NextFEM-Link for Grasshopper now available - a new (free) tool for structural analysis

NextFEM Designer is a free tool for structural analysis for Windows which supports different solvers, such as OOFEM, OpenSees and CalculiX, and can handle models from more than 20 formats.

Now you can use it together with Rhino 8 and Grasshopper with the brand-new NextFEM-Link for Grasshopper, which brings some components to export the Rhino model to NextFEM Designer and/or a .NXF (NextFEM format) file. In addition, some query tools are available to use quantities in the model such as nodal coordinates and element connectivity.

You can use Rhino 8 to model complex geometries and NextFEM-Link to translate them automatically into a NextFEM model, which can be seamlessly analyzed in the solver you prefer, or even exported to other proprietary formats.

In its first release, NextFEM-Link translates curves and meshed entities to linear and planar finite elements. Instructions on its usage are available here.

Finally, NextFEM always listens to the needs of its users; feel free to request new functionalities using this form.

Complete info...

Getting to know...WAZP: Transforming Supply Chains with 3D Printing!

WAZP is revolutionizing manufacturing by seamlessly blending innovation, customization, and sustainability. Founded in 2015 on Ireland's west coast, the company leverages cutting-edge 3D printing to transform traditional supply chains. With a commitment to high-quality, locally produced, and ethically sourced products, WAZP minimizes waste and maximizes efficiency. Their distributed manufacturing model brings production closer to consumers, reducing transportation costs and environmental impact while enabling flexibility to meet real-time demand.

Through groundbreaking partnerships with industry leaders like IKEA and Vivobarefoot and tools like Grasshopper and ShapeDiver, WAZP has delivered custom, on-demand solutions that challenge traditional manufacturing norms. Notable successes include producing sustainable, bespoke footwear and pioneering cost-effective 3D printing for mass-market goods. WAZP’s innovative approach ensures clients benefit from reduced waste, faster time to market, and the ability to scale globally—all while staying true to their mission of creating a greener, smarter future for manufacturing.

Read the full article here...

Workshop: Design and Parametric Fabrication by ControlMAD (Winter Edition)

DESIGN & PARAMETRIC FABRICATION

Winter edition workshop

by ControlMad

The course focused on getting knowledge in 3D modelling with Rhinoceros and Parametric Design with Grasshopper, obtaining real results with the construction of a large-scale prototype as a final project thanks to digital fabrication tools.

Students not only learn how to 3D model but also implement various strategies to obtain structures of complex models, analyze, calculate, interact with the physical environment, etc. with the chance of manufacturing different models with CNC technology, like cutting laser, milling machines and 3D printers. The final goal is to create, design, and 3D model a cool object, prototype, or sculpture using Rhino and Grasshopper and make it real with the digital machines we have.

This X edition will be in a hybrid format: PART I full online sessions. PART II (optional) can be followed online or onsite.

Hours: 100

Dates: February 24 - March 21

PART I (On-line)

• 3D MODELING with RHINOCEROS 
• PARAMETRIC DESIGN with GRASSHOPPER I
• PARAMETRIC DESIGN with GRASSHOPPER – II

PART II (On-site or On-line)

• DIGITAL FABRICATION SYSTEMS/ 28 Hours

Complete details and registration...

New video: Industrial and Product Design Detailing with Rhino by SimplyRhino UK (Part 1/2)

 

Watch Part 1/2: Industrial and Product Design Detailing

In our latest video tutorials, Phil Cook, Simply Rhino’s Senior Rhino trainer, discusses the details of industrial and product design with Rhino 8.

When we consider Rhino and its use in Industrial Design and Product Design, we often think about creating and developing exterior shape and form, managing complex surface transitions and very much concerning ourselves with the visual ‘appearance’ of a product. 

You will learn:

• Internal features for manufacture and assembly
• Adding Internal Detailing in Rhino3D
• Shelling, Offsetting & Creating a clamshell lip

 Watch the Industrial and Product Design Detailing with Rhino tutorial...

Rhino User Webinar: Designing with Data

Rhino User Webinar

Designing with Data: How Computational Design Shapes Daily Practice

11 December 2024 at 4:30 pm (CET)

This webinar explores how computational design can make the design process smarter, faster, and more creative.

