When nature’s algorithms begin designing products

Patterns in nature are usually a result of two processes. Diffusion and Reaction. First noticed by Alan Turing (also the man who invented the computer), these two processes, when combined form all the patterns we know in nature, from the stripes on a tiger or a zebra, to the texture on a coral. Devoting their time to computationally perfecting this algorithm and using it in the design process is Nervous System, a Massachusetts based studio. The Coral Cup, a result of those efforts, uses computationally generated design on its exterior. The ridges are inspired by the ones found on brain coral, and look stunning on the cup, creating a wonderful play between light and shade, while also being an incredible tactile experience in themselves (it’s worth noting they look quite similar to fingerprints too!)

The molds for the Coral Cup are made in-house and use a clever design to help conceal the parting lines within the coral texture. Each cup is slip-casted in porcelain and can be bought on the Nervous System website now!

Designer: Nervous System

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MoMA Buys First 3D Printed Kinematics Dress

Nervous System, a company specializing in new methods of creating 3D shapes for printing, just showed off a new product using its fledgling Kinematics system. Kinematics’ web app translates 3D models into flexible sheets made up of interlocking, hinged triangles. The result, thus far, has been a variety of user-designed necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, but the company has now made something much larger and more complex – a complete dress.

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The shape of the dress is based on a body scan, so the fit is perfect. The method of construction is also rather interesting; the printer creates the garment so that it’s folded up into itself, allowing the company to use a printer with an print area much smaller than the final product.

The first of these Kinematics dresses has been purchased by New York’s Museum of Modern Art, but users can now create their own designs and contact the company for ordering information here. There are a lot of holes in the existing designs though, so you have better either be very outgoing or plan to wear something under your garment.

[via 3D Printing Industry]

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