New Master of Digital Building Design at École des Ponts ParisTech in Paris

The Digital Building Design Mastère Spécialisé® - Executive Master provides attendees with a cross-disciplinary culture of computational design and comprehensive knowledge of cutting-edge technologies in the fields of parametric architecture, advanced geometry, robotics, and digital manufacturing for the construction industry. 

The program is designed for a selected group of architects, engineers, designers, and digital artists and offers a variety of courses, fabrication and prototyping workshops, conferences, digital talks, and networking events. It is a real opportunity to enter an international ecosystem of architectural innovation. 

The program is 16 months long and is divided between a full-time semester at school and an executive part-time second semester (one week a month for six months plus the professional thesis). For the second semester, each student will choose between two options: CAM (Computer-aided manufacturing) and CAD (Computer-aided design). The full program includes 402 hours of teaching, a thesis, and a viva.

Details and registration...

xNURBS Rhino plugin V5.2 released

90% of the surfaces in the final car rendering were created using xNURBS

Announcing the availability of xNURBS Version 5.2. And V4/V5 customers can get a free upgrade to V5.2. V5.2 includes a number of enhancements, e.g., automatically trimming the boundary curves and further reducing the G1 deviation, etc. The following is a short answer to why xNURBS.

Key Features of xNURBS:

xNURBS is one super powerful NURBS tool that fixes virtually all surfacing issues for existing CAD software.

• Unlimited capacities for solving NURBS: Its optimization algorithm can solve virtually any NURBS surface in a matter of milliseconds (regardless of how complex the constraints are).
• High-quality surfaces: For a given set of constraints, xNURBS’ optimization algorithm uses an energy-minimization method to generate the smoothest NURBS surface among all possible solutions. The generated surface quality is outstanding.
• Easy-to-use: It uses one simple UI for all kinds of NURBS modeling.
• Super robust: xNURBS is rock solid and works flawlessly.
• Native CAD surfaces: xNURBS is based on NURBS, i.e., the native CAD surfaces, which can be directly used for any CAD modeling operations without any geometry translation.

Details and trial download...

Rhino & Grasshopper | VR headset modeling webinar

Rhinoceros & Grasshopper 3D modeling of a VR Headset

January 30, 2022, at 17:00 UCT/GMT

Free Webinar

Level up your Rhinoceros and Grasshopper 3D modeling skills by joining Cademy's free webinar session! Start by CAD modeling a VR Headset in Rhinoceros using curves, surfaces, and boolean operations. Then, apply textures in Grasshopper by generating hex frames on the headset front surface. Learn more about data trees, list operations, how to control the depth of the pattern using the attractor gradient, and how to create texture variations. Finally, export the design to KeyShot and set up your studio and custom materials to create a photorealistic rendering. It will be a good exercise for design students and professionals with basic and intermediate levels of Rhinoceros, Grasshopper, and KeyShot.

Complete details and registration...

Parametric Design Webinar (Rhino + Grasshopper)

Are you interested in gaining parametric competency to push your design skills to the next level? Are you ready to learn a very exciting and powerful tool that will take your ideas and concepts to a whole new realm?

This Parametric Design Webinar will provide you with the necessary knowledge and ability to use Grasshopper, a free visual programming plugin in Rhinoceros.

If you already know Grasshopper and would like to uplift your parametric knowledge, then you can choose Option 2.

• Option 1: General Webinar for Beginners - 8 Days / 16 hours in total: Start February 21, 2022
• Option 2: Intensive Webinar for Intermediates - 4 Days / 8 hours in total: Start February 28, 2022

Time Zone: CET / Berlin Germany Time

Webinar Language: English

Participants will be given a certificate of participation at the end of the webinar.

Complete details, registration, and webinar link...

Introducing: The new ShapeDiver platform

After spending most of 2021 in development and in beta testing for the last few months, ShapeDiver is happy to announce that the new ShapeDiver platform is finally ready!

All ShapeDiver users will now get access to these previously announced features and the following ones:

• Per-model analytics section
• Sharing models with other ShapeDiver users
• Link sharing private models with anyone
• New augmented reality settings
• Search models by ticket

All details are here and if you have any suggestions,

 feel free to post a new support forum topic.

Nemo, Grasshopper plugin for ship design, is sailing again!

Nemo provides multiple tools to generate lines plan, compute hydrostatics, perform resistance prediction, extract structural data, produce 2D drawings, and exchange data with other external software. 

Nemo also includes free tools to create parametric shapes, such as Naca profiles, hydrofoils, keels, rudders, blade propellers, and sail plans.

From 2021, Nemo is now available for purchase with commercial or educational licenses and is regularly updated.

This 1.3 release brings especially a USB floating license system, new FineMarine Export components (cylinder and box domains), and an integrated ALMET profile library.

Full details, updates and features on Nemo's food4Rhino page...

Rhino 7 + Grasshopper Workshop - En español

Join L.I.M.A. in their summer Supercamp Spanish Workshop for architecture students and related professionals.

