Rhino User Webinar: Automating Tekla 2D Drawings with Grasshopper

 

Rhino User Webinar

Automating Tekla 2D Drawings with Grasshopper
Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 3 PM (CEST)

Discover how to elevate your Tekla drawing capabilities using the free plugin for Grasshopper. During this session, you will learn:

• Why the standard Tekla drawing features might not be enough for your specific needs, and how custom automation can fill these gaps.
• Step-by-step guidance on using Grasshopper's visual programming environment to fine-tune your drawings with minimal coding knowledge.
• How to harness the power of Rhino.Geometry namespace from RhinoCommon to accurately find projections, intersections, and other 3D model calculations essential for precise drawing annotations.
• Practical demonstrations of simple yet effective scripts to solve common Tekla drawing challenges.

Whether you are new to Grasshopper or looking to enhance your existing Tekla workflow, this webinar will equip you with valuable techniques for automating and customizing your drawings more efficiently than ever before.

About the speaker:
Greg Olszewski, a software engineer with a background in structural engineering, has spent the last five years automating Tekla drawings. After many attempts to teach his colleagues about Tekla Open API, he started looking for an easier-to-use tool. This is how a free plugin for Grasshopper was born, which connects the world of visual programming with the drawing area in Tekla.

Complete details and registration...

Foster + Partners launches Cyclops plugin to enhance sustainable design

The Foster + Partners Applied R+D team has developed Cyclops, a free, custom design plugin for Grasshopper in Rhino.

Cyclops is a ray-tracing analysis plugin for Grasshopper that uses the power of modern GPUs to accelerate environmental simulations. It supports a range of analyses, including radiation, sunlight, and daylight, and can efficiently manage large-scale, complex geometries and high-density analyses.

Cyclops seamlessly integrates into existing workflows and provides analytical feedback to designers in real-time. It turbocharges ray tracing simulations that are fundamental for environmental analyses.

Martha Tsigkari, Senior Partner and Head of Applied R+D, Foster + Partners, said: “Cyclops is the latest iteration of a tool that we have been extensively developing, refining, and actively using on projects, over the past fifteen years. During this time, we have experimented with different technologies and user interfaces, allowing designers to run environmental analyses that used to take hours, or even days, in a matter of seconds. We believe that Cyclops will play an important role in supporting positive change within the architectural and engineering industry – enhancing sustainability across a wide range of global projects.”

The development of Cyclops is driven by Foster + Partners’ commitment to sustainability. It is being released as a free plugin to encourage widespread adoption and the integration of more sustainable design practices across the industry.

Cyclops also enhances the professional development of junior designers by allowing them to rapidly gauge their designs' performance in real-time. In doing so, they will quickly develop an intuition for what makes a building or master plan perform better.

Cyclops is in a beta phase and includes a 90-day expiry period. An upgrade will be required within 90 days to renew the expiry and ensure access to the latest updates.

Find out more and install the Cyclops plugin...

Free Rhino & Grasshopper for Architects Workshop by How to Rhino (May 4-14)

Are you an architect struggling to integrate Rhino, Grasshopper, or Rhino.Inside.Revit into your workflow? Do you find the interfaces daunting or lack architect-specific tutorials? Are you unsure where to begin with parametric design?

You're not alone. That's why How to Rhino, an Authorised Rhino Training Center, is hosting a free online Rhino & Grasshopper for Architects Workshop from May 4 to May 14.

Led by architects Dusan and Lazar, this workshop provides a clear, step-by-step path to mastering these powerful tools. Forget generic tutorials—this is tailored content designed by architects for architects, covering everything from basics to advanced applications.

What You'll Learn:

• Rhino Confidence: Navigate the interface, understand core concepts, and start creating the complex geometries your projects demand.

• Grasshopper Clarity: Demystify the logic, build practical scripts from scratch, and leverage parametric modeling for architectural design.

• Revit Integration: Understand Rhino.Inside.Revit, connect Grasshopper to your BIM workflow and learn how to seamlessly integrate the design and construction phases of the project.
  
  

Benefit not only from Dusan and Lazar's expertise but also from insights shared by special guest speakers from the industry!

