DesignMorphine Ph.D. Degree

The DesignMorphine Ph.D. program in computational design provides a rigorous curriculum that equips design scholars with the knowledge and skills necessary to leverage the power of computational design in creating innovative and sustainable design solutions. 

The program emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach integrating cutting-edge computational techniques with design principles to develop a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between design, technology, and innovation. The utilization of computational design has garnered significant attention in diverse design disciplines such as architecture, engineering, product design, fashion, and the web3 metaverse. 

Through theoretical coursework and hands-on practical experience, Ph.D. candidates gain the expertise required to address complex design challenges and push the boundaries of traditional design conventions. The program fosters an environment of intellectual curiosity and innovation, encouraging Ph.D. candidates to explore novel design approaches, collaborate with peers and experts, and contribute to advancing the field through original research and scholarly publications. Graduates of the program emerge as thought leaders and change agents, equipped with the vision and skillset necessary to transform the design industry and shape a better future for all.

More information...

Bubble Pavilion Documentary

The Bubble Pavilion is a project led by Professor Roberto Narvaez at the University of Seville (Spain), which combines geometric, structural, and constructive research with educational innovation.

Based on the geometric relationships found in spherical soap bubbles of equal radius, a geometric algorithm is designed using Rhinoceros and Grasshopper to adapt the natural arrangement of bubble clusters to any free-form surface. Subsequently, another algorithm is designed in Grasshopper to materialize the structure using laminated wood panels and digital fabrication tools.

The overall result is a self-supporting system with a uniform shell behavior that is highly resistant to typical architectural stresses. The pavilion takes the form of a single vaulted envelope, approximately 11 meters long and 6 meters wide. However, the designed system can be adapted to any size and shape for a multitude of applications in architectural design, including facades, roofs, or architectural envelopes of any kind.

More information...

ShapeDiver X Autodesk Forma | Live Webinar

 

Mathieu Huard, Head of Product at ShapeDiver, and Krzysztof Jedrzejewski, Senior Product Manager at Autodesk Forma, will guide this one-hour session where they’ll give an introduction to both software and demonstrate various workflows for this new extension.

This July 11 webinar is perfect for architects, urban planners, and design professionals interested in leveraging their Grasshopper files inside Autodesk Forma via ShapeDiver.

Register now...

AA DLAB 2023

In its 18th year, DLAB two-week program is taking place at the AA London HQ, August 31 to September 16.

DLAB experiments with the integration of advanced computational design, analysis, and large-scale prototyping techniques. The program continues to build on its expertise in complex architectural design and fabrication processes, relying heavily on materiality and performance. DLAB brings together a range of experts—tutors and lecturers—from internationally acclaimed academic institutions and practices, the Architectural Association, Zaha Hadid Architects, amongst others.

The research generated at DLAB has been published in international media—ArchDaily, Archinect, Bustler—and peer-reviewed conference papers, including SimAUD (Simulation in Architecture and Urban Design), eCAADe (Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe).

DLAB investigates the correlations between form, material, and structure through the rigorous implementation of computational methods for design, analysis, and fabrication, coupled with analog modes of physical experimentation and prototype making. Each program cycle devises custom-made architectural processes by creating novel associations between conventional and contemporary design and fabrication techniques. The research culminates in designing and fabricating a one-to-one scale prototype realized by using robotic fabrication techniques to integrate form-finding, material computation, and structural performance.

Applications and more information...

 

VisualARQ User-Case

VisualARQ User-Case: from Conceptual Volumes to Real Projects

VisualARQ played a crucial role in the design process of this residential apartment project in Costa Rica, showcasing the architectural expertise of Costa Rican architect Javier Castro. By using Rhino and VisualARQ, the project evolved from conceptual volumes to stunning photorealistic images, both for the interior and exterior.

Read the complete article...

Getting to know... Sfered: Custom eyewear meets Grasshopper!

Sybren de Graaf, CEO and founder of Sfered, created an innovative solution for the eyewear industry using Grasshopper and ShapeDiver's infrastructure. With a background in architecture, Sybren discovered the potential of Grasshopper and used his design knowledge to create a revolutionary online service for opticians. Sfered's service allows for the customization of frames using a 3D parametric model placed on the client's scanned face. The result is a personalized and comfortable fit unique to each individual.

In this interview, Shapediver dives into Sybren's early beginnings, his early design influences, and how he discovered Grasshopper. They also discussed how his architectural background influenced his current path and when he realized the concept behind Sfered could be a good business idea. Furthermore, you can explore how ShapeDiver helped him create this iOS application, the challenges he's faced so far, and what opticians say about the tool.

