PRINT-AND-FOLD
AMES ROOM
This classic
illusion makes
objects — and
hobbits — seem
to change size.
By Ranjit B.
Print out the template,
then cut, fold, and
deceive your eyes.
An Ames room is a distorted box that creates an illusion, from one vantage
point, of varying depth, distance, and size. Invented by American ophthalmologist Adelbert Ames Jr. in 1934, setups like this were used to make the
hobbits look small next to Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings movies.
Here’s how I constructed a miniature Ames room out of paper and cardboard. I’ll start by explaining how I derived the template that I used, which
you can download at makezine.com/14/amesroom. You can make your
own template using this explanation or just use my template to make
your own room.
Photograph by Sam Murphy
60 Make: Volume 14