We will look at real examples of how data, algorithms, and automation are used to make better design decisions, tackle complex challenges, and free up time from repetitive tasks. Computational design isn’t just a tool—it’s a way to push boundaries and rethink how we approach architecture, landscape, and urbanism. It contributes to bring together creativity and technology to deliver more efficient, impactful designs.

About the speaker:
Eliana Nigro is an architect, educator and head of computational design at Cobe, participating in numerous lectures and podcasts, discussing how technology interacts with creative developments. During her professional experience, she has been involved in a large range of projects all over the world. She worked for 3XN architects for four years, after completing a post-graduation master in advanced design methods. Eliana is the founder of ELNI Studio, which provides services related to AI solutions, 3D modelling, algorithmic modelling, data driven design and digital fabrication. ELNI Studio also offers mentoring sessions, focusing on portfolio review, career advice and public speaking training for students and young professionals. She has a background as academic researcher and she is still regularly involved in workshops and conferences concerning the use of digital strategies in architecture. She has been guest lecturer at universities worldwide, focusing on parametric approaches to face the emergent complexity of architecture.

Complete details and registration...

Free Spherene workshop at Footwearise 2024 Barcelona (Dec 4-5)

As part of the Footwearise 2024 Barcelona conference there are a series of workshops, including:

Free Spherene workshop
December 4, 19:00 -20:00 & December 5, 16:00 - 18:00

online or on location (Footwearology Lab and McNeel Europe)

Spherene is an API and a plugin for Grasshopper that helps to minimize material and maximize strength. It allows designers to create optimal material properties for a variety of 3D printing methods, whilst minimizing the need for supports and speeding up your CAD workflow.

In this free workshop you will learn what Spherene can do and how to apply it to footwear through two use cases taught by expert teachers: René Medel (Senior Digital Creation Engineer at Framas) and Jesus Marini Parissi (Computational Design Engineer at Moon Rabbit Adaptive Lab).

This workshop is stream lived online, but if you are in Barcelona for Footwearise then you can join in person. The first part of the workshop takes place at our Footwearology lab and the second part at the European HQ of McNeel, the company behind Rhino and Grasshopper.

The Spherene workshop is meant for design professionals with at least a basic to intermediate knowledge of Grasshopper.

Program:

• Wednesday, December 4, 19:00 - 20:00

- Introduction to Spherene by Daniel Bachmann and Ralph Baertschi

• Thursday, December 5, 16:00 - 18:00

- 30 minutes demo of SubD Modeling for footwear parts by René Medel

- 1 hour practical workflow to apply ADMS in footwear geometry by Daniel Bachmann

- 30 minutes footwear parts analysis with Intact Solutions in Grasshopper by Jesus Jesus Marini Parissi.

Register for free at https://www.footwearology.com/footwearise (scroll down to the bottom of the page)...

Rhino User Webinar: Integrating Machine Learning Models in Rhino 8

 

Rhino User Webinar
Integrating Machine Learning Models in Rhino 8
3 December 2024 at 12:00 pm (CET)

This webinar explores Rhino 8’s scripting environment, particularly the new Python 3 component, and how it enables direct integration of ML (Marchine Learning) models, such as regression or classification, for design optimization. While generative AI is often in the spotlight, many practical challenges in the AEC industry are better addressed with these models, which can significantly improve workflow efficiency.

One revisited project, LearnCarbon, showcases the potential of this integration. Initially, the project involved extensive data cleaning and model training using NumPy, Pandas, TensorFlow, and Keras, with predictions linked to Grasshopper via Hops. This workflow was dependent on external plugins and background scripts, leading to stability issues.

With Rhino 8’s new Python 3 integration, these models can now run directly within Rhino, eliminating the need for external plugins and improving workflow stability. This integration enables new possibilities: 

1. Accelerating slow processes by generating synthetic datasets in Grasshopper, or even utilizing existing ones, using ML to predict outcomes and bypassing traditional computationally-heavy simulations
2. It allows for reversing model relationships—such as in LearnCarbon, where a model trained to predict embodied carbon based on materiality can now recommend optimal materials based on a target emission factor.

