New Grasshopper workshop in Beirut (Lebanon)

Parametric Design with Grasshopper - Level 1
April 11-13, 2014
Suite 101, Verdun Twins
Rue Marie Curie
Beirut, Lebanon

The workshop on Applied Parametric Design is an introduction and immersion into the world of associative design with McNeel’s Rhino and Grasshopper software.  Rhino is an advanced NURBS modeller. With it we will learn about precision modelling, project workflow and organization. Grasshopper is an associative modelling plug-in for Rhino. Grasshopper parametrically defines our model logics to explore variations and optimized solutions. These two tools are a powerful combination for any architect, designer, engineer, professional or student interested in exploring how parametric design benefits their workflow.

Instructor: Luis E. Fraguada - Director of Research Built by Associative Data, Authorized Rhino Trainer

Complete details and registration...

"TRANSLATE" Workshop - Structural design in material fabrication - Rome (Italy)

"TRANSLATE" Workshop - Structural design in material fabrication

Rome, Italy

14-18 May 2014

In this 5-day workshop we will translate the typical typology and materialization of the house into the definition of surface-active structures. We combine the system of geometry, structural design & fabrication and construction into a new era of architecture.

We follow three lines of thought to translate structural design in material fabrication. First, ultra-lightweight, rethinking shape and material. Second, dealing with the same single material components aggregated within a network, working with the elements' directionality and their connections to perform stability. Third, we will rethink the definition of the brick.

We will design, analyze and present our translations in both digital and physical prototypes -- from tabletop models to 2m high structures. 

Grasshopper, Karamba and Digital Fabrication tools drive our design evolutions. With structural design, we will play with the type of forces in elements, orientation, force flow, geometry, restraints, and connection. We use this structural behavior to search for new links between materiality, form and construction, progressing towards a unique relationship of structure, construction and fabrication.

We will present our translations through digital and physical prototyping, showcasing the process of linking digital and physical inputs as a continuous feedback loop, rethinking structural design and material fabrication.

Tutors: Manja Van De Worp (NOUS Engineering London) and Aldo Sollazzo (Noumena)

Info and registration... 

Interactive Architectural Prototypes workshop in Frankfurt (Germany)

Interactive Architectural Prototypes
Frankfurt, Germany
July 21 - August 1, 2014

“Interactive Architectural Prototypes” is a 2-week summer lab based on the principles of experimentation and interactivity through emerging technologies in architectural production.

The lab engages students, architects, designers and game developers with four techniques of prototyping: designer-informed, analytics-driven, crowd-operated and sensor-actuated. Participants learn to use digital and parametric design tools and the feedback collected from simulation algorithms, online users and real-world sensors.

The acquired knowledge will be applied to designing interactive prototypes, which will be publicly exhibited at the Städelschule.

Tools: Rhino, Grasshopper, Arduino, Unity3D...

Complete info and registration...

Advanced Grasshopper workshop: “Complex surface”

Advanced Grasshopper workshop: “Complex surface”
Mediterranean FabLab, Cava de' Tirreni (Italy)
March 18-21, 2014

The Mediterranean FabLab in Cava de' Tirreni (Italy) has organized a new Grasshopper workshop that will deal with the development of complex surfaces responsive to information from the environment and with digital fabrication techniques.

Tutor: Amleto Picerno Ceraso

Details and registration...

DATA BODIES Grasshopper workshop, Paris (France)

“Data by itself has no meaning. It fills databases. This data must be examined in order to become meaningful. Humans must interact with it. Information arises when humans examine the data. Knowledge is created when information is transformed through human social interactions.” 

Richard Gayle via spacecollective

DATA BODIES Grasshopper workshop
Paris, France
May 9-11, 2014

The space in which we live can be monitored in many aspects and appears to be to be a gradient of data in continuous evolution and change. One of the major advantages of parametric tools is to inform the design processes with accurate, specific and variable, in space and time, data streams.

DATA BODIES is a Grasshopper workshop that will focus on its nature as an information processor and how it can manipulate data, streaming inputs from various sources and using data feeds to inform geometry or data structures from the very simple up to more complex ones. The aim is to understand information and data articulation as a spatial and architectural operation. Results may range from pure data communication protocols, dataviz or data-driven geometries, depending on the skill levels and aspirations of each participant. The brief is also open to the suggestions and opportunities that may rise during the workflow.

Rhino 5, Grasshopper, gHowl, MeshEdit, WeaverBird, Firefly, Lunchbox will be used during the workshop.

TUTOR: Andrea Graziano, Co-de-iT
CURATOR: Francesco Cingolani, superbelleville coworking

Details and registration...

