Upcoming Controlmad's Master Course Parametric Design

Controlmad's unique program is designed to immerse you in the world of computational design, a cutting-edge field in product and industrial design, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, engineering, and digital fabrication. You will explore creating both digital and physical parametric models using Grasshopper for Rhino as your primary tool, along with our CNC (computer numerical control) machines.

The course is structured in two parts:

Part I – Digital Tools (248 hrs)
Learn Rhino and Grasshopper advanced techniques from the ground up. Topics include data management, organic modeling, artificial intelligence, Python scripting, structural analysis with Karamba3D, form-finding with Kangaroo, optimization workflows, and more.

Part II – Digital Fabrication (137 hours)

Hands-on experience with 3D printing, robotic arms, laser cutting, CNC milling, G-code generation, nesting strategies, and other fabrication technologies.

Dates:  October 26-February 11 

Choose enrollment in:

• The full program (online or onsite)
• Only Part I (online or onsite)
• Or a hybrid option (Part I online + Part II onsite)

Complete details and registration...

New resources for Grasshopper by Cademy xyz

 

This month, Cademy xyz has published two resources

 to help you build stronger foundations in Grasshopper.

Stop trying to learn all of the Grasshopper 3D components

Most beginners get overwhelmed by hundreds of components. Master the 20% of nodes that do 80% of the work with our new guide.

Cable design in Grasshopper: Kangaroo

Simulate realistic cables that maintain tension and flow. This tutorial will walk you through how to create dynamic, form-found cables in Grasshopper using the Kangaroo physics engine.

Grasshopper 3D Masterclass dates

• March 21-22, 2026
• April 11-12, 2026

Registration and more information...

Master in Parametric Design, Spring 2026 by Controlmad

 

MaSTER COURSE IN PARAMETRIC DESIGN

A unique study program to introduce you to the world of computational design, the state-of-the-art field for product design, architecture, landscape, engineering, digital fabrication... through creating physical and digital parametric models using as main tools Grasshopper for Rhino, along with CNC (computer numerical control) machines.

The course is divided into two parts: 

• Part I – Digital Tools (248 hours)

Learn Rhino and Grasshopper from the ground up to advanced techniques. Topics include data management, organic modeling, artificial intelligence, Python scripting, structural analysis with Karamba3D, form-finding with Kangaroo, optimization workflows, and more.

• Part II – Digital Fabrication (137 hours)

Hands-on experience with 3D printing, robotic arms, laser cutting, CNC milling, G-code generation, nesting strategies, and other fabrication technologies.

You may choose multiple ways to take it:

• Entire course (onsite or online)
• Just Part I (onsite or online)
• Hybrid: Part I online + Part II onsite.

The last early bird fees are available!

Kangaroo Physics online workshop, December 1-3 (McNeel Europe)

 

Kangaroo Physics online workshop

Tutor: Ping-Hsiang Chen

December 1-3, 2025

10 AM-5 PM CET (Barcelona)

Hosted on Zoom by McNeel Europe

Ping-Hsiang Chen, former computational designer at Zaha Hadid Architects, will lead a three-day online Kangaroo Physics workshop hosted by McNeel Europe.

This course introduces Kangaroo Physics, the live physics engine in Grasshopper, covering interactive simulation, form-finding, optimization, and constraint solving. Participants will learn to simulate material behavior, analyze geometry, and create animations while exploring core concepts such as constraints, particle systems, and material properties.

The workshop will also cover the application of Kangaroo to various geometry types, including NURBS, Mesh, and SubD.

Day 1 – Fundamentals of Physics-Based Modeling

• Introduction to physics-based modeling concepts.
• Overview of Kangaroo solvers and basic setup.
• Understanding goals and forces.
• Exploring constraints and element interactions.
• Case study: Grid shell and wood bending systems.

Day 2 – Form Finding and Geometry Optimization

• Introduction to tensegrity structures.
• Exploring origami and folding behaviors.
• Introduction to Mesh and SubD geometry in Rhino.
• Using Subdivision and QuadRemesh for Geometry Optimization
• Form-finding with Mesh with Kangaroo.

Day 3 – Advanced Applications and Workflows using Kangaroo

• Simulating inflation and pneumatic structures.
• Geometry optimization using Kangaroo.
• Applying Kangaroo for fabrication workflows.
• Understanding and managing collision detection.
• Geometry packing and spatial optimization.
• Advanced modeling workflows with Kangaroo.

Course requirements: The class is designed for participants who have completed the Grasshopper Level 1 course or regularly use Grasshopper in their daily work and are familiar with its basic data structures. An intermediate level of proficiency in Rhino is also recommended.

