall form to visually resemble a compass.
Given the inherently star-like geometry of the structure, I intentionally preserve its simplicity and allow the single metarecursive branch to function as a directional guide, enabling a symbolic reading akin to that of a guiding star, such as the North Star.
This work should not be understood as a replication of the original design, but as an exploration of how a minimal yet precise metarecursive intervention can introduce directionality, hierarchy, and narrative potential into an otherwise purely recursive structure.
The original model is a purely recursive star form generated through a fixed inward scaling rule. Whether functioning as a parent or a child, the structure itself constitutes a complete and self-contained recursive system when considered independently.
In this interpretation, I preserve the original star-shaped geometric logic while extending the structure from single-level recursion into a metarecursive fractal configuration.
I deliberately introduce a single metarecursive embedding relationship between a parent and a child recursive structure along only one direction. Since both the parent branch and the inserted sub-branch are themselves fully recursive, the resulting directionality does not arise from any disruption of recursion, but from the specific placement of this metarecursive relationship within the overall configuration.
This configuration gives rise to a clear directional quality, causing the overall form to visually resemble a compass.
Given the inherently star-like geometry of the structure, I intentionally preserve its simplicity and allow the single metarecursive branch to function as a directional guide, enabling a symbolic reading akin to that of a guiding star, such as the North Star.
This work should not be understood as a replication of the original design, but as an exploration of how a minimal yet precise metarecursive intervention can introduce directionality, hierarchy, and narrative potential into an otherwise purely recursive structure.
Original Work
Interpretation