Students will learn Rhinoceros 7 + Grasshopper from basic to advanced during this course. Students will also learn about explicit modeling from NURBS, Mesh to advanced SubD, PanelingTools, explicit history modeling, parametric modeling with Grasshopper and Pufferfish, Mesh subdivision, structural design, parametric paneling, and more.

No previous experience is required for this course; participants will begin with the basics and end with advanced concepts and tools.

Dates: January 27–February 19, 2022

Fee: 300.00PEN (US$ 80.00 +VAT, if applicable) (Volume discount available)

Language: Spanish (International students with basic-intermediate Spanish level can apply)

Location: Lima, Peru - Livestreamed from Zoom + Discord

Register here!

Questions? Contact estudio.lima.uno@gmail.com

Check out Rhino3D.Education for the latest courses on Rhino, Grasshopper, and more!

Record setting 3D printed installation—bECOme by Arturo Tedeschi

On December 2, 2021, Adidas opened the doors of its most sustainable flagship store to date under the motto Renew Berlin. The three-story, 1400m² store stands for regionality, sustainability, and the brand’s deep roots in sports. 

The store features the project bECOme, a 3D printed installation created by designer Arturo Tedeschi (@arturotedeschi) using more than 300 kg of recycled plastic. The suspended 17-meters long sculpture symbolizes the urgent commitment to turn waste into resources, passing through different transformation processes. It also expresses an attitude that considers plastic-waste-ending a mission through communication, education, and daily actions. The sculpture itself is a sustainability statement as it was made using recycled plastic turned into PLA filaments implemented in the printing process.

Rhino and Grasshopper have been used to create the original 3D model used for further development and 3D printing.

Credits:

• Project title: bECOme
• Where: Adidas Flagship Store Berlin
• Design: Arturo Tedeschi
• Fabrication: F.G. Meier GmbH
• Finishing: Sebastian Eberlein
• Photos: Hannes Jahreis

Read more about the project...

Bridging Data Science and Architectural Practice (by KPF and IAAC)

Bentall Centre’s Computational Design model in KPF’s Scout web platform

David Andres Leon (Head of Computational Design IAAC) and Brandon Pachuca (Urban Data Scientist + Web Developer at KPF) have been kind enough to share their latest article Bridging Data Science and Architectural Practice - Emergent applications of cloud computing in practice and academia.

A great intro to RhinoCommon, Grasshopper, Rhino.Inside, Rhino Compute and Hops:

"Architecture and computer science are becoming increasingly intertwined. The data science industry found a promising niche to leverage big data, machine learning, and web development to create viable products to automate workflows and bring new insights to market. Architecture can benefit from these trends, adapting product and web development to support advanced simulation and visualization practices."

Read the entire article...

Grasshopper Level 1 Online Course, February 14–16 (McNeel Europe)

 

Grasshopper Level 1 Online Course

February 14–16, 2022

10 AM–5 PM CET

Hosted on Zoom by McNeel Europe

The upcoming Grasshopper level 1 course is for professionals who would like to understand parametric design principles and learn Grasshopper efficiently. In the three-day course, our tutor Ping-Hsiang Chen (computational designer at Zaha Hadid Architects) will first take you through a journey of parametric design and its applications as well as the concept of computational geometry. We cover the use of native tools in Grasshopper and their relationship to Rhino. Ultimately, some valuable techniques for design and task automation will be introduced.  

To provide you with a comfortable learning environment, the teaching approach in the class will be a step-by-step approach starting from a review of Rhino 3D modeling principle and then slowly transitioning to abstract concepts such as data structure, mathematics, algorithmic modeling in Grasshopper. Participants will learn techniques such as creating and editing a free-form 3D model accurately, panellisation, and preparing 2D drawings and instruction for fabrication. Also, we discover some newly released features such as Grasshopper Player from Rhino 7. After the completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Have a good understanding of parametric modeling principle
2. Understand Rhino geometries and their properties
3. Work with basic data structure
4. Customize your modeling workflow
5. Work with multiple models efficiently

Day 1 

• Introduction to Parametric Modelling and Computational Geometry Principle
• Grasshopper Basics (Interface, Data Types, Display Setting, workflow with Rhino, etc.)
• Numerical Operation (Series, Range, Random, Graph Mapper, etc.)
• Transformation Methods
• Vectors and Planes
• Curve Properties and Parameters
• Surface Modelling in GH

Day 2 

• Basic Data Structure
• Surface Panellisation Methods
• Proximity Based Modelling
• Number Remapping
• Conditional Statement and Expression
• Geometry Morphing
• Geometry Mapping

Day 3 

• Introduction to Digital Fabrication 
• Data Arrangement and Reordering 
• String, Tag and Formatting
• Data Visualisation 
• Dimension and 2D Drawings
• Data Export to Excel
• Extend Rhino Function with Grasshopper Player

Course requirements: This course is for complete beginners in Grasshopper and parametric modeling. Thus, no Grasshopper experience is required, but it is preferable to have an intermediate level in Rhino. We welcome people from cross-disciplinary backgrounds such as architecture, product design, jewelry design, engineering, fabrication, art, and more.

