AEC Tech Symposium & Hackathon

AEC Tech Syposium & Hackathon

November 1-5

New York City and Virtual

The AEC Tech Symposium & Hackathon is a four-day experience for all architecture, engineering, and construction individuals—and beyond. The event has developed into professional development workshops, speakers and presentations, and a 26-hour hackathon.

As part of the conference, McNeel & Associates is providing three workshops:

Beyond Geometry: Crafting New Workflows with Grasshopper Data

Andy Payne  
From its origins as a parametric geometry tool, Grasshopper has undergone a transformative evolution in Rhino 8, featuring the addition of nearly 100 new components and data types. These components are the building blocks for crafting innovative workflows seamlessly merging Rhino and Grasshopper data. In this workshop, we'll guide you through harnessing these workflows, enabling you to enhance your production processes and unlock a world of untapped creative potential.


Exploring Novel Workflows with Rhino 8 Inside.Revit

Japhy Walton  
The latest Rhino is packed with new Grasshopper components. Learn how to use these effectively to create Rhino.Inside.Revit data-driven workflows.


Scripting in Rhino 8

Ehsan Iran-Nejad
There is a new script editor that is consistent across Rhino and Grasshopper and on Windows and macOS. It brings Python 3 and C# scripting to Rhino alongside the already existing IronPython. All languages support package management and debugging, both in Rhino and Grasshopper. Script editor can also easily generate Rhino or Grasshopper plugins from your scripts. To explore all these features in this workshop, we will create scripts in Rhino and Grasshopper, run, debug, and generate Rhino Command and Grasshopper Components from our scripts.


Go to the AEC Tech web site for details and the schedule...

Grasshopper: A Modeling Software Redefining The Design Process (by Parametric Architecture)

"Grasshopper was created in a perspective to extend in those area where Rhino could not! It is a versatile plugin that takes design complexities to a new-found level by exceeding the limit beyond Rhino. Although, Rhino is a strong software tool in itself that has the capability of editing, analysing, and dealing with some of the most intense of architectural design and detailing."

Read here the complete article by Parametric Architecture...

New Python for Grasshopper video course (by Fabian Eidner)

Concrete columns, ceramic vases, or recyclable formworks are only a few examples of the application of Additive Manufacturing Techniques (3D printing). The challenge in their manufacture lies in the automated digital design process and the generation of a continuous Printing Path (Slicing).

This course provides an insight into the basic mechanics of Python Scripting within the Grasshopper environment, allowing you to create tailored components for the design, analysis, and export of various expressive cylindric shapes.

To explore the aesthetic potential of 3D printing we dive into the influence of trigonometric functions as a design driver for corrugating-interfering surface patterns.

In four hours of video lessons, you will apply the Python Syntax from the Beginner to Intermediate Level. With a special focus on object-oriented scripting (Classes) the final script can create a multitude of one-of-a-kind shapes within fractions of a second, visualizing their data and eventually exporting their G-Code for a potential fabrication.

Complete info...

Grasshopper online workshop at PCMI

The Park City Mathematics Institute (PCMI) is offering several online workshops, including a one-week Grasshopper workshop July 19-23, Illustrating Mathematics with Grasshopper, a Visual Scripting Platform for Rhino 3D, taught by Dave Bachman. 

As a predominant CAD tool in architecture, Rhino lets you build models using precise construction tools and scripting with several programming languages. It's become popular among mathematicians for creating mathematical models. Grasshopper, a tool within Rhino, allows one to build objects by an easy-to-use visual scripting language. 

Grasshopper code has several advantages over traditional scripting. Most notably, you can isolate a specific element of the model and dynamically interact modify it in a large variety of ways. 

Participants in this workshop will learn the basics of model building with Grasshopper. Depending on time and interest, they may explore more advanced topics such as popular plugins to enhance the functionality of Grasshopper (e.g., Anemone for looping, Kangaroo for physics simulation), interfacing with external scripts, and optimizing code for parallel processing.

The first meeting will be held jointly with the Blender Workshop so participants can understand the differences between these computer graphics packages.

Apply at https://www.ias.edu/pcmi/apply-2021-graduate-summer-school-program

The application deadline is April 5, 2021.