Read the complete interview...

New video: Rhino for SketchUp Users – Solid Modelling Tools for Architecture

 

Following the popular first Rhino for SketchUp Users video, Phil Cook of Simply Rhino looks at more Solid Modelling tools for Architecture in the second video in this series.

Adding Detail to your Rhino Model

Using the massing study created in the first video (Push/Pull Modelling), Phil looks at adding more detail such as wall thicknesses, openings and recesses in walls, glazing details, and stairs.

Solid Modelling Tools in Rhino3D

The solid modelling tools introduced include Extrude Planar Curve, Shell, Slab, Wire Cut, and the Boolean commands.

Setting C Planes in Rhino

Phil also looks at setting construction planes (C Planes) and creating and saving views with Named Views.

Watch the Solid Modelling Tools for Architecture Video Tutorial...

Python Camp by PAZ Academy

Python AEC Camp

August 23-25

Unlock the power of Python for your architectural and engineering projects in this immersive 3-day workshop with PAZ Academy.

Designed specifically for professionals in the BIM world, this course will introduce you to Python programming fundamentals and its integration with Rhino and Grasshopper. Integrate Python with your normal day BIM software and learn to speak the IFC language. Dive into data science and Python to get the maximum advance in your architectural and engineering projects. High doses of humor empowered by ChatGPT-4! ; )

More info + registration

SudoHopper3D is a fun way to learn Grasshopper!

Learning Grasshopper is fun; McNeel Miami has created SudoHopper3D, a free card game to improve the overall understanding of parametric thinking.

SudoHopper3D playfully takes you through mathematics, algorithms, and basic coding. Players surprisingly learn concepts such as vector geometry and trigonometry. Players also understand problem-solving, logic, and sequential reasoning in a socially interrelated and entertaining environment. 

Players can access the online course, Introduction to Grasshopper with SudoHopper3D in English and Spanish. These videos are from our Rhino3D.Education platform and will show students the different ways to write the definitions that solve each assignment. 

Plus: Access to this new magazine we have created for you, which includes the solutions to the assignments to SudoHopper3D, and you can download it to have it with you while playing!

View/Download here

Please, share comments and images of what your students are achieving with SudoHopper3D and Grasshopper.

When you complete this Introduction to Grasshopper with SudoHopper3D course, you will be ready to continue learning Grasshopper with the more advanced Computational Design with Grasshopper online course, also offered in English and Spanish!

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

Rhino User Webinar: ML Computational Structural Design Workshop

Rhino User Webinar

ML Computational Structural Design Workshop:
From Text to 3dStructural Forms
June 15, 2023, at 4:00 PM CEST

In this workshop, we will introduce a generative algorithm for structural design called Text2Bridges3D. We will start by explaining the workflow for creating the algorithm, followed by a short demonstration of how to use it. This algorithm generates 3D structural forms of bridges from text inputs using a backend generator called the Combinatorial Equilibrium Model (CEM). To encode the text descriptions, we use an NLP algorithm called Bert and the CEM input parameters to describe the bridges. To learn the nonlinear reaction from both, we have used the architecture of a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN). Once trained, the model can automatically generate bridges, analyze their physical performance, and render the results. The generated bridges provide valuable insights for designers and engineers to improve the design of bridges.

About the speakers:

• Karla Saldana Ochoa is an Ecuadorian architect with a Master of Advanced Studies in Landscape Architecture from ETH Zurich and a Ph.D. from the same institution. Her research investigated the integration of Artificial and Human Intelligence to respond quickly and accurately to natural disasters. As an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida since August 2021, Karla's research and teaching explore the interplay between Artificial and Human Intelligence in architectural practices, both at the building and urban scale. Karla is also the lead researcher at SHARE Lab, a research group focused on human-centered AI projects for design practices.
  
  
• Pierluigi D'Acunto is a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Structural Design at the Technical University of Munich. He completed his doctorate with distinction at ETH Zurich in 2018 and has gained professional experience in architecture and engineering offices in Italy and Switzerland. Pierluigi's research focuses on the intersection of architecture and structural engineering, using computer-aided design and emerging construction technologies. He is interested in geometry-based methods for structural design, computational design through equilibrium models, structural form-finding with machine learning, and fabrication-aware structural design using advanced digital manufacturing.

Complete details and registration...

New Land Kit plugin V12 release

The latest version of Land Kit 1.2 bolsters your Land Kit performance while introducing Water Kit!

