Membranes: From Concept to Fabrication—8-Week Specialized Training by ixRay Ltd (February-April 2026)

Membranes: From Concept to Fabrication—8-Week Specialized Training by ixRay Ltd

Designing advanced membrane structures requires a solid understanding of form-finding, material behavior, aerodynamics, and precise digital modeling. For architects, engineers, and designers looking to deepen their expertise, ixRay Ltd, in collaboration with the Architectural Membrane Association (AMA), is launching an intensive 8-week online training program focused on membrane structures—from concept to fabrication.

This comprehensive course is led by a panel with over 30 years of industry experience, including renowned instructor Gerry D’Anza. It integrates powerful software tools such as IxCube 4-10, IxCube CFD, and Rhino/Grasshopper.

What You Will Learn
Throughout the eight weeks, participants will explore the full workflow of membrane design and engineering:

1. Form-Finding Through Forces
Understand how membranes naturally generate optimized shapes through tension forces, achieving stability and elegance.

2. Rhino Modeling & Grasshopper
Learn how to build accurate 3D models and workflows for membrane structures using Rhino and parametric design automation in Grasshopper.

3. Parametric Design (Rhino + Grasshopper + IxCube 4-10)
Develop advanced parametric systems that integrate structural behavior and patterning processes.

4. Inflatables & ETFE Cushions
Gain technical insights into the design and analysis of pneumatic structures and ETFE cushion systems.

5. Nonlinear Analysis of Membranes and Steel Structures
Study real-world structural behavior under load, using specialized simulation tools.

6. Wind Tunnel Simulation with IxCube CFD
Run CFD simulations over thin double-sided membranes to validate aerodynamic performance.

7. Steel Design (American, Euro, and Indian Codes)
Learn essential global steel standards and apply them to tension structures.

8. Project Management (Patterning & Production)
Understand production techniques, patterning strategies, and efficient project delivery.

Course Details

• Format: Online (Zoom)
• Start Date: Friday, February 13, 2026
• Schedule: Every Friday for 8 weeks
• Time: 14:00–16:00 CET
• Instructor: Gerry D’Anza
• Language: English

Key Benefits

• Free 4-month professional license of IxCube 4-10
• Certificate of participation from ixRay Ltd
• Direct training from industry experts
• Practical workflow experience from concept to fabrication

Registration Information

• To register, send an email to info@ixray-ltd.com with the subject: COURSE 2026
• Include your full name and contact information.

Rates

• Early registration: €300 (before December 31, 2025)
• Late registration: €450 (after December 31, 2025)

Notes

• The course requires a minimum of 10 participants to begin.
• Requirements: Basic knowledge of CAD (AutoCAD, Rhinoceros, etc.).
• This training is ideal for professionals in: Architecture, engineering, tensile structure design, fabrication, and computational design.

Seats are limited—early registration is highly encouraged...

Rhino/Grasshopper online workshop for structural engineers, June 30-July 2 (McNeel Europe)

 

Rhino & Grasshopper Training for the Structural Engineers

Online Workshop

Tutor: Junghwo Park

June 30-July 2, 2025

10 AM-5 PM CEST (Barcelona)

Hosted on Zoom by McNeel Europe

Structural engineering analyzes given geometries to calculate, optimize, or aesthetically refine structures, ensuring they can stand without failure while fulfilling the designer’s intentions. Before the advent of CAD software, engineers mathematically defined material properties, loads, and support conditions per design codes, verifying their calculations through physical model experiments. In architectural design, early parametric approaches were introduced by pioneers such as Antoni Gaudí and have since evolved into contemporary practices, where architects and engineers use tools like Rhino and Grasshopper. These tools are now widely integrated with structural engineering software such as SOFiSTiK, Tekla, Dlubal, SCIA, and Karamba3D, bridging design, analysis, and documentation workflows. This integration enables seamless data exchange across BIM platforms and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration throughout all project phases.

The workshop is taught by Junghwo Park, Head of Innovation and Technology Center in Virtual Design and Construction at Umdasch Group Ventures, and a certified BIM trainer by buildingSMART Austria. It is designed for structural engineers who want to learn how to use Rhino and Grasshopper for parametric BIM engineering.

Upon completion of this course, participants will...

