The Generative Desk is rather simple to look at. All you really see is a glass surface, 8 wooden columns, and four metal fixtures that bring the desk together. However, behind that simplicity is a fair bit of computational design that gives the desk its minimalist-yet-unique character, as well as its strength. The metal fixtures used to connect the wooden columns and support the glass panel were created using a process called generative design. Built by algorithms, the metal element’s organic design was arrived at by simply feeding inputs and information into the CAD software, and allowing it to create a form that was strong enough to take on high loads, while using as little material as possible. If the metallic fixtures look even remotely organic (like bones), it isn’t an accident… generative design relies on the same principles that guide natural evolution, by building something that is purely designed to be functional and durable.
The fixtures are 3D-printed out of metal, before being sanded or sand-blasted for their matte finish. Their hollow design is engineered to take the weight of the glass panel as well as anything you may put on top of it, while cutting down on as much material as physically possible. This gives the Generative Desk its quirky organic character that’s difficult to ignore, while the 3 different materials come together to play their parts.
John Mauriello, the designer behind the Coral Lighting Collection, has a very beautiful way of describing his creation. You’re not looking at a lamp, or a coral… you’re looking at a moment frozen in time. These lamps are the work of complex algorithms simulating natural growth, but they’re also just as equally the moment that John decided to press pause on the simulation.
Say hello to Timor, Sargasso, and Celebes, three members of John’s Coral Lighting Collection. Inspired by different styles of corals, the lamps come with varying aesthetics that reflect the visual characteristics of each coral-type. The way John went about creating these unique lights was to first develop the computational design algorithms that mimic growth patterns found in nature. “The lighting collection is my way of paying tribute to the beauty of the ocean. As a veteran surfer, I’ve experienced the power and beauty of the ocean while enjoying each wave as its own unique moment in time. One of many magical living structures in our great oceans is coral. With a diverse range of color, shape, and scale, coral is an entire ecosystem of thriving life. My lighting celebrates this life”, says Mauriello.
Designed to look just as pretty even when switched off, the lamps are part installation, part lighting design. As pretty as any ornate vase, each lamp comes with a stable design that allows it to stand on its base without tipping over. Printed in a white cloudy material (almost resembling ceramic), the lamps come with LED lights built-in, which shine through the lamp’s uneven cross-section to create brighter and duller regions based on the form. It’s captivating to look at when switched off… but switch it on and it looks hauntingly beautiful! In an effort to reduce waste and curb carbon emissions, all lamps are 3D printed in the USA, using processes that allow for recycling of any waste material in the manufacturing process. The lamps will be up for presale soon, you can head down to John Mauriello’s website to leave your email and get notified when the collection goes on sale.
Designed using generative algorithms, the Generico Chair by Marco Hemmerling and Ulrich Nether fall under the domain of computational or parametric design, i.e., the use of computational algorithms in the design process. The generative design process allows the software to add its expertise by achieving a design that fulfills certain parameters. In this case, the chair retains its strength and also comes with a flexible backrest, but with a volume that’s drastically cut down, and that uses less material, thanks to its voronoi-esque design.
The Generico Chair not only cuts down on volume, but it also maintains a certain level of ergonomic design so the chair is comfortable to sit on. The chair is then 3D printed, given that the generative design comes with its share of manufacturing constraints. It, however, retains a beautiful, skeletal charm that’s brought about by the unique combination of creativity and the software-aided form design.
Nike, quite literally, needs no introduction. Often recognizable even without the name and with just the iconic tick mark (which is probably considered to be one of the most interesting and valuable branding stories in the entire design industry), Nike is known the world over for its presence and dominance (both commercially and culturally) in the sports-gear and fashion industry. Nike is looking for an Apparel Computational Designer 1 to join its team at their headquarters in Portland, USA.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Department: NXT Digital Innovation
The NXT Digital Innovation team provides a competitive advantage to our creation teams by fueling product innovation and craft. To accomplish this, we leverage the power of modern technologies, skillsets and services. We are seeking an Apparel Computational Designer I who has a strong design portfolio and demonstrated solid experience in computational design software—experience in apparel product design is a benefit. As our AP Computational Designer I, you’ll work with the apparel design team to design products and streamline product design, development and manufacturing, leveraging computational design. You’ll use computational design tools to help design great product. You will have an understanding of computational design best practices. You also are familiar with advanced digital skills such as Maya and ZBrush. In your portfolio of work, you should have clear examples of how you’ve worked on products with complex design requirements. You’ll collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams and participate in the creation of best-in-class product.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Work hands-on to digitally design products leveraging industry standard computational design technologies. • Learn and take direction from senior computational designers on best practices and apparel design. • Multi-task and concurrently execute on several products. • Partner on the product lifecycle process with the Design and Development organizations. • Participate on multiple interdisciplinary project teams. • Clearly communicate project status and manage priorities with leadership input. • Ensure all deliverables are of the highest quality. • Work in an independent fashion, solve problems, make decisions, and communicate effectively in difficult situations. • Solid oral and written communication skills.
REQUIREMENTS
• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design or Architecture. • In lieu of degree, 2+ years of work experience in a similar role. • Several examples of successfully launched products that demonstrate complex product design solutions. • At least 2+ years experience using 2D and 3D design software • At least 2+ years experience in computational design or advanced CAD design • Ability to develop simple and elegant solutions to complex design problems • Ability to collaborate as part of a multi-disciplinary team • Must be organized, able to act independently as well as take direction, and able to switch rapidly between different projects in a fast-paced environment • Can work with grace under pressure • Intermediate skills with Rhino, Grasshopper and Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop). • Intermediate skills with Maya, Zbrush, Processing • Entry-level skills with Python, CLO3D
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
NIKE, Inc. is a growth company that looks for team members to grow with it. Nike offers a generous total rewards package, casual work environment, a diverse and inclusive culture, and an electric atmosphere for professional development. No matter the location, or the role, every Nike employee shares one galvanizing mission: To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.
NIKE, Inc. is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.
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!
