[New York City] Origami Event @ Google Headquarters

A Valentine’s Origami Workshop in NYC

At Taro’s Origami Studio, we believe that great team experiences happen when people step outside their normal routines and try something new together. That spirit came to life when Senior Artists Ben Friesen and Frank Ling visited Google’s headquarters on 9th Avenue in New York City to lead a hands-on Valentine’s-themed origami workshop for staff. Designed as a creative break from the workday, the session introduced participants to a series of increasingly complex origami heart models—each one building confidence, focus, and a sense of shared accomplishment.

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Creativity at Google

Creativity has been a defining part of Google since its founding in 1998.  From the start, the company encouraged experimentation—famously allowing engineers to spend part of their time on independent ideas, which helped spark Gmail and Google Maps.

Origami fits naturally into this vision because it reflects the same balance of structure and imagination that drives innovative work. Like a well-designed product, a folded form begins with simple rules yet allows for endless variation, problem-solving, and creativity within constraints. The practice encourages spatial thinking, patience, and iterative experimentation—qualities that mirror the company’s broader philosophy of turning complex ideas into elegant, functional solutions.

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The Story Behind Origami

The workshop began with Frank Ling setting up and presenting a short talk on the history and cultural roots of origami. From its ceremonial beginnings in Japan to its evolution into a modern art form used in design, engineering, and mathematics, the presentation helped participants understand that origami is more than just paper folding—it’s a centuries-old practice that blends art, logic, and mindfulness. This foundation gave participants a deeper appreciation for the models they were about to create and set the tone for an engaging and creative experience.

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From Simple Folds to Complex Hearts

Following the talk, Ben Friesen led the hands-on portion of the workshop.  He guided participants step-by-step through three origami heart designs of increasing complexity. The progression allowed beginners to ease into the process while offering a rewarding challenge for more experienced folders. As Ben demonstrated techniques and explained each fold, Frank circulated throughout the room, providing one-on-one support, answering questions, and helping participants troubleshoot tricky steps. The collaborative teaching approach ensured that everyone—regardless of prior experience—was able to complete their models and leave with something meaningful.

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Why Origami Works So Well for Teams

One of the most rewarding aspects of the event was seeing how origami encouraged team members to think differently, and work together. Folding requires spatial reasoning, patience, and hands-on problem-solving—skills that engage parts of the brain often underused in a typical work environment. Participants found themselves slowing down, focusing on details, and supporting one another through the learning process. If one participant got stuck, it was common to see the others around them helping accomplish the fold.  This kind of shared creative challenge fosters collaboration, reduces stress, and sparks conversations that don’t usually happen during a regular workday.

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Valentine’s Day Fun

Because the workshop took place just ahead of Valentine’s Day, the heart theme was an easy choice of models to teach. There was also quite the impressive spread of Valentine’s Day treats available as well.  The finished models became personal keepsakes—hopefully some small reminder of a moment spent learning and creating alongside colleagues. Whether displayed on desks or shared with loved ones, everyone left with a physical representation of artistic achievement.

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Bringing Creativity to the Workplace

Events like this highlight why origami is such a fun tool for corporate workshops and team-building programs. It combines creativity with structure, encourages mindfulness while promoting collaboration, and gives participants the satisfaction of producing something with their own hands. Taro’s Origami Studio designs customized experiences for organizations looking to offer meaningful, memorable activities that engage employees in new and inspiring ways.

If your company is interested in hosting a unique hands-on workshop that challenges teams to think differently and connect creatively, Taro’s Origami Studio would love to help you design an experience tailored to your goals.

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About Taro’s Origami Studio

Founded in 2010 by Taro Yaguchi, Taro’s Origami Studio is one of the world’s largest professional origami studios, with locations in Brooklyn, New York, and Akasaka, Tokyo.

The studio has produced numerous international commercial projects, corporate collaborations, and large-scale installations for cultural institutions.