Album Published

Growing Objects (8 new items)

Our solo exhibition "Growing Objects" explored natural growth processes through simulation and 3D printed sculpture. It was hosted by the Simons Center for Geometry and Physics in Stonybrook, NY in August and September of 2014. Our work at Nervous System explores processes which cause structure and pattern to emerge in nature. We adapt the logic of these processes into computational tools; translating scientific theories and models of pattern formation into algorithms for design. The exhibit focused on four such computational systems: reaction (2010), xylem / hyphae (2011), laplacian (2011), and florescence (2014). These algorithmic investigations of nature were each documented by digitally fabricated sculptures and a series of posters explaining the math, science and natural inspiration behind them. Each growth process was also illustrated through 3D-printed zoetropes. When in motion, these kinetic sculptures animate the formation of complex forms and when still they allow the viewer to examine each steps of the growth process. While inspired by natural systems, these sculptures do not directly mimic specific phenomena but are instead open-ended explorations of the mathematics and logic behind them. The generated forms propose a new way of thinking about how we can design or "grow" our environment.

3dprint art sculpture

Album Published

Reaction system + videos (5 new items)

We wrote a computer program to generate 3D forms using a mathematical simulation of Reaction-diffusion, and used this software to grow the designs of the reaction collection. Parameters of the simulation can be varied for differing effects, creating different types or directions of pattern. These parameters are controlled and change through space to express design intent. The process begins on an imported underlying surface, and a 3-dimensional object is formed by embossing or removing material from that surface based on the chemical concentration present at each point in space. Multiple scales of pattern and simulation are used to create more detailed forms.

Inspiration

Reaction-diffusion (RD) is a canonical example of complex behavior that emerges from a simple set of rules. RD models a set of substances that are diffusing, or spreading; these substances also react with one another to create new substances. This simple idea has been suggested as a model for a diverse set of biological phenomena. All kinds of animals from fish to zebras display interesting color patterns on their skin and shells which play important roles in their behavior. However, the underlying cause of these patterns is still not understood. In 1952, Alan Turing suggested the RD system as an answer to not only this question but also the more general one of why cells differentiate. How do individual cells locate themselves in the larger scale structure and pattern of an organism? The patterns seen on the animals occur over a scale much larger than a cell, yet they display remarkable self-similarity on every part of the animal’s body.

Turing studied the behavior of a complex system in which two substances interact with each other and diffuse at different rates. He proved mathematically that such a system can form stable periodic patterns even from uniform starting conditions. One of the most interesting things about RD is that you can have a homogeneous system where every cell is doing exactly the same action (for instance just producing a certain amount of some chemicals); but from this one process a large scale structure emerges.

SIMULATING REACTION-DIFFUSION

One of the intriguing aspects of reaction-diffusion is how a simple chemical system can produce a variety of patterns through small changes. Nervous System’s reaction diffusion experiments use the Gray-Scott model. This describes a system of two chemicals, often referred to as U and V, where U and V combine in a reaction to form more of V. Additionally, chemical U is produced at a certain rate, while chemical V naturally decays at a fixed rate. Changing just these rates of production and decay results in patterns of dots, lines, holes, or spirals. By working with multiple scales, varying parameters, and using anisotropic diffusion (in which chemicals flow more easily in one direction than another), it is possible to sculpt reaction-diffusion patterns.

algorithm processing reaction

Album Published

Hive Trivets

We designed the Hive Trivets with our Radiolaria software in 2010 for tableware brand Modern Twist. -- A modular silicone rubber trivet featuring an organic embossed pattern inspired by cellular forms. The Hive trivets fit together to create a functional space that is also pleasing to the eye. They come in an array of fun colors. Use them individually for hot plates and pans, piece them together for larger dishes and pots, or make a honeycomb-esque table runner. Created in collaboration with Modern Twist, these clever kitchen + dining accessories are durable flexible and soft to the touch. The trivets are made of FDA approved food-grade silicone, heat resilient to 675 degrees and are skid and slip resistant; making it ideal for every surface.

