Co-Creating with Nervous System: Designing with Radiolaria

In our previous co-creator features, we’ve looked at 3D-printed designs from our Cell Cycle and Kinematics apps. This month, we’re sharing pieces created using our Radiolaria app, which was inspired by microscopic cellular structures. With Radiolaria, you can develop your own bio-inspired patterns by experimenting with a physics simulation of springs. You can sculpt patterns by applying forces and subdividing cells, morphing a hexagonal mesh into intricate patterns which materialize as jewelry or decorative objects.

Our first featured design is this set of 4 custom trivets. I really love how these look together as group. The designer made use of all the tools in the app to create some really dynamic patterns.

custom trivets (lasercut bamboo plywood, smallest 5 x 5”, largest 7 x 6”)

order 22392
in app-bamboo trivets order 22392
Next up are two jewelry pieces made of photochemically etched metal: a pair of earrings plated in 24k gold and a pendant in unfinished stainless steel. The first designer used a mix of subdivided and undivided cells to create a graceful, curving form that is even prettier when brought to life in polished gold.

custom earrings in 24k gold-plated stainless steel (dimensions: 2.7 x 2.2” each, on gold-filled ear wires)

r37867-crop
in app-r37867

The second designer used the sharp mesh style for this petite asymmetrical pinwheel-shaped pendant.

custom pendant in stainless steel (dimensions: 1 x 1.1” on an 18” sterling silver chain)

r39305
r39305

 

Feeling inspired? Create your own at
nervo.us/radiolaria

And check out our full lineup of generative design apps at
nervo.us/tools

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  1. Cory Phillips

    Nice app, reminds me exactly of this Cortex cast that was created not too long ago. Looks almost identical actually.
    You’ve probably have seen it?
    http://www.evilldesign.com/cortex

    1. Jessica

      yes. I’ve always wondered if our Radiolaria app perhaps inspired the Cortex. We first published it in 2007 and the resemblance to our early bracelets is striking. this one for instance: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jrosenk/352387415/

      1. Cory Phillips

        That could be the case!
        It is such a great thing that inspirations derived from nature can lead to amazing work in different fields and applications!

        Keep up the amazing work!
        CP