About the speaker:

Iliana Papadopoulou is an architect and software developer who has led initiatives focusing on spatial computing, machine learning, and interfaces. Her work spans all scales, from creating immersive virtual spaces to optimizing the performance of large urban layouts worldwide with neural networks. Iliana has contributed to both professional practice and academia, applying both research and technical skills to projects.

Complete details and registration...

food4Rhino webinar: Flow – Crowd Simulation and Evacuation Planning in Grasshopper (Nov 27, 2024 at 5PM CET)

food4Rhino webinar: Flow – Crowd Simulation and Evacuation Planning in Grasshopper
Nov 27, 2024 at 5PM CET

Join us for a live webinar introducing Flow, a new Grasshopper plug-in designed for advanced crowd simulation and evacuation analysis.

Flow integrates seamlessly with Rhino, allowing designers and engineers to easily update their simulations by adjusting geometry directly in Rhino. Learn how Flow can help you simulate the movement of people in various scenarios, from routine pedestrian flow to emergency evacuations, while providing real-time feedback and optimization. Discover how Flow can enhance your design process, improve safety compliance, and streamline crowd management strategies.

This session will include a live demonstration, key features overview, and a Q&A with the developer.

Bio: Gianluca Casalnuovo is a computational designer, building engineer, and architect, currently based in Dubai, UAE, and working as Lead Computational Engineer at Zutari Middle East. With expertise in computational design, Gianluca focuses on integrating information to establish connections between behavior programming, form organization, and generated influences. He is skilled in 3D modeling and programming across platforms such as Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper, and C#, with a strong passion for geometry, mathematics, and cutting-edge constructive-mechanical systems. After earning a master’s degree in Building Engineering-Architecture from Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna, Gianluca has worked with leading international firms, including Arup, Jacobs Engineering, and Maffeis Engineering, contributing to high-profile projects. His work spans parametric design, complex algorithm development, and automating design processes, helping streamline workflows and enhance efficiency.

Free registration…

Black Friday Discounts on Online Courses - Rhino3D.Education

 It is that time of year, and Rhino3D Education has two fantastic Black Friday deals for you!

Enjoy the most significant discount of the year with our Black Friday sale!

Take advantage of a limited-time offer: enjoy 40% off our Micro-Minors! To redeem your discount, please use the coupon code BLACKFRIDAY40OFF at checkout. We offer three Micro-Minors in English and three in Spanish. 

Please select the Micro-Minor you are interested in from the options provided here. 

Also, enjoy 30% off each of our courses. Use the coupon code BLACKFRIDAY30OFF, to receive your discount.

This limited-time offer won’t last long! Explore our various courses here.

Courses will be available to stream for two years after purchase.

The offer expires on December 10, 2024.

Questions? Contact us

Getting to know… RE:Ukraine Villages: Rebuilding Ukraine with Grasshopper!

Explore how balbek bureau, an award-winning interior design and architecture practice from Kyiv, uses Grasshopper and ShapeDiver to preserve Ukraine’s cultural identity through the RE: Ukraine Villages project. This online configurator empowers users to design and rebuild traditional Ukrainian homes, honoring regional architectural heritage while addressing the challenges of post-war recovery.

While Grasshopper’s parametric modeling enabled the creation of over 200 million unique house configurations, streamlining complex workflows, ShapeDiver brought this vision online, delivering an intuitive, interactive tool accessible to experts and non-experts.

Discover how this project is combining innovation and tradition to shape the future of reconstruction and cultural preservation.

Read the full article here...

Footwearise (December 2-3, 2024) - Barcelona

Footwearise
Barcelona

December 2-3, 2024

Footwearise, hosted by international innovation platform Footwearology, unites all companies that are striving towards a common goal: to produce footwear close to market, on demand, with options for customization, from renewable and regenerative materials, including feasible and profitable retail and end of life systems. The event includes an exhibition, conference and networking opportunities, as well as a curriculum of workshops and demos in the days after.

The focus is NOT just on 3D printing but also on knitting, molding and any other technology or software that aims to improve to way we design, manufacture, use and re-use shoes.

The first edition in September 2023 was completely sold out and a spin-off event in Portland (USA) in January 2024 was so successful that we are now expanding and using even more space in our beautiful location.