Workshop Structure:

• In-depth video lessons for all skill levels

• Live interactive teaching sessions, including Q&A and discussion (15+ hours)

• Bonus materials to support your learning

• Certificate of attendance upon completion

Key Information:

• When: May 4-14

• Where: How to Rhino Skool Group

• Investment: Free!

• Access: Content available only during the duration of the workshop.

Limited spots are available, so make sure to join as soon as possible.

Secure your spot here !

Become an Authorized Rhino Trainer (ART) Training in Spanish

Become an Authorized Rhino Trainer (ART)
For Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina + Latin America

This training will be held in Spanish.

Authorized Rhino Trainers (ART) are technical experts who meet the requirements to deliver official Rhino training. Earning the ART credential places you in an exclusive network of instructors known for top‑quality teaching and certified by their regional McNeel office.

Why become an ART?

You gain visibility and credibility by listing your courses on Rhino’s Training page. You also gain a professional edge, standing out from other trainers with an official credential backed by McNeel.

▶ Read the full program details.

Upcoming Mandatory ART Candidate Training
(offered only twice a year)

Call for Applications: April-May 2025

Acceptance Notifications: May 12-16, 2025

Training Sessions: June 11-13 & June 18 -20; Six live online sessions (Wednesday‑Friday, two consecutive weeks)

Already an ART for Rhino 6 or earlier?
You’ll need this course to renew your certification.

▶ Register here.

Got questions? Contact us—we’re happy to help!

Authorized Rhino Trainer - Required Training May 2025

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

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

Your school or training center may also want to offer training as an official ARTC with you as their ART.

As an ART, you can post your school or training center's class schedule to the Rhino Learn page for all Rhino users visiting the website. This schedule can be searched by format, region or country, language, learning level, and market, helping students find your training based on their needs.

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

ART Certification requirements include participation in this online class.

Online Class Format

• Six Sessions
  Week 1: May 13, 14, 15
  Week 2: May 20, 21, 22
  (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) x 2 weeks
• Time: 8 am-12 pm PDT

See details, sign-up, and outline.

Additional Details

• "Live" Attendance for 90% of the 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.

• A minimum of six students is required for the class to be presented. Sign up now so we know you are planning to attend. Payment is due by April 30th.

See the ART Requirements for all Regions.

Questions? Please email Mary Ann Fugier. 

Grasshopper & AI, a Dutch course by PAOTM together with RHDHV

Grasshopper & AI

Learn how to apply Artificial Intelligence in parametric design with Grasshopper!

Join the new Dutch-language course Grasshopper & AI, taught by RHDHV and Packhunt, tailored for computational designers who want to stay ahead of the curve.

This hands-on training will explore how to integrate AI into parametric workflows.

📍 Utrecht, Netherlands

📅 June 19–20, 2025

Want to stay at the forefront of design technology? This course is your chance.

Details and registration...

CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, July 9-10 in Amsterdam

 

The CDFAM Computational Design Symposium Series brings together leading experts from design, engineering, architecture, academia, and software development for a series of knowledge-sharing and networking events focusing on computational design at all scales.

The next event in Amsterdam, July 9-10, features a curated single-track program exploring computational workflows, generative design, AI-driven simulation, geometry optimization, and advanced manufacturing.

Federico Casalegno, Executive Vice President of Design at Samsung Electronics, and Mathew Vola, Arup Fellow and Director of Computational Design, will deliver the keynote addresses.

Speakers from organizations including MIT, McNeel, SimScale, Carbon, Spherene, DTU, and more will present work that bridges theory and application—from architected materials to architectural planning.

Explore the program featuring over 30 experts sharing their work at the forefront of computational design.

Space is limited for this in-person event. Registration here...

C# Programming and Plugin Development for Rhino/Grasshopper, May 21-23, 2025 (McNeel Europe)

 

C# Programming and Plugin Development (Level 1)

Online Workshop

Tutor: Long Nguyen

May 21-23, 2025

10 AM-5 PM CEST (Barcelona)

Hosted on Zoom by McNeel Europe

This course will help you achieve even more powerful possibilities with what is already available out-of-the-box in Rhino and Grasshopper by using the C# language to access the RhinoCommon programming library. C# is a modern language that is accessible to most people. Compared to Python, also available as a programming language in Rhino/Grasshopper, C# is much faster and type-safe (making it easier to prevent potential errors, especially in larger projects). In Rhino, you can use both C# to make design scripts and full plugins. This Level 1 course does not require any prior experience in programming. You only need to be familiar with Rhino and Grasshopper.