• Gain a foundational understanding of how to model and document structural engineering projects in Rhino, including templates, drawings, hatching, graphics, and model coordination.
• Learn the principles of parametric engineering using Grasshopper.
• Explore essential Grasshopper tips and tricks to enhance daily practice in structural design workflows.
• Understand seamless data interoperability for BIM workflows using Rhino.Inside.Revit and Speckle.

Course requirements: This course is intended for structural engineers, drafters, and modelers without prior experience 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!

The Trimble 0-60 Challenge 2025 is open for startups to apply!

Do you have a great idea for a Rhino/Grasshopper workflow with Trimble products? Trimble announced the return of the Trimble 0-60 Challenge, a global initiative designed to identify and support the most innovative startups in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Owner-Operator (AECO) industry.

Apply now!

About the Trimble 0-60 Challenge

The Trimble 0-60 Challenge is a global initiative to identify and support the most innovative startups in the AECO industry. This challenge aims to foster the development of integrated solutions across three categories: Connected Data, Connected Design, and Connected Field or Jobsite. Participants should leverage Trimble Connect, or other Trimble solutions such as SketchUp or Tekla, as part of the Trimble platform.

What To Expect?

Participants will meet over the course of 12 weeks. Throughout the program, participants can access Trimble experts and business mentors. At the end of the program, finalists will have the opportunity to demo their solutions at Trimble Dimensions and the winners will be announced. All terms and conditions apply.

Who Should Apply?

Entrepreneurs, startups (early stage), and developers who want to turn their innovative ideas into industry solutions.

Why Apply?

Networking. Gain access to Trimble’s large partner and customer ecosystem.
Support. AEC and technology experts will help you transform your wildest dreams into practical solutions.
Exposure. Show your work off to our large audience and meet Trimble's venture and investment partners.

Entry Requirements

Your solution must solve a product or customer pain point, integrate with Trimble Connect or other Trimble solutions such as Tekla or SketchUp, enhance a Trimble Connect workflow in design or construction, and show commercial growth potential. Each solution should address one of the following three categories: Connected Data, Connected Design, Connected Field, or Jobsite.

Key Dates

May 26 - Applications Close
June 23 - Finalists Announced
July 8-9 - Program Kick-Off
November 10-12 - Demo Day at Dimensions

About Trimble Connect

Trimble Connect is a cloud-based collaboration platform that enables teams to share, manage, and access project data from anywhere, ensuring stakeholders have the most up-to-date information for streamlined workflows. It is widely used across various sectors and industries, including civil construction, geospatial, transportation, engineering, and design. To learn more about Trimble Connect and its offerings, please visit connect.trimble.com. For more information about Trimble (Nasdaq:TRMB), visit: www.trimble.com.

SIGraDi 2024 - Biodigital intelligent systems (Barcelona)

SIGraDi 2024 - Biodigital intelligent systems

UIC Barcelona, 13-15 November

SIGraDi 2024's main theme is the application of biodigital intelligent systems in the world of architecture design and art, from research, teaching, and professional practice perspectives.

Biodigital intelligent systems refer to a confluence of principles from biology, digital technology, and artificial intelligence (AI) to create intelligent systems inspired by living organisms through a systemic approach. This field encompasses a wide range of interdisciplinary areas, including bio-inspired robotics, artificial life, evolutionary algorithms, computational neuroscience, and more. They often draw inspiration from biological structures, processes, and mechanisms, highlighting the power of biological systems and natural intelligence to create advanced and innovative technologies to adapt, learn, and solve complex problems. 

By emulating the principles and mechanisms observed in living organisms, these systems can exhibit remarkable capabilities such as self-organization, self-repair, robustness, and adaptability. Examples include bio-inspired robots to navigate challenging terrains, swarm robotics systems inspired by the collective behavior of social insects, neural networks based on the brain, and evolutionary algorithms to optimize complex tasks by mimicking natural selection and genetic variation. Finally, Biodigital Intelligent Systems are changing our world and pushing it towards a Biodigital future.

Complete details and registration...

Rhino User Meeting Berlin 2024 - 18 October

 

Rhino User Meeting Berlin 2024
Date: 18 October
Time: 8 am-6 pm (plus after event drinks and food)
Location: Priedemann Façade Lab, Am Wall 17, 14979 Großbeeren, Germany
Access: 20 minutes by taxi from the airport or 1 hour by public transport from Berlin city center

Unlock Innovation in Architecture and Engineering

Get ready for an exciting, hands-on experience at the Rhino User Meeting Berlin 2024! Taking place at the ultra-modern Priedemann Façade Lab in Großbeeren, just south of Berlin, this event will introduce you to the latest breakthroughs in Rhino software and its wide-ranging uses in various industries.