Online course fees: EUR 395,- (+VAT); full-time students and university teachers get a 50% discount (proof of status required). Please note, your seat is confirmed after payment has cleared.

Max. 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 McNeel Europe!

ControlMAD Master in Parametric Design, Spring Edition (April 18-June 23, 2022)

A unique study program adapted to this new situation and challenging world. This master course is the hybrid and flexible version of a Master in Parametric Design On-site, with XIII successful editions. It is the chance to introduce you to the world of computational design, the state-of-the-art field for product design, architecture, landscape, engineering, digital fabrication... through the creation of physical and digital parametric models using as main tools Grasshopper for Rhino and ControlMAD's CNC machines and 3D printers.

The course is divided into two parts:

• Part I, fully online: Rhino, Grasshopper, Kangaroo, Karamba, Python, Visualization
• Part II, Digital Fabrication (On-site at ControlMAD or online, as you wish)

Complete details and registration...

Designing Jewelry with 2Shapes for Rhino webinar (English and Spanish) - February 1 and 8, 2022

In this webinar, you will learn the most exciting tools of 2Shapes for Rhino applied to authentic designs. In addition, you will uncover the new additions to 2Shapes for Rhino 3.0 and what new tools are coming in the following versions.

This webinar is an excellent opportunity for all professionals in the jewelry industry looking for the best tools for jewelry design. Some of the most interested may include jewelry designers, store owners, manufacturers, students.

Complete info and registration English edition (February 1, 2022)...

Complete info and registration Spanish edition (February 8, 2022)...

ArchEatable: The Ephemeral Art of Gastronomy through Architecture and Digital Fabrication

ArchEatable is a university course that explores food and gourmet pastry art as a vehicle for teaching digital design and fabrication lessons in architecture.  

Since 2018, Jose Carrillo, Architect, Authorized Rhino Trainer, and Associate Professor of Architecture at the American University in Dubai, has been the founder, director, and course instructor.

What is unique about this teaching project is that students design and manufacture a consumable product from beginning to end. The materialization of these pieces and edible works of art is supported in  Rhinoceros, Grasshopper, and related plugins. The course incorporates novel 3D-printed  prototyping, silicone molds, and laser cutters into the process to create stunningly unique geometric cakes.

Learn more about each project...

Form Finding with Kangaroo Physics Webinar - February 2022

Are you interested in gaining Parametric competency to push your design skills to the next level? Are you ready to learn a very exciting and powerful tool that will take your ideas and concepts to a whole new realm?

This Form Finding with Kangaroo Physics Webinar will provide you with the necessary knowledge and ability to use Kangaroo Physics, a free powerful plugin in Grasshopper / Rhinoceros.

Webinar prerequisite: Participants are advised to have basic knowledge of Grasshopper.

Webinar duration: 6 Days / 12 hours in total. Starts February 7, 2022. 

Time Zone: CET / Berlin, Germany Time

Language: English

Participants will be given a certificate of participation at the end of the webinar.

Complete details, registration, and webinar link...

VisualARQ 2.12 released! Worksessions and Grasshopper Player support.

VisualARQ 2.12 is now available to download.

This service release includes new features and fixes most of the issues reported by users:

• Support for Worksessions
• Support for Grasshopper Player 
• Override section attributes by Plan View and Section View style
• Save changes on VisualARQ display modes
• Show wall or slab layer names and custom parameters in tags
• Structural profiles for railing components
• Added translation to Portuguese

More details and the download link...

Intro to Grasshopper Class: Starting Soon

When: January 24-27, 2022, Monday-Thursday
Time: 9:00 AM-12:30 PM PST
Where: Online Classroom
Register here.

Join McNeel instructor Andres Gonzalez for a live and in-depth introduction to the Grasshopper visual programming tool in Rhinoceros 7. 

In this workshop, you will learn the basics of Grasshopper and push your skills to an intermediate level in just four days. The last 30 minutes of class will be reserved for live Q&A.

- Each class session will be recorded for your review and study.
- Grasshopper definitions are available for immediate download.
- Troubleshoot your classwork live with the instructor.
- An Intermediate Grasshopper online course will be offered in March.
- Instructor will be using Rhino 7 for Windows. Rhino 7 for Mac is ok to use.

Questions? Email Mary Ann Fugier, mary@mcneel.com

New: Land Kit Intro Workshops

Land Kit Intro Workshops

Multiple dates

Online, Eastern Time Zone

Land Kit 1.0 is a new Grasshopper plugin for landscape architecture developed by Landau Design. They are offering a digital webinar-style workshop designed to acquaint users with Land Kit and to supply an added boost to your landscape design workflow. Usher in the new year with a fresh approach to grading, paving, planting, and more!

Details:

Select the day that works for you and register for one below.

• Friday, January 28, 1:00-3:00 pm, EST
• Wednesday, February 9, 6:30-9:30 pm, EST
• Saturday, February 26, 1:00-3:00 pm, EST

Cost: US$200 (US$100 for students and faculty)

Class size: 12 maximum participants per session

Details and registration...