These are the main topics that will be covered:

• Introduction to C# language concepts such as variables, data types, conditional statements, loops, object-oriented programming, etc...
• Working with the C# Script component in Grasshopper
• The RhinoCommon library, where we can programmatically access pretty much all features of the Rhino software (such as creating and editing geometries)
• The basics of making plugins for Grasshopper using C# and Visual Studio (a powerful modern software platform for coding)
• Basic algorithms and algorithmic thinking essential in general coding as well as in Rhino/Grasshopper coding

The knowledge and skills you learn in this Level 1 course will serve as a foundation for further learning in Level 2.

Course requirements: This Level 1 course does not require any prior experience in programming. You only need to be familiar with Rhino and Grasshopper. Software requirement: Rhino 8

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

Online beginner’s course for Grasshopper by Agata Kycia

 

In this beginner-friendly and compact course, you will learn parametric design principles using Grasshopper, a powerful visual programming tool for Rhino. The course is designed to give you a solid foundation, enabling you to create Grasshopper definitions from scratch and apply them effectively for design, modeling, and visualization. During the course, you will gain a clear understanding of data management and manipulation, including how to create, visualize, and organize lists and data tree structures, as well as how to match data streams accurately. Additionally, you will learn how to automate design processes in Grasshopper, streamlining repetitive tasks to boost efficiency, and discover how to optimize your workflow by leveraging Grasshopper’s shortcuts and preferences. Whether you are an architect, designer, engineer, artist, or hobbyist, this course will help you develop valuable parametric design skills that you can apply directly to your projects.

About Agata Kycia: The course is led by Agata, an architect and researcher with over 14 years of experience in Rhino. 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.

What will you learn?

• The principles of parametric design using Grasshopper.
• How to create Grasshopper definitions from scratch.
• How to manage and manipulate data: Creating, visualizing, and managing lists and tree structures; matching data streams.
• Grasshopper Basics: Grasshopper UI, components, and operations of Grasshopper.
• Automation of design processes: Using Grasshopper to automate repetitive tasks, enhancing efficiency.
• Workflow optimization: Streamlining the design process using Grasshopper’s shortcuts.
• Surface parametrization and panelization.

Requirements: No Grasshopper experience is needed, as this class is intended for beginners, but basic Rhino experience is an advantage.

Sign up for Agata's Grasshopper course...

Rhino User Meeting in Porto (Portugal) - Early Bird tickets now available

 

Rhino User Meeting Porto
📅 Date: May 30, 2025
🕓 Time: 9:00-18.30
📍 Venue: Faculty of Architecture of the University of Porto (FAUP)

McNeel Europe, in collaboration with FAUP, is organizing the first Rhino User Meeting in Portugal on May 30. The event is an opportunity to learn about the latest Rhino and Grasshopper features and how they are applied in practice in various design, architecture, and engineering disciplines.

Early Bird tickets are available until May 1st. Book your seat now!

Some of the confirmed speakers are:

🏢 Jose Pedro Sousa and Pedro Azambuja Varela from Faculdade de Arquitectura da Universidade do Porto and DFL - Digital Fabrication Lab

⚙️ Bárbara Rangel, João Teixeira and Manuel Jesus from Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto and DIGI@feupMod3DC

🐍 Gonçalo Castro Henriques from Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and LAMO Laboratorio Modelos 3D e Fabricação Digital

🏄 Rodrigo Aranha Pereira Lopes from ShaperBay (ShapeDiver)

🔥 Julia Karnaś from Dosta Tec

🏙️ Jose Nuno Beirao from Faculdade de Arquitetura - Universidade de Lisboa

🦗 Nuno Almeida from OOAU

🌅 Adrian Krężlik from Faculdade de Arquitectura da Universidade do Porto and Dosta Tec

👟 Carina Gaio and Gonçalo Justino from Procalçado, S.A.

🖥️ Pedro Santiago from Faculdade de Arquitectura da Universidade do Porto

🌲 Marina Brant from Xylotek - Advanced Timber Structures

Agenda and more information...

Building 3D web apps with Rhino Compute and Modelup - Recorded webinar now available!