Whether you’re just getting your toes wet or diving in, Water Kit has the tools to help you understand water. Dip your toes into Water Kit:

• Flowlines. Trace water on your site with new and improved flowline fidelity!
• Upslope Area. Find what areas contribute to runoff on your site with a refined Upslope Areas tool!
• Add Catchment layer. Discover where water settles on your site!

What’s your footprint?

• Carbon Calculator beta. Find out how your site contributes to carbon over time!
• Add CSV Data. Bolster your plants and areas by adding carbon calculation values and more!

Diving in (components available with a Pro Key license):

• CN Calculator beta.
• Calculate TR-55 Curve Numbers. A simple solution for a complicated job!
• Add Static Storage Layer. Determine how much static water storage is in selected areas.
• Add Diffuse Layer. Blur an environment layer.
• Add Layer Overlay. Combine index layers using a master overlay layer!
• Add Occurrence Layer. Tally the density of flowlines on your site.

Also, there are improvements in Environment, Paving Kit, Topo Kit, and Plant Kit.

See all the details...

Revit Essentials for Rhino and Grasshopper Users - English or Spanish

   

We are happy to announce that Rhino3D.Education's

Revit for Rhino and Grasshopper Users online course is now available in

English and Spanish!

This course will teach you the essentials of working with Revit, Rhino.Inside, and VisualARQ. Due to the significant development of Rhino.Inside tools in different software such as Revit, it is necessary for you as a Rhino user to know some essentials of that software, such as the basics of modeling, assigning materials, editing the plans, and adding elements or components to your model, so that you can communicate in your team with the 3D modelers working on different tools.

At the end of this course, you should be able to create your own Revit model, export the schedules, and bring your basic project elements to Revit and vice versa. This course is designed for absolute beginners, meaning no previous experience with Revit Architecture is required. In this course, we work with Revit 2022 and Rhino 7.

I'm Niloofar, a computational architect and designer with a Master's Degree in Sustainable Architecture and part of the McNeel Miami team. The complete course is ready for you. Plus, with the help of my co-worker, architect Julian Oquendo, we have come together to translate it into Spanish too!

Revit Essentials for Rhino and Grasshopper Users is now available in English and Spanish. 

Enjoy 20% off with code: RHINO3DEDUCATION20 at checkout!

For a limited time only!

Register now!

Plus: Upon conclusion, you will receive a certificate of completion. Get started today!

Rhino3D.Education offers online courses in Rhino, Grasshopper, Computational Design, GhPython, PanelingTools, RhinoCAM, V-Ray, and more. Check it out!

Grasshopper UK User Group Meeting - July 5, 2023 - London (UK)

 

Join Simply Rhino at Foster + Partners for the latest Grasshopper User Meeting, with presentations from the hosts, Foster + Partners, and invited guests Price & Myers, plus Rhenso presenting Adaptive Parts Environment (APE).

• Date: Wednesday, July 5, 2023
• Time: 18:30-20:30
• Location: Foster + Partners, Riverside, 22 Hester Road, London, SW11 4AN
• Book your place: You must prebook your free place to attend the meeting

More information...

food4Rhino webinar: Tweener (June 14 at 5 PM CEST)

food4Rhino webinar: Tweener

June 14 at 5 PM CEST

Just as NURBS curves are defined by control points, a Tweener curve is defined by the region's boundary curves. In general, to "tween" means to generate curves that interpolate between given input curves. While tweening is a fundamental part of the designer's toolbox, it can often result in overlapping or undercutting NURBS curves.

Tweener is a Rhino plugin and Grasshopper assembly that solves this problem by guaranteeing smoothness and the absence of intersections. It allows to tween either between any number of closed planar curves or between any two not necessarily closed curves on any given surface. Thus, Tweener curves are drawn interactively by manipulating their boundary conditions, much like how NURBS curves are manipulated by control points, providing a different perspective on curve modeling.

Likewise, the ease of drawing curves with Tweener makes it an ideal tool for early-stage sketches and Rhino beginners.

Tweener comes with various convenience functions, for example, for topography or export to textured meshes. A core feature is a powerful interactive editing environment that allows the designer to achieve a very individual hand-modeled look while automatically maintaining the curves' quality, smoothness, and organicity.

In this webinar, aimed both at Rhino3D novices and experts, we will familiarize ourselves with the functionality of the Tweener plugin and mention diverse applications, including product design, general illustration, 3D printing, interior design, and landscape. We will also mention the underlying mathematics, as well as connections with parametric design.