client product

Album Published

dendrite puzzle inspiration

Our puzzle cut style was inspired by a number branching, interlocking patterns in nature. We began by examining the suture patterns of ammonites, experimented with a fluidic experiment called a Hele-Shaw Cell before finally studying dendritic solidifcation, a crystal growth process that occurs in the super-cooled fluids.

inspiration

Album Published

Growing Objects (1 new item)

Our solo exhibition "Growing Objects" explored natural growth processes through simulation and 3D printed sculpture. It was hosted by the Simons Center for Geometry and Physics in Stonybrook, NY in August and September of 2014. Our work at Nervous System explores processes which cause structure and pattern to emerge in nature. We adapt the logic of these processes into computational tools; translating scientific theories and models of pattern formation into algorithms for design. The exhibit focused on four such computational systems: reaction (2010), xylem / hyphae (2011), laplacian (2011), and florescence (2014). These algorithmic investigations of nature were each documented by digitally fabricated sculptures and a series of posters explaining the math, science and natural inspiration behind them. Each growth process was also illustrated through 3D-printed zoetropes. When in motion, these kinetic sculptures animate the formation of complex forms and when still they allow the viewer to examine each steps of the growth process. While inspired by natural systems, these sculptures do not directly mimic specific phenomena but are instead open-ended explorations of the mathematics and logic behind them. The generated forms propose a new way of thinking about how we can design or "grow" our environment.

3dprint art sculpture

Album Published

Kinematics in metal

This Kinematics piece was 3d-printed using direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) in 18k gold by Cooksongold in collaboration with A3DM. This piece was fully articulated straight out of the printer and did not require any assembly.

3dprint

Album Published

Zoetropes

Growing Objects is a series of kinetic sculptures that illustrate natural growth processes. Inspired by 19th century zoetropes, these interactive sculptures consist of 3D printed objects that when spun and illuminated animate the development of complex forms; when still, they allow the viewer to examine each step of the growth process. Our zoetropes reimagine the earliest ancestors of modern day cinema and animation, the 19th century optical toys: the phenokistoscope, zoetrope and praxinoscope. We’re fascinated by these devices because they are fundamentally interactive and participatory, enabling the viewer to deconstruct the animation process. We are adapting this kinetic apparatus to illustrate and explain our algorithmic art process via 3D printing. These were produced in the summer of 2014 as part of our exhibition, Growing Objects, at the Simons Center for Geometry and Physics.

3dprint art sculpture

Album Published

Xylem Trellis (5 new items)

We designed an intricate, leaf-inspired pattern to clad a greenhouse in Philadelphia, PA. The work was commissioned by SMP Architects who are renovating the Horticultural Center at Fairmount Park. The patterns will be used to create a perforated facade for the building, that functions both as a shade and a trellis. A botanical garden is a fitting setting for our work, and we are intrigued by the idea that the structure will gradually be overgrown by climbing plants. We also created another set of screens for a vestibule in the building. We generated the patterns with our Xylem software which is based on how veins form in leaves. The main design constraint was that the client wanted a pattern that varied gradually in density and would be suitable for laser cutting in plywood.

architecture client processing sculpture

Album Published

Reaction system + videos (2 new items)

We wrote a computer program to generate 3D forms using a mathematical simulation of Reaction-diffusion, and used this software to grow the designs of the reaction collection. Parameters of the simulation can be varied for differing effects, creating different types or directions of pattern. These parameters are controlled and change through space to express design intent. The process begins on an imported underlying surface, and a 3-dimensional object is formed by embossing or removing material from that surface based on the chemical concentration present at each point in space. Multiple scales of pattern and simulation are used to create more detailed forms.

Inspiration

Reaction-diffusion (RD) is a canonical example of complex behavior that emerges from a simple set of rules. RD models a set of substances that are diffusing, or spreading; these substances also react with one another to create new substances. This simple idea has been suggested as a model for a diverse set of biological phenomena. All kinds of animals from fish to zebras display interesting color patterns on their skin and shells which play important roles in their behavior. However, the underlying cause of these patterns is still not understood. In 1952, Alan Turing suggested the RD system as an answer to not only this question but also the more general one of why cells differentiate. How do individual cells locate themselves in the larger scale structure and pattern of an organism? The patterns seen on the animals occur over a scale much larger than a cell, yet they display remarkable self-similarity on every part of the animal’s body.