 

If you could not attend the latest Rhino User Webinar live, the recording is now available!

Do not miss it if you want to build 3D web apps and configurators with Rhino Compute and Grasshopper. 

Emil Poulsen has shared his best tips and tricks for creating an excellent user experience while avoiding common pitfalls.

Watch the video now...

More Rhino User Webinars...

Developing a Rhino Plugin with Python - Recorded webinar now available!

 

If you missed the latest Rhino User Webinar, it is now available!

Get guided by Michael Redder-Howard in the process of building and managing a Rhino plugin with Python. Based on the experience he built at 3XN, you will learn about his path in developing a collaboration-focused plugin that offers a centralized hub with low maintenance requirements for sharing project visuals, Grasshopper scripts, and Rhino files.

Watch the video now...

More Rhino User Webinars...

Advanced Computational Planting Workshop

Advanced Computational Planting Workshop

A Land Kit workshop 

May 9, 9 AM-12:30 PM EST

The workshop series will provide you with the techniques for detailed planting design using Land Kit. Learn how to implement a rules-based planting approach using various methods to consider all relevant environmental and design factors. Get comfortable with customizing Grasshopper scripts to expand your Land Kit planting capabilities beyond the reach of the Land Kit Workflows. Follow along and begin mastering the wide range of planting tools available in Land Kit!

Details

This 3.5-hour workshop session is divided into two main segments. The first and shorter segment will focus on understanding how the tools work using our new and improved planting workflow. The second segment will dive into more advanced parametric design concepts, showcasing purpose-built tools to set up your planting layout, design, and documentation, all within the Grasshopper scripting space. More details on the workshop.

Some knowledge of Grasshopper is encouraged for this workshop.

Participants will be given exclusive access to presentation materials, live instructional demos, and interactive work time with direct assistance from the LANDAU team. 

Instructors:

Chris Landau, LANDAU

Ben Summay, LANDAU

Cost:

• $300 for Professionals
• $100 for Students (with verification)

 Sign up now!

Webinar: BIM Meets Algorithmic Design - April 30, 2025 at 6 PM CEST

 

Webinar: BIM Meets Algorithmic Design

April 30, 2025, at 6 PM CEST

Join us for our upcoming webinar, where Graphisoft, McNeel, and Enzyme APD experts will demonstrate the uniquely powerful combination of BIM workflows, algorithmic design, and freeform modeling. 

Get to know the benefits of the Archicad-Grasshopper-Rhino toolset and join the live premiere for an exclusive live Q&A with all our speakers. 

In this dynamic session, we’ll cover: 

1. Discover how Archicad’s robust BIM capabilities and seamless integration with Rhino and Grasshopper let you elevate your algorithmic designs into fully-fledged BIM models with Graphisoft Product Marketing Expert, Pelin Haynes. 
   
   
2. Sync and translate geometry into BIM elements within Archicad to automate repetitive tasks, accelerate design iterations, and refine every aspect of your project —whether it's complex geometry or energy-efficient building strategies—using Rhino and Grasshopper with McNeel Product Expert Carlos Pérez Albà. 
   
   
3. How you can optimize your designs with real-time area, cost, and compliance data. Whether by refining early concepts or leveraging energy efficiency analysis, discover how geographic analysis, site modification, and automation in large-scale design can help you create standardized, constructible solutions faster than ever with Enzyme APD Founder + Managing Director, Jorge Beneitez. 
   
   
4. A live Q&A with our speakers and Enzyme APD Founder + Director, Eugenio Fontan.

Free registration...

Using Rhino for the First Time to Design an Engagement Ring

Cadia Romano, a trainer with extensive experience in jewelry design, was invited to teach a two-day workshop at the Institut National de Gemmologie in Paris (France), thanks to the Erasmus+ exchange program.  

Using Rhino, students designed an engagement ring, exploring different ring styles and settings, and rendering it using iJewel3D. They achieved excellent results in just 19 hours, which is impressive considering they had no previous experience in Rhino or 3D design.

Cadia is a jewelry designer and goldsmith with experience in 3D printing. She is also a regular lecturer at Accademia Italiana and at other prestigious schools in different parts of Italy.

More about Rhino for jewelry design...
More about Cadia Romano...