This isn’t just another conference—it’s a lively meetup where brilliant minds come together to push the limits of architectural and engineering design. Join us as we explore the overlap between architecture and engineering, uncover game-changing uses for Rhino, Grasshopper, and related tech, and see how these tools are shaping the future of design and construction.

Why You Should Come

• Discover the Latest Innovations: Hear from emerging talents and industry veterans about cutting-edge trends and technologies transforming the AEC world.
• Network and Collaborate: Connect with fellow professionals, sponsors, and industry leaders. Take part in lively discussions, share ideas, and explore fresh opportunities in our interactive spaces.
• Get Hands-On: Try out the latest Rhino applications and innovations in our workshop-style areas, complete with façade mockups and interactive displays.

Main Topics

• Engineering Innovations: Learn how Rhino is reshaping engineering through its structural design, manufacturing, and building physics applications.
• Future Tech: See how Grasshopper, RhinoCommon API, and AI drive new innovations and create business opportunities.
• Architectural Excellence: Discover how Rhino integrates with BIM workflows and helps push the limits of computational design in architecture.

Featured Speakers

• Andrea Rossi (EDEK, University of Kassel)
• Babette Hohrath & Raitis Pekuss (Packhunt)
• Dr. Carlotta Schatten & Arjun Sharma (Airteam Aerial Intelligence GmbH)
• Dan Cole (WebbYates)
• David Rutten (McNeel)
• Diego Apellániz (kevee)
• Dominik Zausinger (Priedemann Façade Lab)
• Jens Böke, Lutz Tautenhahn, Tomas Mena (Priedemann Façade Lab)
• Jeroen van Lith (Planfinder)
• Jochen Hölscher & Yury Nasonov (Hölscher Fassaden)
• Johannes König (wearenarrativ)
• Julia Reisinger (TU Wien and factorymaker)
• Krzysztof Wojslaw (learngrasshopper.com)
• Lila Panahi (ATP)
• Mathias Fuchs (McNeel)
• Mathias Sønderskov Schaltz (LINK Arkitektur)
• Nicola Haberbosch (Drees & Sommer)
• Paul Cowell (Simply Rhino)
• Rostyslav Friedmann (KeyShot)
• Serjoscha Düring (RehubForge)
• Shibo Ren (Buro Happold)
• Stefano Arrighi (Studio Eliasson)
• Timo Harboe Zollner (Timo Harboe ApS)
• Verena Vogler & Carlos Pérez (McNeel Europe)

Join us for a day packed with inspiration, innovation, and networking!

Free webinars: Grasshopper to AXISVM Add-on

Come join these two free webinars to learn more about AxisVM (finite element analysis and design software for structural engineers) and its Grasshopper add-on:

Getting Started with Grasshopper to AXISVM Add-on

This session is geared towards beginners in parametric design. Participants will learn the basics of using Rhino/Grasshopper, how to install it, what are the most important learning materials, and how to connect and use it with our own software AxisVM.

Date: 6 June
Time: 10:00 CEST

Free registration... 

New Features of the Grasshopper to AXISVM Add-on v7

This in-depth session will review the new features of the Grasshopper to AXISVM add-on v7.0. Attendees will gain insights into each new component provided by the latest iteration of the add-on.

Date: 13 June
Time: 10:00 CEST

Free registration...

Getting to Know... Interstice: Democratizing 4D models!

Interstice aims to fill the gaps between stakeholders in the AEC industry by building custom solutions for complex challenges and guiding projects from concept through execution.

In this interview, Eric Guenther, Co-Founder and Principal of Interstice and Digital Practice Manager at FSE, talks about the company's origin and how the desire to explore beyond traditional structural engineering led to its formation. He discusses the potential of Mass Timber, highlighting its sustainability, aesthetic appeal, and cost-effectiveness. He talks about the challenges of specialization and siloing in the AEC industry and explains how Interstice aims to create innovative solutions that span across various domains, bringing cohesiveness to the industry. Enric also emphasizes the importance of tools like Rhino, Grasshopper, Python, and ShapeDiver in transforming project delivery and client collaboration.

Read the complete interview...