Footwearise is not a traditional tradeshow. Instead, we are focusing on sharing knowledge and making effective connections between exhibitors, speakers and visitors that speed up progress for the whole industry. The first edition of the event last year September led to a multitude of fruitful collaborations that we are proud to show this time!

Complete details and registration...

Video tutorial by Agata Kycia: Learn Technical Drawings using Layouts in Rhino

 

Learn Technical Drawings using Layouts in Rhino 3D:

Generating 2D Drawings from 3D Models

Tutor: Agata Kycia

Easy-to-follow video tutorials

In this beginner-friendly course, you’ll learn how to create and extract technical drawings from 3D models in Rhinoceros, an essential skill for effective communication in design, architecture, and engineering. The course will cover everything you need to know about setting up scales, dimensions, annotations, lineweights, and linetypes to transform your 3D models into clear and professional technical drawings.

The course is led by Agata Kycia, an architect and researcher with over 14 years of experience in Rhinoceros. Agata specializes in computational design, digital fabrication, and material science. She earned her doctorate from TU Berlin for research on self-shaping textiles and currently teaches CAD and generative design at the International University.

You will learn: 

• Create a 3D model of a bottle and use Rhino’s Layouts to extract various 2D drawings, including plans, sections, elevations, and perspective views
• Divide complex 3D models into smaller parts to create detailed cutaway sections and exploded-view drawings, ideal for explaining intricate designs
• Gain valuable skills in generating clear 2D drawings for effective communication of your ideas, whether you’re working in architecture, design, engineering, or as a hobbyist

Requirements: No prior experience with Rhinoceros is necessary as this class is designed for beginners. For the course, you can use Rhino versions 6, 7, and 8.

More information here...

Webinar: Simulation for Buildings & Cities: The Latest in the Rhino® & Grasshopper Ecosystem (Dec 3, 2024 at 3PM CET/9AM ET)

Webinar: Simulation for Buildings & Cities: The Latest in the Rhino® & Grasshopper Ecosystem
Dec 3, 2024 at 3PM CET/9AM ET

Rhino® & Grasshopper have become standard tools for the AEC computational designer. With recent advances in AI integration and API access for third-party tools, join this webinar to learn about the latest plug-ins and workflows for urban microclimate, building, and system simulation.

Our guest presenters (Jeroen Janssen from Thornton Tomasetti, Joel Lopez from LINK Arkitektur and Richard Szoeke-Schuller from Simscale) will showcase how they have developed bespoke simulation tools and workflows including:

• Microclimate simulation in Rhino®.
• Outdoor thermal comfort workflows for evaluating heat and cold stress.
• How they have used third-party tools like Speckle, BIM, and data visualization to augment their team knowledge, skills, and processes.

About SimScale

SimScale is the world’s first cloud-native SaaS engineering simulation platform, giving engineers and designers immediate access to digital prototyping early in the design stage, throughout the entire R&D cycle, and across the entire enterprise. By providing instant access to a single fluid, thermal, and structural simulation tool built on the latest cloud computing technology, SimScale has moved high-fidelity physics simulation technology from a complex and cost-prohibitive desktop application to a user-friendly web application, accessible to any designer and engineer in the world.

Free registration...

Grasshopper Level 3 online course, December 2-4 2024 (McNeel Europe)

 

Grasshopper Level 3 

Online Workshop

Tutor: Ping-Hsiang Chen

2-4 December 2024

10:00 am-5:00 pm CET (Barcelona)

Hosted on Zoom by McNeel Europe

The upcoming Grasshopper Level 3 Course is for professionals seeking to broaden their understanding of Grasshopper in the design and production process. For three days, participants will have the opportunity to delve into advanced techniques in design and production under the guidance of Ping- Hsiang Chen, a former senior architect at Zaha Hadid with over 10 years of computational design experience. This course focuses on geometric manipulation, data-driven analytical approaches, advanced geometry creation with feedback loops, collaboration in data-driven workflows, and automation in Grasshopper.

