The Hyphae Lamps are a series of generative lamps inspired by how veins form in leaves. Each lamp is digitally grown in a computer simulation and fabricated with 3D printing. Every lamp is unique. Efficient LED fixtures illuminate the lamps, casting dramatic, aetherial shadows on the surrounding environment.

The lamps are grown in custom design software we created in C++ using CGAL. The branching network evokes leaves, coral, and roots without precisely replicating any natural form. Each lamp starts from a base volume and a set of root points; the lamp’s structure emerges through an iterative process as the roots grow into an auxin filled environment. The system is optimized to produce designs for manufacturing by Selective Laser Sintering. They capitalize both on 3d-printing’s ability to create complex organic forms but also to create all unique products as there are no costs for tooling and no need for molds. The pieces are 3d-printed by the NYC-based service Shapeways. The 3D-printing process minimizes waste, using only the material in the final form. Each lamp is fabricated on demand.

  1. Hyphae Lamps

  2. Growing a Hyphae Lamp

    The Hyphae Lamp is a new series of algorithmically generated lighting designs by Nervous System. Each lamp is individually grown t…

  3. Looking inside a Hyphae Lamp

  4. Floraform Chandelier

  5. Hyphae sconces and pendant lamps

  6. a Hyphae sconce

  7. Hyphae sconces

  8. Hyphae sconce - detail

  9. Hyphae lamp in black

  10. Hyphae Lamp in black - detail

  11. bottom view of a Hyphae pendant lamp

  12. Hyphae Lamp

  13. a group of Hyphae Lamps

  14. Hyphae Lamp - detail

  15. Orb and Orbicular lamps

  16. Orbicular Lamp

  17. Orbicular Lamp

  18. Orb and Orbicular Lamps

  19. Orbicular Lamp