Software requirement: Rhino 8

Online course fees for each course: EUR 395 (+VAT). Full-time students and university teachers receive a 50% discount (proof of status required). Please note that we will confirm your seat after your payment has cleared.

Maximum number of participants for each course: 25. If there is no quorum, the course will be canceled 15 days before.

Course language: English

Educational seats are limited. Sign up now by contacting Verena!

C# Programming and Plugin Development for Rhino/Grasshopper, October 22-24, 2025 (McNeel Europe)

C# Programming and Plugin Development (Level 2)

Online Workshop

Tutor: Long Nguyen

October 22-24, 2025

10 AM-5 PM CET (Barcelona)

Hosted on Zoom by McNeel Europe

This course will help you achieve even more powerful possibilities with what is already available out of the box in Rhino and Grasshopper, by using the C# language to access the RhinoCommon programming library. C# is a modern language that is accessible to most people. Compared to Python, which is also available as a programming language in Rhino/Grasshopper, C# is much faster and type-safe (making it easier to prevent potential errors, especially in larger projects). In Rhino, you can use C# for both creating design scripts and developing full plugins.

The main topics that will be covered in Level 2 include:

• Diving deeper into RhinoCommon geometries: Curve (including NurbsCurve), Surface, Brep, Mesh
• Making more advanced plugins, including those that perform interactive simulation with support for real-time users' interaction (similar to the Kangaroo plugin)
• Learn about best practices and approaches to develop more complex codes, to increase (re)usability, extensibility, and maintainability.
• Spatial Data Structure (e.g., R-Tree) that can help your plugins/scripts run considerably faster for many geometric design problems.
• (If appropriate and if time allows) topics requested by the participants. For example, recursive algorithms (including fractal geometries), and how to use external C# libraries.

Course requirements: This Level 2 is built upon Level 1, and assumes that the learners will already be comfortable with the following essential topics:

• Basic C# language concepts such as variables, data types, conditional statements, loops, basic object-oriented programming, etc.
• Working with the C# Script component in Grasshopper
• The basic parts of the RhinoCommon library, such as simpler geometric entities, such as point3D, Vector3D, Line, Circle.
• Workflow for building simple Grasshopper Plugins in C# with Visual Studio
• You need to be familiar with Rhino and Grasshopper
• Software requirement: Rhino 8

Online course fees for each course: EUR 395 (+VAT). Full-time students and university teachers receive a 50% discount (proof of status required). Please note that we will confirm your seat after your payment has cleared.

Maximum number of participants for each course: 25. If there is no quorum, the course will be canceled 15 days before.

Course language: English

Educational seats are limited. Sign up now by contacting Verena!

Master in Parametric Design, 22nd Autumn Edition by Controlmad

MaSTER COURSE PARAMETRIC DESIGN

A unique program designed to immerse you in the world of computational design, a cutting-edge field in product and industrial design, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, engineering, and digital fabrication. You will explore the creation of both digital and physical parametric models using Grasshopper for Rhino as your primary tool, along with our CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines.

The course is structured in two parts:

Part I – Digital Tools (248 hours)

Learn Rhino and Grasshopper from the ground up to advanced techniques. Topics include data management, organic modeling, artificial intelligence, Python scripting, structural analysis with Karamba3D, form-finding with Kangaroo, optimization workflows, and more.

Part II – Digital Fabrication (137 hours)
Hands-on experience with 3D printing, robotic arms, laser cutting, CNC milling, G-code generation, nesting strategies, and other fabrication technologies.

You can choose to enroll:

• In the full program (online or onsite)

• Only Part I (online or onsite)

• Or a hybrid option (Part I online + Part II onsite)
  

Date: October 27 to February 12

                                        The last early bird fees are available!

Master in Parametric Design, Spring 21st Edition by Controlmad

MaSTER COURSE IN PARAMETRIC DESIGN

A unique study program to introduce you to the world of computational design, the state-of-the-art field for product design, architecture, landscape, engineering, digital fabrication... through creating physical and digital parametric models using as main tools Grasshopper for Rhino and CNC machines and 3D printers.

The course is divided into two parts: 

• Part I, 24 March-30 May: Rhino, Grasshopper, Kangaroo, Karamba, Python, AI, visualization (Fully online)
• Part II is optional to take, 2-26 June: Digital Fabrication (Onsite at Controlmad or online, as you wish)

You may choose multiple ways to take it:

• Entire course onsite or remotely
• Just Part I online
• Hybrid: Part I online + Part II onsite.