On completion of this course, participants will learn:

• Gain better control over complex geometries
• Integrate advanced techniques in geometry creation through the implementation of feedback loops
• Automate design processes and create custom extended functions
• Foster collaboration within data-driven workflows for optimized outcomes

Day 1

• Complex Geometry Modelling Overview
• Volumetric Modeling Techniques using Mesh and SubD
• Advanced Geometry Modification Methods
• Iterative Modelling
• Branch Structure and Fractals

Day 2

• Introduction to physics-based modeling
• Form Finding with Goals and Forces
• Understanding Constraints and Element Interaction
• Encode Material Behavior into Geometries
• An Overview of Generative Design
• Single and Multi-objective Optimization with Evolutionary Algorithms

Day 3

• Data Visualization
• Creation of a Web-based Viewer for Data Sharing and Visualization
• Code Reusability and Custom Function
• Collaborative Workflow Introduction
• Grasshopper Players
• Q&A Session and Course Recap

Course requirements: Experience using Grasshopper in a professional context or at an intermediate level. Software requirement: Rhino 8

Online course fees for each course: EUR 395,- (+VAT); full-time students and university teachers get 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!

Rhino User Webinar: A Music Video Made with Grasshopper

Rhino User Webinar
A Music Video Made with Grasshopper
20 November 2024 at 6:00 pm (CET)

In this webinar, Simon Aulis Kallioinen will demonstrate the process of creating the music video for his song “Nutritious Soil.” The video was made using Grasshopper and is entirely based on line graphics. It utilizes skeleton tracking data from a Kinect and heavily relies on MIDI data from the actual recording of the song to trigger the graphics and events. 

The webinar will provide an overview of the Grasshopper script, as well as delve into techniques relevant to creating animations in Grasshopper, such as triggering events from timecode, creating smooth transitions, and incorporating data from external formats -such as MIDI data- into time cues in Grasshopper.

About the speaker:

• Simon Aulis Kallioinen is an architect at FOJAB in Stockholm, Sweden. He primarily focuses on analysis tools, computational design, and carbon footprint calculations, using Grasshopper as his main tool. He is also a passionate musician and songwriter under the alias Simon Aulis, with the piano as his primary instrument.
  YouTube: Simon Aulis Music
  Instagram: simonaulis

Complete details and registration...

Getting to know… Vivobarefoot: The Scan-to-Production Footwear Revolution!

In footwear design, innovation often means moving beyond traditional approaches, a path that Pete Davis, Computational Systems Lead at Vivobarefoot, knows well. With a background in professional breakdancing, Davis has introduced a fresh perspective to Vivobarefoot's BIOME innovation lab, leading the development of the VivoBiome line. Using advanced tools like 3D scanning, AI, and parametric modeling, Vivobarefoot is reimagining custom-fit footwear. In his recent interview with ShapeDiver, Davis shares insights into the digital tools and strategies driving this transformation, illustrating the potential of computational design in creating more tailored, sustainable shoes.

Read the full article here...

Rhino Kaffeeklatsch in Graz - November 7, 2024

Come join 3D Base and McNeel Europe for a Rhino Kaffeeklatsch in Graz on November 7, 2024, from 3 to 6PM.

An informal gathering of Rhino and Grasshopper users in the fields of AEC (Architecture, Engineering & Construction) and Design.

Location:

Regus - Graz, Smart City
Business Lounge, 1st Floor
Waagner-Biro-Straße 47/1
8020 Graz

Date & Time:

November 7, 2024
15:00 - 18:00

Agenda:

15:00 - Welcome
15:10 - 17:10 - Presentations
17:10 - 18:00 - Open Discussion + Networking

Speakers & Topics:

15:10 - 15:40 - Carlos Pérez Albà (McNeel Europe) on What's New at McNeel
15:40 - 16:10 - Extended Functions in Revit through Rhino.Inside by Arch. Armin Ibounigg from ai-d architektur
16:10 - 16:40 - Dipl. Ing. (FH) Petrus Gartler from PERZ+GARTLER
16:40 - 17:10 - Arch. Martin Pomberger from architecture_nomad

Language: German and English

Included: Kaffee & Kuchen

We look forward to your participation!

Free registration here...

Parametric Design & AI Technology in Service of Engineers: Exclusive Seminar by ErgoCAD

 

Parametric Design & AI Technology in Service of Engineers:

Exclusive Seminar by ErgoCAD

The Department of Civil Engineering at the University of West Attica, in collaboration with ErgoCAD, is organizing a seminar at the Ancient Olive Grove Campus. Professional engineers and construction experts will present a series of lectures on parametric design, AI technology, and the transformative role of Rhino and Grasshopper in building design.

