I'm not a mother of children, but I'm a different type of mother where my approach to design is more in line with nature. It's less about dictating and more about editing and listening and allowing something to grow. So I nourish and let the material express what it wants to be.

Neri Oxman’s quote, "I'm not a mother of children, but I'm a different type of mother where my approach to design is more in line with nature," reveals her unique perspective on design. Oxman uses the metaphor of being a mother to describe her nurturing, non-dominant approach to the design process. While she is not a mother in the traditional sense, she compares her approach to design to that of a caregiver, one who guides and nurtures rather than imposes rigid structures or directives.

She continues, "It's less about dictating and more about editing and listening and allowing something to grow." Oxman contrasts traditional design methods, which often involve rigid control and direction, with her more organic and collaborative approach. Instead of forcing a predetermined outcome, she focuses on editing and allowing the design to evolve naturally, similar to how a plant grows according to its inherent nature. This highlights her belief in working with materials and processes that allow for growth, rather than trying to control every aspect of the creation.

Oxman further elaborates, "So I nourish and let the material express what it wants to be." Here, she emphasizes the importance of respecting the inherent properties of the material used in design. Instead of forcing the material into a preconceived form, Oxman believes in allowing it to express its own potential and characteristics. This approach aligns with her broader philosophy of design that seeks harmony between human creativity and the natural world.

Originating from Oxman’s work as an architect, designer, and professor at the MIT Media Lab, this quote reflects her pioneering work in design that combines technology, nature, and biology. Oxman’s design philosophy draws inspiration from nature, often using biological processes and materials in innovative ways. Her approach is in stark contrast to more traditional, rigid methods, advocating instead for a more symbiotic relationship with the materials and processes she works with.