Shape To Fabrication 5: The Making of the 2012 Games

Shape To Fabrication 5: The Making of the 2012 Games
Stratford Circus, London (UK)
April 9-10, 2014

The fifth conference in the Shape to Fabrication series has a primary focus: For the first time all the presenters have contributed to a single project, the hugely successful 2012 Games held in Stratford, London. 

Projects include the Main Stadium, Aquatics Centre, Heatherwick Studio’s Cauldron, the Torch. Also included are winning sports equipment designers, such as Speedo and designers of the Team GB Road & Track Bikes. 

Speakers include Patrick Schumacher (Zaha Hadid Architects), Katerina Dionysopoulou (Heatherwick Studio), Jon Marshall (Barber Osgerby), David Hines and Pavol Knapo (Populous), Dimitris Katsanis (Team GB Bicycles by Metron) and Chris Johnson (Speedo).

Organized by SimplyRhino UK and RoboFold.

Complete details and registration...

Also, save the dates for the next UK Grasshopper meeting. It will be just before the Shape To Fabrication event on April 8th at the UCL-Bartlett from 9am to 9pm. There will be technical talks from Grasshopper plug-in developers and power users.

Grasshopper workshop in Beirut by Luis Fraguada

Applied Parametric Design with Rhino and Grasshopper

Description:

The workshop on Applied Parametric Design is an introduction and immersion into the world of associative design with McNeel’s Rhino and Grasshopper software.  Rhino is an advanced NURBS modeler where we will learn about precision modelling, project workflow, and organization.  Grasshopper is an associative modeling plug-in for Rhinoceros that allows us to parametrically define the logics of our model to explore variations and optimized solutions.  

These two tools are a powerful combination for any architect, designer, engineer, professional or student who is interested in exploring how parametric design can benefit their workflow.

This is the first workshop in a series of workshops conducted by Built by Associative Data in Beirut dealing with digital tools applied to architecture, engineering, and design.

Prerequisites:

Workshop participants should have a familiarity with CAD software, 2D drafting, and 3D modeling.

Software:

Rhino 5 and Grasshopper (links to trial versions of the software will be made available to the workshop participants).  Participants are asked to install the software prior to attending the workshop.  Technical support will be provided prior to the workshop to facilitate software installation.

Instructor: 
Luis E. Fraguada - Director of Research Built by Associative Data, Authorized Rhino Trainer

Timeline:

Thursday, January 23, 2014: 18h - 22h

Friday, January 24, 2014: 18h - 22h

Saturday, January 25, 2014: 10h - 18h

Cost: $1000

Location:

Built by Associative Data

Suite 101, first floor

Verdun Twins

Beirut, Lebanon

Contact and registration:

info@bad.ar.com

+961 70 310 310

New GhPython with Node-in-Code™ and Multi-threading

Thanks to Steve and Giulio, a new version (0.6.0.3) of the GhPython scripting component for Grasshopper is available on food4Rhino.

Major new features:.

• Node-in-Code™: Almost every Grasshopper component is now callable in GhPython
• Multi-threading: Now easy for GhPython scripts to execute on multiple threads

Download here...

New EvoluteTools PRO features

EvoluteTools PRO is used by the industry's most reputable companies to turn high-end, breathtaking free-form designs into cost effective, real world structures faithful to the initial design intent. Award winning designs like KREOD, the highly prestigious Eiffel Tower Pavilions, the Baku Funicular stations, the Beaublanc Stadium, or the CCV are just a few of the many projects made possible with EvoluteTools PRO.

Ever-growing, robust and versatile, the Rhino plug-in now packs new features for your delight. The 64-bit compatibility, cylinder fitting, developable lofting, panel repetition maximization and node axis optimization are just a few of the most requested functions available now.

• EvoluteTools PRO - Developable lofting
  Lofting of developable strip surfaces between pairs of curves.
   
• EvoluteTools PRO - Panel fitting
  Approximation of surfaces with simplified surface types, e.g. cylinders, cones, and many more. Very extensive options exist.
   
• EvoluteTools PRO - Panel repetition maximization
  Clustering of flat panels (triangles, quads, ...), which lowers the number of unique panels, parts, etc.
    
• EvoluteTools PRO - Mesh statistics
  Evaluating diverse criteria related to the buildability and cost of surfaces panelised using flat panels, e.g.: Angles between panels, corner angles of panels, node torsion, edge lengths, distance from a reference surface, (un)planarity of panels, etc. This module can easily be customized.

Complete details here...

4th Rhino User Meeting TU Graz report

The 4th Rhino Day at the TU Graz took place on the October 16th, 2013, with great success and an amazing international audience.