Event Details:

• Date: Monday, November 4, 2024
  
• Time: 16:00 - 20:00
• Location: Room B221, Building B, University of West Attica

Agenda 

• 16:00 - 16:10 – Welcome
  George Varelidis (Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, University of West Attica)
  
  
• 16:10 - 16:20 – Parametric Design in Construction
  Nikolaos Kourniatis (Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University of West Attica)
  
  
• 16:20 - 16:30 – Digital Tools in Construction
  Nikolaos Pneumatikos (Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University of West Attica)
  
  
• 16:30 - 17:00 – Modern Applications of Parametric Design & AI in Building Design
  Alexandros Christodoulou (Civil Engineer and Programmer, Doctoral Candidate, University of Thessaly)
  
  
• 17:00 - 17:45 – Introduction to Rhino & Parametric Design with Grasshopper
  George Tsiamtsiakiris (Civil Engineer, Co-founder of ErgoCAD)
  
  
• 18:00 - 18:10 – Earthquake-Resistant Structures & Evaluation
  Konstantinos Repapis (Associate Professor, University of West Attica)
  
  
• 18:10 - 18:20 – Advances in Construction Design
  George Exarchakos  (Special Teaching Staff - EDIP)
  
  
• 18:15 - 19:30 – Advanced Computational Methods for Steel and Concrete Structure Analysis
  George Tsiamtsiakiris (Civil Engineer, Co-founder of ErgoCAD)
  
  
• 19:30 - 20:00 – Example Application of Consteel for a 7-Story Mixed-Structure Study
  George Tsiklis (Builder and Economist)

Additional Benefits for Attendees: Participants will receive Those attending the seminar will receive gifts valued at €150 from ERGOCAD. More information will be provided to those in the room at the end of the seminar.

Don't miss this opportunity to explore the future of parametric design and AI in engineering!

Complete notes and more information ...

Discover RhinoLands – Advanced BIM Solutions for Landscape Architects

BIM workflow and Landscape Modeling with RhinoLands

Free webinar organized by Asuni

13 Nov 2024 at 17:00 CET
Language: English

Are you a Rhino user looking to expand your design capabilities into landscape architecture? Join Asuni for an exclusive webinar where they'll introduce RhinoLands, the powerful BIM extension designed specifically for landscape architects, urban planners, and other professionals who want to elevate their landscape designs within Rhino.

In this session, they’ll cover how it integrates with Rhino’s robust modeling environment to bring specialized tools for site planning, terrain modeling, and plant management. You’ll learn how RhinoLands simplifies complex landscape design workflows, allowing for dynamic modifications, advanced environmental analysis, and automated documentation, all from within the Rhino interface you already know.

What You’ll Learn:

• Parametric Landscape Design: Harness RhinoLands’ parametric tools to create adaptive and responsive landscape designs that adjust to site conditions in real time.
• BIM-Ready Documentation: Automatically generate high-quality technical plans, planting schedules, and detailed documentation for seamless project management.
• Terrain and Plant Management: Easily model terrains and incorporate plant data for accurate ecological simulations and visually compelling, realistic presentations.
• Seamless Workflow Integration: Work fluidly across disciplines with compatibility for multiple design platforms, helping you collaborate effortlessly with architects, engineers, and urban planners.

Reserve your spot here...

SIGRADI workshop: "Bio-Parametric 3D Printed Lamps" - Barcelona, Nov 11-12, 2024

For all SIGRADI 2024 conference participants, the organization is glad to announce a free workshop at McNeel Europe office:

"Bio-Parametric 3D Printed Lamps"
Barcelona, Nov 11-12, 2024

Participants will delve into the intricacies of enhancing collaborative design processes by integrating light and pattern analysis into the initial stages of design. 

The workshop leverages the power of generative design to create lamp designs that reflect the performance of nature through bio-parametric design. Our primary objective is to equip participants with the essential knowledge and skills required to foster a collaborative work environment using Rhino3d and Grasshopper.

Methodology: The workshop will place a strong emphasis on effective teamwork, enabling participants to work simultaneously on 3D sketch models, facilitated by the seamless integration of 3D printing models using Grasshopper parameters. We will explore the associative exploration of complex geometries and morphological iterations, designing with the lights and shadows of the final projects.

