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)

November 5, 2012 at 3:38 AM  
Anonymous Marianne said...
Very beautiful. Their products reminded me of the items that can be bought at Shapeway. When I checked out Shapeway I saw one of their lamps on the home page.

November 6, 2012 at 9:18 AM  
Anonymous mia said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

November 6, 2012 at 9:18 AM  
Anonymous mia said...
Just found you via BYW.... I was also on the AIGA Boston board a few years back. Seem like we have some friends in common... I have a design company in Boston, but am turning into a food blogger! Would love to connect! Love this post!

November 6, 2012 at 10:21 AM  
Blogger Jodi said...
Hi Mia! Nice to virtually meet you. What a small world! The photography on your blog is lovely and the recipes look delicious. Would love to meet and keep the blog fires burning in Boston! - Jodi

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About Us


Christopher Scott and Jodi Vautrin are the husband and wife team behind Ourhaus, where they chronicle their adventures in home improvement, decorating and travel. After purchasing a unique loft space just a few miles north of Boston, they began photographing and writing about their projects and it blossomed into a creative outlet and platform.

When they’re not home improving, Jodi spends her days as a freelance creative director & designer with a focus on user interface and interactive design, and is an entrepreneur at heart. She serves on the board of AIGA Boston as Vice President of Emerging Ideas & Events.

In his professional life, Christopher is the Technology Director for a multi-service ad agency based in Harvard Square. In his private life, he enjoys tinkering in all its forms, whether it's rebuilding the Ourhaus home network (again), fooling himself into thinking he knows how to fix home appliances, or trying to unravel the mysteries of the guitar. He also flies planes, performs open heart surgery and sings at bar mitzvahs (though not all at the same time).

They share their “haus” with their adorable, highly food-motivated chocolate lab, Lucy.