Turing studied the behavior of a complex system in which two substances interact with each other and diffuse at different rates. He proved mathematically that such a system can form stable periodic patterns even from uniform starting conditions. One of the most interesting things about RD is that you can have a homogeneous system where every cell is doing exactly the same action (for instance just producing a certain amount of some chemicals); but from this one process a large scale structure emerges.

SIMULATING REACTION-DIFFUSION

One of the intriguing aspects of reaction-diffusion is how a simple chemical system can produce a variety of patterns through small changes. Nervous System’s reaction diffusion experiments use the Gray-Scott model. This describes a system of two chemicals, often referred to as U and V, where U and V combine in a reaction to form more of V. Additionally, chemical U is produced at a certain rate, while chemical V naturally decays at a fixed rate. Changing just these rates of production and decay results in patterns of dots, lines, holes, or spirals. By working with multiple scales, varying parameters, and using anisotropic diffusion (in which chemicals flow more easily in one direction than another), it is possible to sculpt reaction-diffusion patterns.

algorithm processing reaction

Album Published

Generators for Motorola

In the summer of 2013 we worked for Google’s Advanced Technology and Projects group creating 3D printing generators for the Make with Moto tour. Motorola drove a van filled with digital fabrication tools across the country. They wanted to enable people to customize and hack their cell phones. We developed three apps for them that leveraged the tools in the van and let people design their own Moto X phone accessories that were then fabricated in under an hour. 1) Physigram - used live video and depth information from a Kinect and a set of 3D filters we created to generate full-color 3D-printed phone cases. 2) Tessellation - a flexible bracelet made of hinged triangles that users could sculpt and have fabricated in their exact size. These were 3D printed in place on inexpensive desktop 3D printers. These bracelets contained an NFC tag so they could interact with cell phones. 3) Radiolaria - a playful phone case generator that let users play with a particle system to sculpt a crystalline or cellular style case. These cases could be printed in clear resin or laser cut from a variety of woods or plastics.

algorithm client

Album Published

Kinematics Bodice (2 new items)

The Kinematics Bodice was the first piece of Kinematics clothing we produced, and it served as a proof of concept for our folding and fabrication methods. It is composed of 1,320 unique hinged pieces, and was 3D-printed in a single folded piece. In order to fit the bodice into the printer and minimize the space it took up in the machine, the design was printed in a flattened form, produced by our Kinematics folding software. The bodice was wearable straight out of the printer: no pieces were manually assembled and no fasteners were added. The back of the bodice features integrated 3D-printed snaps for fastening the garment. Technical details Scanning – Kinect scan of Jessica produced in our studio Design – Kinematics Clothing app (JavaScript, WebGL) Folding – Kinematics Folding app (C++, openFrameworks, ODE) 3D-printing – printed by Shapeways in Long Island City, NY by Selective Laser Sintering in nylon

3dprint clothing kinematics product

Album Published

Reaction system + videos

We wrote a computer program to generate 3D forms using a mathematical simulation of Reaction-diffusion, and used this software to grow the designs of the reaction collection. Parameters of the simulation can be varied for differing effects, creating different types or directions of pattern. These parameters are controlled and change through space to express design intent. The process begins on an imported underlying surface, and a 3-dimensional object is formed by embossing or removing material from that surface based on the chemical concentration present at each point in space. Multiple scales of pattern and simulation are used to create more detailed forms.

Inspiration

Reaction-diffusion (RD) is a canonical example of complex behavior that emerges from a simple set of rules. RD models a set of substances that are diffusing, or spreading; these substances also react with one another to create new substances. This simple idea has been suggested as a model for a diverse set of biological phenomena. All kinds of animals from fish to zebras display interesting color patterns on their skin and shells which play important roles in their behavior. However, the underlying cause of these patterns is still not understood. In 1952, Alan Turing suggested the RD system as an answer to not only this question but also the more general one of why cells differentiate. How do individual cells locate themselves in the larger scale structure and pattern of an organism? The patterns seen on the animals occur over a scale much larger than a cell, yet they display remarkable self-similarity on every part of the animal’s body.