Expected Results: This is a 100% practical workshop. By the end, participants will have created physical, customized, and parameterized lamps that reflect the performance of nature, utilizing advanced 3D printing methods. Additionally, participants will gain the ability to generate a variety of lamp "families" with distinct yet related designs, demonstrating the flexibility and power of bio-parametric design in real-world applications.

Complete info and registration...

"Never So Far Away: Chapter 3" - Concept Art Book By Luigi Memola

"I began using Rhinoceros about 15 years ago, and it quickly became an integral part of my daily work as a designer. Whether it's for professional projects or during my free time, I rely on this powerful tool to bring the creations of my imagination to life.

Rhinoceros allows me to achieve an extraordinary level of precision, quality, and detail, making it the perfect software for a wide range of designs. From futuristic spaceships and rugged trucks to sleek catamarans and cutting-edge race cars, I've used Rhinoceros to craft vehicles and objects that inhabit a visionary yet believable future. Every line, surface, and contour in these designs is carefully considered, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible both in the real world and in my imagined universe.

Never So Far Away: Chapter 3 is the culmination of years of work, passion, and creativity. In this concept art book, you'll find a selection of my most ambitious designs, all presented with high-quality visuals that showcase both the technical complexity and imaginative vision behind each project. This chapter focuses on a universe where advanced technology meets the human drive for exploration, speed, and innovation, reflecting the essence of what I aim to convey as a designer.

With a foreword by the legendary Lorin Wood and special support from the incredible Christian Grajewski, this is a must-have for all sci-fi and digital art enthusiasts!

I’m excited to finally share these creations with you and invite you to explore the worlds and vehicles I’ve built—where the future feels just within reach, yet never so far away." 

Luigi Memola

This 120-page high-resolution book includes:

• 50 minutes of time-lapse videos
• 50 highly detailed 3D digital renderings
• 70 traditional media sketches

Buy now the book's digital version or hardcover physical version... 

Update on Grasshopper UK User Group Meeting | 6 November 2024

Grasshopper UK User Group Meeting

On Wednesday, November 6th, join us at our hosts, Arup, for our second Manchester-based Grasshopper UK User Group Meeting. Our hosts will give two Grasshopper-focused presentations, plus we are delighted to have added LimitState with Peregrine to the presentation line-up. All this will follow a welcome from Paul Cowell from the Grasshopper UK User Group Meeting organizers, Simply Rhino. At the end of the meeting, there will be time for conversations and networking. 

Look forward to seeing you there!

Location: Arup, 6th Floor, 3 Piccadilly Place, Manchester, M1 3BN, United Kingdom
Time: 18:30-20:30
Meeting Date: Wednesday, 6 November

Presentations: 

• Giorgio Gatti – Arup
  Mount Tirana – Developing grasshopper-GSA workflows to iterate on complex geometry
  
  
• Dr Tom Pritchard  – LimitState
  From Concept to Creation: Using Peregrine to Optimise Truss Structures for Metal 3D Printing

• Sam Styles – Arup
  Arup STOMP – Structural Optioneering and Massing Program for the early-stage structural design studies

It’s free to attend, but you must book your place to join us—see the booking link below.

Complete notes and more information ...

Python & C# in Rhino 8 - A Guide to the New Script Editor in Grasshopper (Free online workshop)

Python & C# in Rhino 8 - A Guide to the New Script Editor in Grasshopper

Online & Free
19 November 2024

14:00 - 16:00 CET (GMT +1)

Join industry experts and academic lecturers for practical free workshops and learn how to get started with Python 3 and C# in Grasshopper:

• learngrasshopper.com partners will demonstrate practical examples of how to import and use different Python and C# libraries
• Share tips on creating efficient scripts using Rhino 8’s new script editor and guide you on which language to choose
• Present the learning paths to becoming a computational designer, as used by top technical universities

Sign up for free... 

Combine the power of Grasshopper and Python in VIKTOR

VIKTOR's latest update lets you create nodes to connect to VIKTOR apps!

VIKTOR is a platform for building web applications that enable users to create interactive tools for engineering, design, and automation using Python. It provides a framework for developing custom editors, visualizations, and integrations with external tools like Grasshopper, allowing for efficient workflows.

