Inspir-admiration: Nervous System

I have been a fan and follower of Nervous System—an experimental design studio that "focuses on generative design methods using both algorithmic and physical tools to create innovative products and environments"—for quite some time. Like many people, I first fell for their natural phenomena-based line of jewelry, below. Nervous System continues to be one of the most impressive product design studios I've met.

Not only do I love the beautiful products they create, but am just as intrigued and in awe of the inspiration and process behind their work. Founders Jessica Rosenkrantz and Jesse-Louis Rosenberg merge their collective academic backgrounds in architecture, biology, and mathematics with a fascination of the "complex and unconventional geometries" of natural forms. They further open up the exploration of these forms to their customers through interaction with the algorithms behind the forms, allowing them to create unique instances of art.


This year, I was very happy to see that their body of work now includes housewares, which are amazing! It includes porcelain dinnerware that is "the result of a computer simulation of reaction-diffusion, a natural patterning process that creates the dots and stripes seen on the skins and shells of many animals from tropical fish to zebras and leopards". They are also creating some beautiful 3-D printed nylon lamps, such as the Hyphae lamp that they explain: "inspired by the vein structures that carry fluids through organisms from the leaves of plants to our own circulatory systems, we created a simulation which uses physical growth principles to build sculptural, organic structures." And, not to mention, they cast amazing light patterns, as shown below:

I look forward to seeing how this new housewares line expands, and whatever else this terrific duo conjures next. Based on all the fantastic exhibit designs they have done for their trade shows, and a commission they are working on, am I sensing a new furniture line on the horizon? Hint, hint, Nervous System!

Sourcing Nervous System:
• You can purchase their products in their online shop.
• Stay tuned to their activity, cool videos, and speaking engagements on their blog.
• For a real treat, check out their inspirations and behind-the-scenes images on Flickr.

(Photos: all photos used in my design in this post are property of Nervous System)