Speaker: Mathias Fuchs is a Mathematician with ample experience in applied geometry, statistics, and simulation. He's been Senior Researcher at the CODE group, Zaha Hadid Architects, London, and is now an independent programmer specializing in numerical algorithms for geometry and Rhino.

Mark your calendar on LinkedIn events and watch the webinar on YouTube live...

AA Visiting School New York 2023

 

AA Visiting School New York 2023: Urban Futures

August 4-12, 2023

Registration ends August 3, 2023 - Register.

This innovative programme features designers and academics from some of the leading offices and advanced institutions from around the globe!

In partnership with Pratt Institute, this intensive 9-day programme is in-person and will cover some of the most relevant and advanced approaches to computation and urban design in practice today.

The programme will focus on digital and scripted design methodologies as well as cutting-edge AI platforms realized through digital representation techniques. Focusing on using Rhinoceros and Grasshopper, each invited instructor will introduce their advanced methods of working within these platforms for diverse design outcomes and exposure for participants in each group to different design methodologies.

Featuring staff and lecturers with academic experience at the Architectural Association, Pratt Institute, UPenn, MIT, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Hong Kong University, Technical University Munich, Technical University Prague, UCL the Bartlett, TU Graz, ETH Zurich, and Tsinghua University.

Professional experience at Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), Skidmore Owings & Merrill (SOM), Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), Grimshaw Architects, Bart//Bratke and URBAN BETA.

More details...

New Honeybee Course from ThinkParametric

Just launched: A brand-new course, Master Advanced Energy Analysis with Honeybee by ThinkParametric.

This comprehensive course, led by Brandon A. Gibbs, provides in-demand skills and essential industry know-how, enabling its students to excel in the world of sustainable design using the Honeybee plugin for the Ladybug Tools Suite in Grasshopper, a robust set of tools for energy analysis and environmental design. The Master Advanced Energy Analysis with Honeybee course is an extensive curriculum that takes students on a deep dive into Honeybee's energy modeling and weather analysis elements.

In the class, you will also use the free open-source environmental platforms OpenStudio/Energy Plus and Radiance, which give the latest analysis to comply with LEED and other green building guidelines. In addition, the course covers a range of sustainable topics, including solar radiation, daylighting, and energy modeling.

In this course:

• Gain a solid understanding of energy modeling and site analysis with the Honeybee toolsets and integrations with other Ladybug Tools suite functions.
• Master energy analysis and sustainable design techniques to inform architectural modeling in Grasshopper.
• Learn to interpret and apply energy simulation results simultaneously with design models to inform design decisions and determinations.
• Explore best practices for optimizing building performance and reducing energy consumption based on climate, building structure, construction methods, and design considerations.
• Acquire essential sustainable design skills that are highly sought-after in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries.

Brandon A. Gibbs is a licensed architect skilled in parametric and sustainable design, with a passion for environmental design and a commitment to share his expertise. He brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to the course with his years of experience in academia and professional practice, including with the Architectural Association Design Research Lab and the Zaha Hadid Architects Studio.

Enroll now for Master Advanced Energy Analysis with Honeybee is now open and available with the full ThinkParametric membership. Don't miss this opportunity to master the essential skills required for a thriving career in sustainable design.

See you in the course!

AEC Tech Seattle Hackathon - June 23-25

AEC Tech Seattle Hackathon

June 23-25

Seattle

Put your skills to the test and embark on an exhilarating 24-hour hackathon!

Join us on June 23-25 for the second AEC Tech Seattle Hackathon hosted by Thornton Tomasetti | CORE studio and LMN Architects. This in-person event will be held at LMN’s new Shop Space in downtown Seattle.

Kick off the weekend early on Friday with a round of Masterclasses taking a deep dive into new software/workflows by innovators in the AEC space. These 3-hour masterclasses will give you the foundations to implement these technologies back at the office or in the hackathon. Learn about cloud compute solving with ShapeDiver, Web API calls in Grasshopper from Swiftlet, Urban mapping with QGIS and Grasshopper, or data visualization with Ellipse Studio.

In the evening, get to know the Seattle Computation community at the McNeel Happy Hour sponsored by McNeel & Associates. This will be a fantastic chance to network, exchange ideas, and connect with like-minded individuals passionate about the intersection of AEC and technology.

On Saturday, join forces with fellow participants to tackle real-world industry challenges using cutting-edge technologies and computational approaches in the 24-Hour hackathon. This concentrated event will provide an opportunity for hands-on collaboration, problem-solving, and prototyping as you work against the clock to develop innovative solutions. Participants of all experience levels will be able to collaborate, learn from each other, build new relationships, and generate innovations for the AEC community.

