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The Evolution of Design

The Evolution of Design

By Francesca McGlone on 28th October, 2010

Nature is a rich source of inspiration. Its strengths lie in its ability to adapt, while always being able to develop a variant of bold beauty. Architecture that borrows elements from nature becomes a decorative accomplishment. Art Nouveau is a prime example of how twisting vines and floral blooms can grace a structural form to soften hard edges with botanic fluidity.

Recently designers have recognised the potential that lies not just in mimicking natural forms but in applying the growth processes that nature possesses. For example, designer Mark Newson has developed a structural pattern similar to the cellular structure found in the human body, where cells are pushed together as they collide and produce planes in different directions. He has then transferred the structural form to the template of a chair. This is made possible by software that is able to replicate natural growth pattern. When coupled by manufacturing techniques, designers are able to see an increased speed in which any shape is able to materialise, as opposed to the traditional methods of the past. Visions are therefore able to materialise rather than languish due to insufficient time or means.

Dutch designer, Joris Laarman designs chairs that imitate the way in which bones grow, removing non-stress-bearing material from a chair’s structure, which is one of the ways bones achieve their strength. Computer software is used to calculate the places in which weak areas occur when a seat is taken. A structure would then be formed and shaped to support a sitter accordingly. Similarly, trees also use strengthening techniques, sensing weak points, where twigs are snapped; the tree then reinforces the area to avoid repeating the occurrence. The design of the chair combines both the elements of tree and bone growth. In the online edition of Icon magazine, Laarman commented; ‘One part provides the structure, and the other optimises it’.

Another example of how nature is incorporated into design, producing unusual but exciting results is the creation of a vase, essentially built by bees. The productive character of bees, where the name, ‘busy bees’ originate are concentrated into thickening the walls of a wax vase. Essentially a vase shaped hive is formed. Wax sheets, printed were used to shape the hive and were printed with a honeycomb pattern as a template for the bees to work on top of. Bees were lured to the site by putting sugar at the top of the hive. Taking a week to build, the final vase was bright yellow and texturally rich.

Darwinian evolution has also inspired table design and has been developed by design duo Kram and Weisshaar, who use a bespoke algorithm to produce a variety of table shapes, filtering out undesirable features and selecting the more appealing aspects that are presented in order to create a flawless design that may not have been thought of without the help of technology.

Nature will continue to infiltrate design, as it contains an infinite array of solutions that display ingenuity and creativity without compromising on quality.




 


Category:  Architecture and Design

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