Think of this as the engineering counterpart to art nouveau: how does nature design?

I model a starting geometry in CAD, apply loads to various points and ‘fix’ others in place, define a material and a safety factor, and the software determines how best to optimize material placement.

This is essentially the same process by which nature creates efficient life forms – using energy to build structure and function only where required.

I used Fusion 360’s generative engine for these bookends and shelves. The models at the right demonstrate how a thin plate is reinforced to minimize deflection.