Turing studied the behavior of a complex system in which two substances interact with each other and diffuse at different rates. He proved mathematically that such a system can form stable periodic patterns even from uniform starting conditions. One of the most interesting things about RD is that you can have a homogeneous system where every cell is doing exactly the same action (for instance just producing a certain amount of some chemicals); but from this one process a large scale structure emerges.

SIMULATING REACTION-DIFFUSION

One of the intriguing aspects of reaction-diffusion is how a simple chemical system can produce a variety of patterns through small changes. Nervous System’s reaction diffusion experiments use the Gray-Scott model. This describes a system of two chemicals, often referred to as U and V, where U and V combine in a reaction to form more of V. Additionally, chemical U is produced at a certain rate, while chemical V naturally decays at a fixed rate. Changing just these rates of production and decay results in patterns of dots, lines, holes, or spirals. By working with multiple scales, varying parameters, and using anisotropic diffusion (in which chemicals flow more easily in one direction than another), it is possible to sculpt reaction-diffusion patterns.

algorithm processing reaction

Album Published

Colony

This is an in progress project about coral reefs where we plan to combine color 3d-printing, data visualization, and a virtual environment.  It is tentatively titled "Colony" because it focuses on the lives of colonial, sessile invertebrates.

3dprint sculpture

Album Published

Growing Objects

Our solo exhibition "Growing Objects" explored natural growth processes through simulation and 3D printed sculpture. It was hosted by the Simons Center for Geometry and Physics in Stonybrook, NY in August and September of 2014. Our work at Nervous System explores processes which cause structure and pattern to emerge in nature. We adapt the logic of these processes into computational tools; translating scientific theories and models of pattern formation into algorithms for design. The exhibit focused on four such computational systems: reaction (2010), xylem / hyphae (2011), laplacian (2011), and florescence (2014). These algorithmic investigations of nature were each documented by digitally fabricated sculptures and a series of posters explaining the math, science and natural inspiration behind them. Each growth process was also illustrated through 3D-printed zoetropes. When in motion, these kinetic sculptures animate the formation of complex forms and when still they allow the viewer to examine each steps of the growth process. While inspired by natural systems, these sculptures do not directly mimic specific phenomena but are instead open-ended explorations of the mathematics and logic behind them. The generated forms propose a new way of thinking about how we can design or "grow" our environment.

3dprint art sculpture

Album Published

Xylem + Hyphae inspiration

We were inspired to create our algorithm by the reticulated patterns of veins in leaves and similiar patterns which are seen in coral and fungal rhizomes.

Leaves are plant organs specialized for photosynthesis--they absorb sunlight and convert it to sugars that feed the plant. To perform this function, leaves must receive water and nutrients from roots and distribute the sugars they produce to the rest of the plant. These distribution tasks are performed by veins, which serve as a material transportation system. Vein networks exhibit a hierarchy similiar to a tree structure with small veins branch out from larger veins, but unlike a tree, they ramify to form closed loops. These closed loops create redundancy that allows a leaf to continue functioning even when some veins are damaged.

Though venation patterns share an overall organization and hierarchy, no two leaves have the same structure. Rather each leaf has its own peculiarities emerging from its unique circumstances. Across species the patterns differ drastically; they can be radial like a lilypad, parallel like a blade of grass or reticulate like a tomatillo husk. How can one mechanism explain such variety?

How do they form?
Auxin flux canalization is the leading hypothesis of how veins form in leaves. This theory links the development of veins with the presence of the growth hormone auxin. Auxin is produced at the growing edge of a leaf and flows away from the leaf’s edge toward the stem. Proteins in leaf cells pull auxin into the cells, and cells with a higher concentration of auxin have a higher likelihood of pulling in more auxin. This feedback mechanism causes auxin to be more likely to flow where it has flowed before. Cells with a higher concentration of auxin eventually differentiate into veins.

hyphae inspiration photography xylem