3D Base has been kind enough to write a brief report with photos.

Read the original report in German...
Or read the "Google translated" version in English...

4th Parametric Design Workshop Leipzig

4th Parametric Design Workshop Leipzig

December 5-9, 2013 

The workshop will be concerned with the development and optimization of a building using Rhino and Grasshopper based tools, such as Karamba and iterative and or evolutionary methods are to be used for system optimization.

Limited rapid prototyping tools will be available for physical modelmaking (laser cutter, 3D plotter, CNC milling).

Work in groups with people from Leipzig's School of Architecture and international experts and students! Architects, designers, engineers and other interested parties welcome.

Solid working knowledge of Rhino and Grasshopper required. No scripting skills necessary.

Details and registration...

RhinoPython training in Paris

Rhinoforyou and Giulio Piacentino have organized a RhinoPython workshop in Paris (France) on December, 9-10:

• December 9-10: RhinoPython 2-day Foundation (Language: English)

Check the program and register here (in French)...
Or contact j.hababou@rhinoforyou.com

Biodigital Architecture Master in Barcelona

The registration period for the Biodigital Architecture Official Master will end shortly. Come to Barcelona and see what new architecture looks like.

The UIC Master’s Degree Programme in Biodigital Architecture was created in 2000 as a pioneering postgraduate programme, the first that treated architecture from the biological and digital perspectives, and the first to provide systematic studios, workshops and seminars with the founders of digital organism, the new cutting edge of the 21st century. Within the context of the research line on genetic architectures at the ESARQ School of Architecture, students will pay special attention to new cybernetic-digital and new ecologic-environmental architectural design as a way of developing biodigital architecture, emergence, genetic and generative concepts in the biological and digital worlds, biomimesis, biolearning, morphogenesis, etc. Students will also experiment with genetic-driven software, evolutionary processes, emerging systems, algorithms, parametrics, scripting, etc.

New technologies have given us new production possibilities (Data-Driven Production, CNC machines, 3D printers) that lead to new formulations of non-standard architecture based on genetic principles (variation, mutation, hybridization): New architecture for new possibilities.

Complete details...

RhinoPython workshop in Paris

Rhinoforyou and Giulio Piacentino have organized a RhinoPython workshop in Paris on Dec 9-10.

"For designers and engineers who want to lay the foundation of Rhino.Python scripting, as well as RhinoScript users who want to update themselves, this workshop will transmit all the necessary instruments and concepts to successfully develop code for geometry in Rhino 5 for Windows and for Mac. The instructor of the class is Giulio Piacentino.

As a participant, you will be guided through the details of the new and friendly programming language in Rhino, including: automating commands at necessity with macros, performing calculations, making decisions after iterating code and manipulating several data structures. Also, we will study how to couple Python’s iteration and recursion powers with Grasshopper." 

Details and registration... 

Rhino User Meeting at IE Madrid

Announcing the Rhino User Meeting Madrid 2013 on the October 30-31 at the IE School of Architecture and Design.

The agenda includes presentations by Carlos Perez (McNeel Europe), Francesc Salla (VisualARQ), Rafael del Molino (TDM Solutions), Diego Cuevas (ControlMAD), Miguel Vidal (Friquearq), Manuel Hidalgo (ETSAM), Mireia Luzárraga (takk-arquitectura), Roberto Molinos (IEUniversity), Adolfo Nadal (IEUniversity) and Anna Pla Catalá (IEUniversity).

Also included are workshops on Grasshopper, RhinoScript, Digital Fabrication, RhinoNest, VisualARQ, Lands Design, Clayoo, and V-Ray for Rhino.

See also the latest news on Rhino 5, food4Rhino, VisualARQ, Lands for Rhino, Clayoo, RhinoGold 4.0, RhinoNest and V-Ray.

All presentations and workshops will be in Spanish.

Complete info and registration (in Spanish)...

Rhino & Grasshopper workshop in Singapore

Introduction to Parametric Modeling with Rhino, Grasshopper and Python
Symposium & Workshop
October 4-6 and October 12-13, Singapore

Following the ARCHIFEST Conference in Singapore, this workshop will kick off with a symposium on October 4th where industry professionals will share their experiences of parametric design in practice. The workshop will be held over the course of two weekends. Details are below:

Symposium: October 4, 19:00-21:00
Workshop: October 5-6 and October 12-13, 10:00-16:00

Details and registration...