The last early bird fees are available!

New online training for Kangaroo for Grasshopper

New Course
Kangaroo for Grasshopper – Fundamentals of Physics-Based Design

Introducing ThinkParametric's latest online training, Kangaroo for Grasshopper – Fundamentals of Physics-Based Design, a comprehensive introduction to Kangaroo’s real-time physics solver.

This hands-on course is tailored for architects, designers, and engineers eager to explore the power of Kangaroo, Grasshopper’s integrated physics engine, for form-finding and simulation. 

This course demystifies the essential techniques behind physics-based design and enables you to create dynamic structures and simulations directly within Grasshopper. Whether you're an experienced parametric designer or new to Grasshopper, this course offers valuable insights and practical applications for using physics in design.

Why Enroll in This Course?

• Master the key principles of physics-based design using Kangaroo.
• Enhance your skill set with practical, real-world design challenges.
• Gain confidence in using advanced tools for innovative form-finding and simulation.
• Learn at your own pace with expert guidance from the ThinkParametric team.

What You Will Learn

• How to create simulations for tensile structures, particle systems, and more.
• The best practices for optimizing your parametric models with physics-driven simulations.
• How to integrate physics into architectural and design workflows through step-by-step projects.

About the Instructor

Arie Willem de Jongh, an expert in parametric and physics-based design, leads this course with years of experience working with Grasshopper and Kangaroo. With a background in architecture and computational design, Arie has contributed to groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of digital form-finding and simulation.

Start learning today! Visit ThinkParametric’s course page for full course details and registration.

Master in Parametric Design, Autumn 20th Edition

A unique study program to introduce you to the world of computational design, the state-of-the-art field for product design, architecture, landscape, engineering, digital fabrication... through creating physical and digital parametric models using as main tools Grasshopper for Rhino and CNC machines and 3D printers.

The course is divided into two parts: 

• Part I, entirely online: Rhino, Grasshopper, Kangaroo, Karamba3D, Python, AI, visualization
• Part II, optional to take: Digital Fabrication (Onsite at Controlmad or online, as you wish)

You may choose multiple ways to take it:

• Full course onsite or remotely
• Part I online
• Hybrid: Part I online + Part II onsite.

Course details

• Language: English
• Part I: October 28, 2024–January 16, 2025 
• Part II:  January 20–February 13, 2025 
• Minimum number of students:  8

Early bird fees are available!

New book by Abdulwahab Alosaj - CAD.GH Computational Aided Design Via Grasshopper

 

CAD.GH Computational Aided Design Via Grasshopper by Abdulwahab Alosaj

Abdulwahab Alosaj, instructor of architectural digital courses at Ajman University - UAE, just published a book on computational design. The comprehensive guide explains Grasshopper and its most essential plugins, including Kangaroo 2, Ladybug tools (Ladybug, Honeybee, Butterfly, Dragonfly), WASP, Fox, Anemone, BioMorpher, KUKA|prc for robotics, and the integration of coding by Python and C#, in addition to Grasshopper default tools (points, curves, surfaces, meshes, data, Galapagos).

CAD.GH Computational Aided Design Via Grasshopper is an essential guide for readers seeking to grasp and comprehend the potential of computational-aided design workflow by introducing the power of Grasshopper®, a visual programming language integrated with Rhinoceros®.

The book opens up a world of possibilities for groundbreaking design exploration. Through the lens of Grasshopper’s algorithmic design process approaches, the book provides design methods that enable the creation of complex geometries, dynamic patterns, and adaptive structures. These capabilities transcend the limitations of traditional CAD tools, empowering designers to envision and actualize concepts that were once considered unattainable.

From seasoned professionals to aspiring designers, this book equips readers with the skills and knowledge to harness the potential of Grasshopper and ascend on a transformative journey in computational-aided design. With its comprehensive approach and innovative insight, this resource promises to elevate design practices and inspire creative breakthroughs, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in the realm of architecture and beyond.

Get the book...

International Rhino User Meeting Wroclaw (7 June 2024) - Early Bird tickets until May 15th

Fab Foundation Poland, in collaboration with McNeel Europe, is happy to announce:

International Rhino User Meeting Wroclaw
7 June 2024

A full day of talks by expert designers (product, footwear, jewelry, marine, computation...), architects, engineers, educators, and the Fab Foundation and McNeel staff. 

Exhibitor area: Learn more about the latest tools, plugins, and integrations from our coolest industry partners.

Networking cocktail: Connect with fellow Rhino enthusiasts during our networking cocktail featuring avant-garde DJs in the beautiful city of Wroclaw!