New online workshops: Python and C# Scripting & Grasshopper Plugin Development

SimplyRhino UK announces new online workshops for developers:

• May 30-June 1: Python Programming
• June 5-7: C# Programming Intermediate/Advanced

And Rhino Level 1 online classes for Windows and Mac start May 19 and June 9.

Enjoy!

Essential Guide to C# Scripting for Grasshopper

We're delighted to share the release of the 1st edition of the Essential Guide to C# Scripting for Grasshopper. This latest publication by McNeel is intended for designers experienced in Grasshopper visual scripting, who would like to take their skills to the next level to create their own custom scripts using the C# programming language. This guide does not assume nor require any background in programming. It includes a description of the C# component in Grasshopper, an overview of C# programming basics, and a detailed review of the RhinoCommon geometry. It also includes a few examples of design algorithms implemented using C# in Grasshopper.

Download C# Guide text and Grasshopper examples...

Color coding groups fast in Grasshopper

Are you spending too much time fiddling around with group colors in Grasshopper? If you are color coding your Grasshopper groups according to function you either: 

1. Know all your favorite colors' RGB values by heart. 
2. Accept that your color coding is not perfect, but close. 

Both solutions can be time-consuming, and neither are good.

These are concerns of Timo Harboe Nielsen from BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group. He has now played with the Grasshopper API and made a script that colors groups based on group names. For example, if a group contains the word Input, the group color will be green.

Find out more and download the free script...

Style guide for Grasshopper

Example of Grasshopper stylesheet

Ryan Hughes has outlined a useful method of organizing a Grasshopper script.

Instead of posting a Grasshopper script to explain your project, try Ryan Hughes' method.  

He suggests keeping your code readable, modular, reusable and clean. 

Updated screenshot for the def with the attribution to Geometria Finland and Toni Österlund for the main components of the original definition.

You see more details and discussion at Ryan's LinkedIn page...

BIMscript: Within Limits - Discrete vs Ranged Parameters

Creating great BIM content in Rhino doesn't end with great geometry.  Some products require some user input to create specific configurations. We can add these parameters through the use of the BIMscript plugin for Rhino.  

Learn about the types of parameters you can use within BIMscript and how each type will affect your product in "Within Limits—Discrete vs Ranged Parameters".

BIMscript by BIMobject

BIMscript® is designed to streamline and speed up the process of BIM content creation. This delivers both an open and freely accessible scripting language as well as a BIM object authoring solution. 

Download and details on food4Rhino...

Below is an interesting set of articles by BIMscript Developer team:

Why BIMscript? What is it?

From a single digital content model, BIMscript simultaneously creates digital building product content to be used in many of the most popular building modeling software systems. Learn how to become an Accredited BIMscript Content Developer (ABCD). Bring us your questions.

Full article here...

Manufacturer Specific Content, Why Does it Matter?

Digital content is far more than a simple visual representation. Learn how BIMscript addresses the powerful features of the BIMobject Cloud platform in delivering digital content that serves the full building lifecycle.

Full article here...

Configurable Objects

BIMscript is the modern solution for content developers to create multi-format parametric BIM objects at scale. Join us to see how it works along with the BIMobject® Cloud, which supports on-the-fly browser-based configuration of parametric products before you download for insertion into your projects.

Full article here...

Is BIM Another Word for Software?

Is BIM Another Word for Software ? Or vice-versa for that matter. Well it seems the more people ask, the more creative the definition becomes. Allow us to set the record straight and clarify the confusion once and for all.

Full article here...

NURBS and Polygon Mesh - Why Both Models Are Needed

Both NURBS and meshes are capable of producing high-quality, three-dimensional models, but the difference is in the details. Non-Uniform Rational Basis Spline (NURBS) represent curves and surfaces, whereas a polygon mesh usually consists of triangles, quadrilaterals or other simple convex polygons. Clear as mud, right? Join us to see how both can work together with BIMscript to generate intelligent BIM objects.

Full article here...

