Algorithmic Urban Design in Grasshopper: Data-Driven Site Analysis & Massing

 

Algorithmic Urban Design in Grasshopper: Data-Driven Site Analysis & Massing Online workshop January 31-February 1, 2026 Designing urban projects on complex terrain can be challenging. Still, digital tools and parametric methods enable us to better understand a site and efficiently explore multiple design possibilities. This workshop focuses on reading the landscape first, using data and environmental conditions to guide design decisions rather than relying solely on intuition. You will learn how to perform four key site analyses: sunlight exposure, terrain slope, vegetation density, and visibility, and transform raw data into clear visual diagrams. These analyses then serve as inputs to a generative design workflow that suggests optimal building positions and massing. The entire process is developed step by step in Grasshopper for Rhino, providing a practical strategy for early-stage urban design in any context. What You’ll Learn Creative algorithmic thinking and problem-solving Analyzing complex terrain geometry (Sunlight + Slope + Vegetation + Visibility) How to create your own custom analysis method from scratch Data-driven design strategies Generative approach to urban design Tips & tricks for creating efficient and organized Grasshopper definitions About the instructor: Ognjen Graovac is an architect and computational designer from Belgrade focused on parametric design and digital workflows. He founded Algorithmic Architecture, has contributed to projects such as Madison Square Garden in Las Vegas, develops open-source Grasshopper plugins, and is an award-winning competition architect. Register now...