LevelOpt - New topology optimization tool for Rhino and Grasshopper

Cutting-edge Level set optimization meets the flexibility of Grasshopper with FEA Simulation in the loop!

LevelOpt is a topology optimization tool that allows Rhino Grasshopper users to generate high-performance concepts quickly with automated topology optimization. 

A user-driven custom optimization option allows users to interject design changes, incorporate starting designs, and fine-tune settings at any stage. Rhino users automatically get access to LevelOpt with the latest version of Intact.Simulation for Rhino Grasshopper.

There is no preprocessing, model simplifications, filtering, or postprocessing with LevelOpt and Intact.Simulation for Rhino Grasshopper!

Features

• Optimization for Compliance: Maximize stiffness for a specified weight target.
• Supports Both Isotropic and Orthotropic Materials.
• Component-Level Flexibility: Optimize individual components or maintain interface connectivity in assemblies.
• Functional Region Preservation: Ensure critical zones remain intact during optimization.
• Custom Optimization:
• Interjecting design changes
• Incorporating starting designs and fine-tuning settings at any stage
• Freedom to adaptively adjust feature sizes, wall thicknesses, and preserved functional regions as optimization progresses

Complete details...

Ladybug Tools online course, 3-5 February (McNeel Europe)

 

Ladybug Tools (Energy & Daylight Modelling)

Online Workshop

Tutor: Mateo Barbero, Adrian Krezlik

3-5 February 2025

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

Hosted on Zoom by McNeel Europe

Join us for a comprehensive, hands-on, three-day workshop designed to introduce participants to key topics in environmental design: energy, daylight, and thermal modeling with Ladybug and Honeybee.

The workshop is hosted by Dosta Tec, an engineering and technology company specializing in sustainable buildings. This face-to-face training offers a unique opportunity for formative learning. It is led by Mateo Barbero, an experienced energy engineer, and Adrian Krezlik, an architect and PhD researcher at the University of Porto's Faculty of Architecture.

After completing the workshop, you'll have valuable knowledge on energy modeling, thermal comfort, daylight, and the environmental impact of buildings with Rhino, Grasshopper, Ladybug tools, and Honeybee.

Day 1

On the first workshop day, fundamental concepts in architectural environmental modeling will be introduced, exploring the influence of climate change, bioclimatic design, and future climate modeling. Following this introduction, modeling tools, workflows, and best practices are presented. Participants engage in hands-on exercises, crafting their definitions, and will actively apply the concepts learned.

• Introduction to climate modeling in AEC
• Introduction to the Ladybug Tools (LBT): User Interface
• Climate modeling
• Simple energy model

Day 2

Participants kick off by creating a basic energy simulation for a case study. They then work closely with the tutors to augment the model, incorporating details such as program specifics and construction systems and calibrating it accordingly. Following a theoretical overview of thermal comfort, participants apply their knowledge by modeling human thermal comfort.

• Energy Intensity and End-use. Carbon Intensity of energy sources
• Detailed Energy Model: Systems, Program & People
• Adjusting the Energy Model: Materials & their properties
• Introduction to Thermal Comfort
• Thermal Comfort Modelling

Day 3

On the final day, participants will explore the fundamentals of daylight modeling. This module emphasizes creating definitions for essential metrics such as Daylight Factor and Daylight Availability. The objective is to compare these metrics and develop the skills to optimize building designs for improved daylight conditions.

• Daylight Physics, Sun Position, Radiation Rose, Local Daylight Conditions
• Sunlight hours on the façade. Introduction to Daylight Modelling
• Simple Daylight Autonomy Modelling
• Adjusting the Daylight Model: Materials & Physics

Course requirements: Experience using Grasshopper 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!

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

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

Now, you can use it 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 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 use are available.

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 and Parametric Fabrication

Winter edition workshop

by ControlMad

The course focused on getting knowledge in 3D modeling with Rhinoceros and Parametric Design with Grasshopper, obtaining real results by constructing 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 lasers, 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 a hybrid format: Part I full online sessions. Part II (optional) can be followed online or onsite.

Hours: 100

Dates: 24 February-21 March

Part I (Online)

• 3D Modeling and Rhinoceros
• Parametric Design with Grasshopper I
• Parametric Design with Grasshopper II

Part II (Onsite or Online)

• 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 Simply Rhino's latest video tutorials, Phil Cook, Simply Rhino’s Senior Rhino trainer, discusses industrial and product design details with Rhino 8.

You will learn:

• Internal features for manufacture and assembly
• Adding internal detailing in Rhino
• 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 bringing 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 an extensive range of projects worldwide. She worked for 3XN Architects for four years after completing a post-graduation master in advanced design methods. Eliana founded ELNI Studio, which provides services related to AI solutions, 3D modeling, algorithmic modeling, data-driven design, and digital fabrication. ELNI Studio also offers mentoring sessions on portfolio review, career advice, and public speaking training for students and young professionals. She has a background as an academic researcher and is still regularly involved in workshops and conferences concerning digital strategies in architecture. She has been a guest lecturer at universities worldwide, focusing on parametric approaches to face the emergent complexity of architecture.

Complete details and registration...