C# Scripting and Plugin Development for Grasshopper

C# Scripting and Plugin Development for Grasshopper

Introduction June 19-21, 2019 

Intermediate/Advance September 4-6, 2019

London

C# is the programming language used to write Grasshopper for Rhino, and it is commonly used to develop plugins. If you're interested in creating your own components, solving complicated problems, operating with data structures, optimizing your code, or if you already have some knowledge and a personal project, don't miss these 3-day C# classes with Long Nguyen hosted by Simply Rhino in London. The options are the following:

3-day Introduction Course | June 19-21, 2019 

The basic-level workshop will introduce essential programming concepts using the C# language and the RhinoCommon API (programming library).

C# provides high-performance interaction within the Rhino/Grasshopper modeling environment. This lets you extend the capabilities of Rhino/Grasshopper, from automating repetitive tasks, developing customized workflows, to implementing advanced generative design algorithm and interacting with other software tools.

3-day Intermediate/Advance Course | September 4-6, 2019 

Building on the basic-level course, the 3-day advanced course will focus on advanced aspects of C# scripting and plugin programming for Grasshopper. In addition to going in-depth with Rhino geometries, custom graphics display, and Rhino-Grasshopper interaction, we will learn various techniques that can vastly improve code performance and significantly speed up execution time (including using multithread parallel computing and using spatial data structures such as R-Tree to speed up 3D search operations). We will also discuss and demonstrate good programming practices for organizing and structuring code to allow more reusability, extensibility, and maintainability.

More details and booking...

A beginner’s guide to visual scripting with Grasshopper

Ramboll Computational Design has a tutorial to demonstrate visual scripting with Grasshopper. 

See this tutorial...

King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture by Snøhetta

King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture

Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

In an invitational 2007 architectural design competition, Snøhetta was selected to design this new cultural facility.

King Abdulaziz for World Culture contains diverse cultural facilities, including an auditorium, cinema, library, exhibition hall, museum, and archive.

With every steel element having a unique length and shape, Rhino with Grasshopper and Python scripting proved valuable in the project.

See more details in ArchDaily...

Which programming language should I use?

ProArchitect has an 8-minute video with advice on choosing your programming language.

See the video...

C# Scripting and Plugin Development for Grasshopper Workshop - McNeel Europe (Barcelona)

Advanced Course 

C# Scripting and Plugin Development for Grasshopper by Long Nguyen (ICD Stuttgart)

November 28-30, 2017

10.00h-18.00h

McNeel Europe S.L.

Roger de Flor, 32-34 bajos

08018 Barcelona (Spain)

McNeel welcomes Long Nguyen, a research associate at ICD Stuttgart, for a 3-day Advanced Workshop for Developers at McNeel Europe in Barcelona. 

This 3-day advanced course will focus on advanced aspects of C# scripting and plugin programming for Grasshopper. In addition to going in-depth with Rhino geometries, custom graphics display and Rhino-Grasshopper interaction, learn different techniques to vastly improve code performance and significantly speed up execution time (including using multithread parallel computing). The participants will also have the opportunity to kick-start the development of their own personal projects under the instructor’s guidance.

Day 1:

• ScriptSync: Using Visual Studio as a replacement C# Code Editor in Grasshopper
• Custom graphics display (custom colors, materials, styles, etc...)
• Rhino geometries (Curves, Surfaces, Meshes)
• String editing: useful for generating robot/machine control codes

Day 2:

• Programmatically interacting with Rhino modeling environment from Grasshopper (including geometry baking)
• C# Delegates
• Computational complexity: understanding code performance and scalability
• Spatial Data Structure: using RhinoCommon R-Trees to accelerate 3D searches, proximity checking, collision detection
• Parallel computation with the .NET Task Parallel Library

Day 3:

• Personal project development
• Option to discuss topics requested by the participants

Course Fee: EUR 795 (+VAT); full-time students and university teachers will get a 50% discount (proof of status required).  Bookings will be formalized once payment is cleared. 

Max. Number of Participants: 10. If there is no quorum, the course will be canceled 15 days before.
Language: English

Educational seats are limited. Sign up now by contacting McNeel Europe here!

Innochain Winter School 2017 in Berlin

HENN will host the Innochain Winter School 2017. Join us for two days of great presentations, discussions, and exhibitions in Berlin.

Innochain Early Stage Researcher (ESRs) and their Industry Partners (IPs), as well as Universities, are asked to describe how their research will make a difference to society and the building profession in both a short and long-term perspective. 

