A Somerville, Massachusetts based ethical design company, Nervous System was started in 2007 by Jessica Rosenkrantz and Jesse Louis-Rosenberg whilst both studying at MIT. “We created Nervous System to explore a design approach that relates process and form in a context of interactivity and openness,” said Jesse.
What makes their designs unique is their usage of algorithmic and physical tools to create zero-waste – formless, non-definitive products using selective laser sintering that allows for self- customization. “There is no mould to make, and objects do not have to be cast like they would be if we used more traditional manufacturing techniques,” says Jessica. “3D printing has enabled us to explore a very wide variety of designs and products, without having to work with factories, and without having to make hundreds or thousands of each individual object.”
One of design series, called “The Hyphae Lamps,” is an organic table lamp fashioned in the style of the veins found in leaves and all of their lights use bright LED pucks which have a six year life span.
The second fixture that stands apart is the “Orbicular Lamp” which, according to Jesse, is “inspired by the shape of Botryoids, a mineral formation that has the appearance of many spheres clustered together”. The inspiration behind all their work stems from the study of natural phenomena, such as coral aggregations and the countless natural patterns we see every day in Mother Nature.
Excited about future projects, Jessica says, “We are continuing to expand our collection of 3-d printed artifacts. We have also just released a new series of puzzles that we manufacture completely in our own studio. We strive to come up with collections that are sustainable to manufacture in with our design strategies”.