Preliminary Agenda and Early Bird tickets (all inclusive)...

See previous Rhino User Meetings...

*Call for Speakers: Do you have a groundbreaking project or design & fabrication workflow to share? Seize the opportunity to contribute to our community-driven agenda as a speaker. Contact us to nominate yourself or recommend a colleague for consideration.

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Fab Foundation Poland is also organizing a professionally oriented series of masterclasses in parametric design. 

Masterclasses will be held every second weekend at the Fab Institute (Łokietka 12c, 50-243 Wroclaw, Poland). They will start with the basics, proceed through modeling with Anemone (iteratively) and Kangaroo (simulation), and end with advanced scripting classes in Python and C#. Please check the whole schedule.

IntraLattice, Chimpanzee, Treesloth and Droid added to ShapeDiver!

ShapeDiver, an online platform for hosting, publishing, and sharing Grasshopper files on the web, recently added support for four new Grasshopper plugins: IntraLattice, Chimpanzee, Treeslot, and Droid. This brings the total number of supported third-party plugins to 33, including popular names such as Pufferfish, Karamba3D, Kangaroo 2, OpenNest, Weaverbird, and MeshTools.

Learn more about how you can use them...

Timber gridshell classrooms with Grasshopper: Design, optimization and construction

The students from UPC School MPDA Master's in Parametric Design Architecture 1, which is taught online and at the ETSAV architecture school, have accomplished during the Studio 2 course the design and construction of two timber structures for hosting open-air classrooms in two different schools.

The students followed a program of continuous reviews by international experts on structural design, timber construction, computational geometry, and membrane design. The international group of students solved all the design, structural analysis, numerical fabrication, and construction processes within the Rhinoceros/Grasshopper framework, and finally built it during the face-to-face phase in Barcelona.

Amid several toolsets, the students profusely used Kangaroo 2 for the form finding, and then Kiwi!3D, Karamba3D, and Beaver for the structural analysis.

The Master Parametric Design in Architecture provides a computational design framework for the creation and optimization of lightweight structures with a low ecological footprint. The construction of the classrooms is part of the subject of development of innovation projects in which it is sought to integrate computational geometry, technological efficiency, sustainability and economic viability in real projects that can have a positive impact.

The built classrooms are designed with digital tools aiming to reduce the energy and weight of structures by means of an intensive use of geometry, and are manufactured using numerically controlled machines that allow for fast, efficient and prefabricated production.

The Zollinger open classroom, built at the CanCuní, is a lightweight gridshell of short pieces of birch plywood. The system is loosely based on the traditional Zollinger system which consists of the reciprocal transfer of loads in a short beam system. The challenge is to design and calibrate the required stiffness of a simply manufactured joint to avoid the cost and time of a bracing system.

The 3way open classroom, built at the ETSAV, is an ultra-thin gridshell of long and wide birch plywood 12mm planks. The system is based on the coupling of three families of pseudo-geodesic curves on a common surface that can be built from completely straight and planar planks without any waste. The simple 1D manufacturing technology relies solely on the exact positioning of the holes.

Students: Jorge Adrian Martorell ,Christian Merhej, Rudy Riachy , Alberto Sadun , Marc Serra , Alex Solà, Aitor Vadillo , Luis Ángel Garcia, Khalifa Alkhazriji , Ángel Barrón, Dalia Ezzeddine, Danny Vallejo , Ehsan Naguib, Weston Porter.

International experts: Julian Lienhard , Bending-active, STR.ucture / Universität Kassel, Dragos Naicu, timber gridshells, Anna Bauer, Structural analysis, Kiwi!3D / TUM, Ángel Antequera, Load cases and Wind, CODA /Modularem, Alberto Pugnale, Timber construction, University Melbourne, Almudena Majano, Timber engineering, ETSAM, Antonio Lara, Timber Engineering, ETSAM, Ton Miserachs, Membrane patterning, TP Arquitectura i construcció textil

Academic direction: Gerard Bertomeu, Pep Tornabell, Ramon Sastre, Enrique Soriano (partners at CODA and teachers at Barcelonatech and UPC School)

Acknowledgments: Special thanks to Can Cuní and to ETSAV UPC Architecture school for their support and workshops, Somnis a mida, Camping el Llac, Serge Ferrari for sponsoring the material, Gabarró Hermanos (timber logistics using UPM plywood), Manxa Bricolatge (Hardware), and always thankful to Daniel Piker for the use of Kangaroo.

Photo Credit: Andres Flajszer