Coral Motifs

While perusing the blogosphere, we found that one ornamental underwater organism has breached its deep-sea habitat and found its way onto coffee tables everywhere. Coral motifs are surfacing in the realm of home accessories in color and construction.
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Nervous System covers the eco-issue by equipping the lamps with LED bulbs that only use 3.6 watts of electricity.

Nervous System covers the eco-issue by equipping the lamps with LED bulbs that only use 3.6 watts of electricity.

The lamps were designed to mimic the patterns of foliage veins which differ from leaf to leaf. The design team accomplished this by using a custom software and 3D printing process.

The lamps were designed to mimic the patterns of foliage veins which differ from leaf to leaf. The design team accomplished this by using a custom software and 3D printing process.

Perhaps the most innovative use of this subaquatic treasure is shown through the Hyphae Lamp from Nervous System. This fixture is an organic interpretation of the natural growth of a leaf, which in turn creates a coral-like pattern—and makes for an incredible lighting display.

But this lamp deserves more than to be perched on a forgotten end-table. Built using a custom design software and a 3D printing process, this lamp may be at the forefront of experimental construction of tangible objects—a demonstration of how printing is becoming a means to build.
The selling point of this delicate beacon lies in the exploration—and success—of what 3D printing offers designers. Because the lamps are "grown" using random algorithmic equations, each piece is created with its own set of blueprints, thus creating one-of-a-kind products, every time.
 
And that’s not all. This printing process requires no molds and produces minimal waste. Further, each lamp comes equipped with an LED light bulb built to last six years. Eco-friendly test: passed.

Check out more of the design's backstory here. The first ten lamps are available a the Nervous System's online shop. Not to rush you, but the first five have already been claimed.

The Hyphae Lamp is a new series of algorithmically generated lighting designs by Nervous System. The lamps are 3D-printed to order, made of in nylon and illuminated with eco-friendly LED lights.

The Hyphae Lamp is a new series of algorithmically generated lighting designs by Nervous System. The lamps are 3D-printed to order, made of in nylon and illuminated with eco-friendly LED lights.

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Kelly Cooper
Kelly Cooper is a writer based in New York City. She was an intern at Dwell Magazine in 2011.

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