New to hackathons? AEC Tech provides a stimulating environment where you can learn from a diverse peer group with varied domain expertise working together towards a common goal.

Want some inspiration? Check out what has been created in over ten years of AEC Tech hackathons.

Please visit the event site to learn more and register here to secure your spot. Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to act swiftly to guarantee your participation.

Free webinar: Parametric Design in Practice: Real-world Examples from the AEC Industry (June 20, 2023, at 13h CEST)

Free webinar: Parametric Design in Practice: Real-world Examples from the AEC Industry

June 20, 2023

13-14:30h CEST

Join a webinar where engineers will showcase real-world examples of parametric design in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry. This highly practical webinar will feature case studies from professionals working in various disciplines, including Structural Engineering, Bridge Design, Railway and Road Design.

Guest speakers, certified by LearnGrasshopper.com, will share their experiences and demonstrate how they use Grasshopper to automate tasks and streamline project workflows. This is a unique opportunity to learn from their firsthand expertise and gain insights into the power of parametric design in the AEC industry.

Register today and reserve your spot for this must-attend event...

Free book: Advanced Surface Modeling in MatrixGold 3

 

Mohsen Mohammadvali has written a free digital book in English about Advanced Surface Modeling in MatrixGold to share with Rhino users.

Advanced Surface Modeling in MatrixGold is an educational book that provides CAD designers with the tools and techniques they need to create complex and organic models. Whether you're an experienced designer looking to expand your skill set or a newcomer to the world of CAD, this book will guide you through surface modeling using MatrixGold software. With this book as your guide, you can create stunning, high-quality designs that push the boundaries of what's possible in CAD.

Mohsen Mohammadvali is a jewelry CAD designer, authorized Rhino Trainer, and certified MatrixGold instructor in Bangkok, Thailand.

Download the book...

Note: An earlier post had a bad link, which we have now fixed. Thanks to all those who pointed that out.

Training for Trainers Workshop - June 14-16, 2023

Training for Trainers Workshop

June 14-16, 2023
10 AM-2 PM
Hosted Online by McNeel Europe

Expert users of Rhino who want to get approved as Authorized Rhino Trainers now have a chance to participate in this certification workshop hosted online by McNeel Europe and delivered by Vanessa Steeg and Bernat Lorente. 

To learn more about the Rhino Authorized Training Program, click here... 

Price of the course: €195 (+ taxes, if applicable). 
Seats are very limited. Sign up now!

Registration is now open...

CAAD Futures 2023 | Delft University of Technology | July 5-7

CAAD Futures is a biennial international conference on Computer-Aided Architectural Design. TU Delft is hosting the 20th CAAD Futures conference in The Netherlands on July 5-7, 2023.

With the theme of INTERCONNECTIONS: Co-computing Beyond Boundaries, CAAD Futures 2023 reflects on computation's role in interconnecting in and for architectural design and fosters research crossing knowledge domains, scales, and single-inquiry trajectories. It features keynotes, invited talks, and presentations of selected papers. It also introduces a Co-creation track to discuss research urgencies and their roadmaps collectively. The conference program includes Co-creation presentations and working sessions, open to all conference participants and resulting in position papers and supplementary material to be collected in a Co-creation Sourcebook. The Co-creation Sourcebook is envisioned based on Open Science principles, aiming at disseminating Open Access to the position papers and supplementary content of each Team under a Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike 4.0 license, edited after the conference.

The conference tackles topics of direct interest for many Rhino users during the entire program. It unfolds advances in computational fields that empower artificial intelligence to decipher data and unlock new pathways for scientific knowledge. It reflects on the diminishing of traditional interdisciplinary boundaries and increased continuity across scales on the shared ground of data. It puts forward new questions that arise when current advances create new working paradigms. On this ground, it welcomes the participation of designers, researchers, professionals, and anyone engaged in scientific knowledge and practice for architectural design and the built environment, including disciplines not yet habitually involved in computational design approaches.

Complete details and registration...

How To Generate Complex Technical Drawings with Grasshopper

In Part 1 of this video tutorial series, Edwin Hernández explains how to create complex technical drawings with Grasshopper using the Squid Plugin (ShapeDiver Edition). In the following parts, he'll show how to create PDF templates and integrate everything into a cloud application running on ShapeDiver.

Click here for more ShapeDiver video tutorials...