Thanks to the new Grasshopper nodes, you can now create a workflow that allows you to send designs to a calculator or dashboard with just the click of a button.

The nodes also let you pull information from VIKTOR, meaning you can now use VIKTOR apps as calculators for Grasshopper models and much more!

Learn about all the possibilities and see some (downloadable) examples here...

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.

RhinoArtisan version 6.0 is now available!

 

The creators of RhinoGold are now introducing version 6.0 of RhinoArtisan, a Rhino plugin specifically designed to optimize the workflow of designers, retailers, and vendors in the jewelry industry.

Thanks to an intuitive interface and a set of advanced tools, RhinoArtisan 6.0 enables designers to take their ideas from concept to realization faster and more efficiently. The seamless integration with Rhino provides a robust environment for creating complex designs, while the improved modeling and visualization functions allow users to explore new creative possibilities.

RhinoArtisan 6.0 now includes improvements in builders, gems, manufacturing and more, setting a significant step toward the future of digital jewelry and providing professionals with the necessary tools to excel in an ever-evolving market.

More information...

Download the evaluation version...

VisualARQ 3 is here!

VisualARQ 3 has been released!

This new version, compatible with Rhino 7 and Rhino 8, represents a significant leap forward in quality and functionality. VisualARQ3 will revolutionize how you use Rhino to develop comprehensive architectural projects.

After several years of development, this release incorporates over 1000 user-requested features, suggestions, and bug fixes since the VisualARQ 2.13 version. 

Some of the main new features of VisualARQ 3 include:

• Objects Link to Levels
• IFC 4 Support
• Dynamic Table Report Panel
• Buildings with Boundary
• Clashes and Clearances Report
• Reflected Ceiling Plans
• Guides
• Walls and Curtain Walls from Grasshopper Styles
• Objects Intersections and Interferences
• Profile Manager
• Export Layouts to DWG

...and many more!

SIGraDi 2024 - Biodigital intelligent systems (Barcelona)

SIGraDi 2024 - Biodigital intelligent systems

UIC Barcelona, 13-15 November

SIGraDi 2024's main theme is the application of biodigital intelligent systems in the world of architecture design and art, from research, teaching, and professional practice perspectives.

Biodigital intelligent systems refer to a confluence of principles from biology, digital technology, and artificial intelligence (AI) to create intelligent systems inspired by living organisms through a systemic approach. This field encompasses a wide range of interdisciplinary areas, including bio-inspired robotics, artificial life, evolutionary algorithms, computational neuroscience, and more. They often draw inspiration from biological structures, processes, and mechanisms, highlighting the power of biological systems and natural intelligence to create advanced and innovative technologies to adapt, learn, and solve complex problems. 

By emulating the principles and mechanisms observed in living organisms, these systems can exhibit remarkable capabilities such as self-organization, self-repair, robustness, and adaptability. Examples include bio-inspired robots to navigate challenging terrains, swarm robotics systems inspired by the collective behavior of social insects, neural networks based on the brain, and evolutionary algorithms to optimize complex tasks by mimicking natural selection and genetic variation. Finally, Biodigital Intelligent Systems are changing our world and pushing it towards a Biodigital future.

Complete details and registration...

ART Required Online Training: October 22-31, 2024

 

Last chance to join us!

Would you benefit by becoming an Authorized Rhino Trainer (ART)?

Your certification will allow you to stand out from others offering Rhino training. 

As an ART, you can post your class schedule to the Rhino Learn page for exposure to Rhino users who visit the website. This schedule can be searched by type of training and region. 

ART Requirements include participation in this online class.

This online class is for ART candidates in the North and Latin American Regions. (Other regions may also give permission for you to join our class.)

Online Class Format

• Six Sessions
  Week 1: October 22, 23, 24
  Week 2: October 29, 30, 31
  (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday x 2 weeks)
• Time: 8 am-12 pm PST

See details, sign-up, and outline.

Additional Details

• "Live" Attendance for 90% of class is required for ART credit.

• Webcam check-in at the beginning of each session is required for class credit.

• This class is typically offered twice a year.

See the ART Requirements for all Regions.

Questions? Please email Mary Ann Fugier.