Please join HENN for two days of discussions and presentations.

October 12-13 Public Sessions and Presentations

Complete details...

Job Offer at Digital Timber Construction DTC Group (TU Kaiserslautern)

The group of Digital Timber Construction DTC at the faculty of architecture at TU Kaiserslautern is searching for a research assistant (50% TV-L 13). The position starts December 2017, and includes the possibility of a PhD thesis.

The working group directed by Jun. Prof. Dr. Christopher Robeller is part of the research laboratory Timber Architecture and Engineered Wood Products T-Lab and operates at the intersection of architecture, civil engineering, computer science, and fabrication technology.

The group is focused on the development of novel digital tools, which automatically generate 3D building components and CNC fabrication data—while being aware of the constraints of assembly sequences, fabrication parameters, and material properties. This allows for the development of new building construction systems, where the details play a particularly important role.

The working environment is a technical university, with equipment of the T-Lab (including a new 5-axis CNC machining center) and an exchange with industry partners.

Requirements

A passion for digital timber construction, as well as a Diploma or Master in architecture, civil engineering, or computer science. Useful skills include CAD (Rhino), programming (C#, Python, C++) and experience with CNC machines and robots.

Tasks

Tasks include the work on research projects and research funding applications, as well as the participation in teaching activities. The position is initially limited to one year and should be extended afterward through successful funding applications.

Applications

Please apply via email to christopher.robeller@architektur.uni-kl.de

AA Visiting School Madrid - October 13-23, 2017

AA Visiting School Madrid

October 13-23, 2017

Trans-computational Membranes 5.0 will continue exploring computational design methods through digital-analog experimentation. With a focus on flexible materials, AA Visiting School has developed large-scale pavilions and installations for the last three years, seamlessly integrating physical simulations into the design process. 

This has facilitated the development of open-source generative digital design tools, enabling the digital manipulation of flexible materials. This year’s workshop will continue further with this research, deploying advanced fabrication into digital design tools. 

Workshop participants will not only explore new design methods but also adopt novel manufacturing techniques, focusing on the robotic fabrication of flexible structures. AA Visiting School Madrid 2017 will expand its domain from the digital to the physical in a seamless workflow, where design and fabrication not only coexist but also interweave at every step.

Complete details and registration.....

Food4Rhino News

The new food4Rhino website was launched a few months ago and we have now more than 300 Rhino and Grasshopper apps and 130,000 active users!

With a completely new design and search system, finding and downloading a Rhino or Grasshopper plugin is now much faster. 

Here are some examples of recently added apps for physics simulation, AEC, virtual reality, interface design, and much more!

There are also new resource types such as Scripts, Grasshopper definitions, Toolbars, Tutorials, Companion Software, Materials, etc.

Visit www.food4Rhino.com for access to more than 300 Rhino and Grasshopper apps!

C# for Grasshopper Workshop - May 12-14, Berlin (Germany)

C# for Grasshopper Workshop

May 12-14, 2017

Parametric Support Office

Hardenbergstr. 38

10623 Berlin, Germany

Parametric Support invites you to join its C# for Grasshopper coding workshop for advanced users.

C# is a programming language in which Grasshopper for Rhino was written. It is commonly used to create plugins.

During this three-day course, the following subjects are covered:

• Basic coding in C# programming language.
• Algorithmic thinking in design and 3D modeling.
• RhinoCommon library. Extending Grasshopper scripting capabilities with full Rhinoceros 5 functionality.
• Shortening the script execution time by optimizing the algorithms. Methods of saving resources by finding inefficient operations.
• Geometric algorithms. Delaunay triangulation, Voronoi diagram, shortest path problem, etc. described and implemented in C#.
• Scripting in Grasshopper’s C# script component.
• Creating your own components in Microsoft Visual Studio.

After the course, you will be able to create your own components, solve complicated problems, operate on data structures, and optimize your code. Going in-depth into geometric algorithms will give you a better understanding of the tools you’re using and broaden your mind in finding clever solutions.

Detailed program coming soon.

Registration at hello@parametric.support

Tuition Fee:
300 EUR (Early Bird, till April 15)
350 EUR (Regular)

More info and Facebook event...