Python, Grasshopper and RhinoCommon workshops in Berlin

Python, Grasshopper and RhinoCommon workshops in Berlin

There are still some free seats at the following Workshops and Master Classes at the Design Modelling Symposium Berlin (Sep 28-Oct 2):

• WS III - Bending (Re)Active Plates
• WS V - Folding as Surface Design Strategy
• Master Class II - Scripting @ Grasshopper
• Master Class IV - Rhino Python

Register now...

RhinoPython Master Class - Design Modelling Symposium Berlin

RhinoPython Master Class
4th Design Modelling Symposium Berlin “Rethinking Prototyping”
University of the Arts in Berlin, Germany
Sep 28-29, 2013

Lecturers: Steve Baer [Robert McNeel & Associates] and Giulio Piacentino [geometrydepth]

Through this 2-day intermediate class, we will go deeper in the most encompassing programming language for Rhino 5. We are looking for users who want to start using Rhino.Python with good results. You will be able to extend your Rhino and Grasshopper experience — seeing how to improve scripts, automate, and use further tools in your design process. We will first rehearse some basic syntax in Python, and then we will see the potentials of iterative and recursive codes in Rhino and Grasshopper. We will introduce something that was previously only possible for core programmers, like editing the UI.

Program headlines

We want participants to get a solid understanding of the design-orientation of Python in Rhino. We also hope to hear from users on what should be in future implementation of Python in Rhino. We will adjust the class based on some quick polls from all participants. We will use a mixture of RhinoScript and RhinoCommon, covering the following headlines:

 - Parsing files and categorizing data. Strategies for modules.
 - Web sites that can be sources for sample code.
 - Conditional statements. Colors.
 - Adjacency to a surface and evaluation of points.
 - Curves and surfaces: construction by control points, lofts.
 - String manipulation. Tricks with Python methods and function calls.
 - Getting started with numpy (and maybe Excel if requested).
 - Recursion, with the Sierpinski triangle.
 - User interface management: built-in and custom functionality.
 - Using pre-made modules online. Debug strategies.
 - Using a pure Python library: printing charts and graphics.
 - Code compilation (review on options if deemed useful).
 - Final: user project start up and user questions.

Complete details and registration...

“Switch to Pure Volvo” International Design pavilion

Synthesis Design + Architecture has been named the winner of the “Switch to Pure Volvo” International Design pavilion competition sponsored by Volvo Car Italia and The Plan Magazine.

Volvo’s “Switch to Pure Volvo” competition, organized by international architecture magazine THE PLAN, called for an innovative and original design for a temporary pavilion that expressed a “strong and creative identity” to showcase the car at fairs and open air presentations in Italian squares.

SDA’s approach was to use the car’s design as a flexible and sustainable vehicle as the basis to reimagine the typical trade show pavilion.  Toward this end, SDA emphasized the qualities of dynamic form, interactivity, visual impact, functionality, and efficiency to create a novel temporary structure that while iconic also offers high-performance. The design integrates structure, form, and performance by utilizing a continuous organic form composed of HDPE mesh fabric with integrated photovoltaic panels tensioned over carbon fiber rods. In fact, the digitally designed contours of the mesh fabric are what bend the rods into their curvy forms. The result calls to mind the image of an elegantly diaphanous orchid.

All modeling, form-finding, meshing done in Rhino / Grasshopper / Kangaroo / Weaverbird.

The project is currently in development and will open in Rome, Italy on September 15, 2013.

For more information and images of the project click here.

MCDC // Master Computational Design and Construction

MCDC // Master Computational Design and Construction
Hochschule Ostwestfalen-Lippe
University of Applied Sciences
Detmolder Schule für Architektur und Innenarchitektur
Starts September 2013

Digital technologies altered the field of architecture and the architectural profession significantly – from design to production. Even though CAD as drawing tool became a standard throughout the last decades - both in architecture schools and practices - there is still a huge potential of computational technology waiting to be activated for the architectural production process. However, to get in-depth understanding of the capability of digital applications requires not only time and the ability to operate these tools but foremost a broad expertise in architectural design methodology and construction principles within an integral approach.

Against this background the international post-graduate Master program Computational Design and Construction (MCDC) incorporates the professional qualities of higher architectural education as well as the theoretic and operative aspects of information technology. The study focuses on digital design methods and construction technologies. Therefore, the Curriculum provides scientific and practical foundation and gives an overview of latest developments in Computational Design and Construction. To convey further knowledge of these methods and technologies is the main goal of the Master´s curriculum in order to extend the competencies and expertise of the participants for an international market. The three-semester Master program addresses graduates from Architecture and Engineering, as well as Product Design, Information Technology and related studies. Cooperative projects, symposia and master theses serve as a platform for collaborations with the building industry, software suppliers, other universities and architectural practices.

Complete details...