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Generative design Jewellery: Elements collection

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Creating brilliance effects in precious metals

‘Elements’ is a jewellery collection inspired by the natural elements; earth, air, fire and water. The pieces are created using generative design techniques. Shown here are silver bangles ‘Water’ and ‘Cosmic’.

Creating brilliance effects in precious metals

Already since 2010 Hanno has been pioneering with generative design techniques. Advanced design techniques which today are getting more and more common in architecture, but are still hardly used in product design. They are an important addition to our design tool box.

What is Generative design?

Generative design deviates from traditional design techniques because the designs are ‘generated’ by manipulating algorithms (mathematical formulas) using advanced computer programs. In this way the role of the designer can be compared to that of a musician, who manipulates the sound waves generated by computers in such a way that synthesized music arises. Although the technique may sound rather digital, with generative design it is in fact possible to create complex shapes which almost instantly feel natural and familiar. This because many of the algorithms used can be found in nature. For example the way a tree splits into branches is not a coincidence but defined by underlying mathematical principles which can be described with algorithms.

Water

In the Water collection, a computer generated waterstream flows through a master shape, as if bringing the design to life.

The amplitude of the water waves, their direction and distance between them have been manipulated into a perfectly natural-looking water surface which has been frozen in time and cast in silver. The bracelet reflects it’s surrounding environment similar to the way a water surface does. In this way seemingly changing appearance with each movement of the wearer or change in surroundings. To create a continuous water surface wihtout interuptioin, the bracelets and necklaces have been provided with a cleverly designed, near invisible clasp. How to open it remains the wearer’s secret!

Cosmic

‘Cosmic’ is all about the relationships between entities; whether between people, stars, cells or atoms. All such natural entities tend to arrange themselves in relationship to one another according to mathematical formulas that can be found almost everywhere in nature.

These formulas lead to patterns that are perceptible in the shapes of corals and shells, in the patterns on giraffes and turtles, in parched clay, crystal structures, neural networks and even in social networks!

This natural process of arranging takes place in such a way as to achieve a state of equilibrium. The result is an aesthetic balance which is universally accepted as perfect. This is because it is difficult to imagine another arrangement than that created by nature. The Cosmic bangles emulate this principle. In this case the Voronoi formula is used to manipulate the master shape. The result is an intriguing pattern that is highly irregular yet perfectly balanced, giving the pieces a naturally expressive beauty.