Grasshopper Meets Lacquer: Innovating Art with Ekkehard Altenburger

The artist Ekkehard Altenburger showcased his latest work, which merges Grasshopper definitions with the traditional technique of Vietnamese lacquer art painting.

As a well-respected Professor of Sculpture at the Academy of Visual Arts in Hong Kong, Altenburger collaborated closely with a master lacquer artist in a Hanoi studio to master the ancient Vietnamese lacquer art technique. With his expertise in programming robotic systems and the extended use of Grasshopper code in his research, Altenburger took inspiration from the convergence of ancient traditions and modern technology.

Altenburger's fascination with the shift from high-end digital environments to the humble surroundings of a Hanoi studio is evident in his exhibition. Working in intense humidity, crucial for the drying and curing of Vietnamese lacquer derived from tree resin, Altenburger's art exudes a unique blend of ancient artistry and contemporary innovation.

The exhibition, held at Galerie Lunette in the heart of historic Hanoi, allowed Altenburger to showcase his works alongside established artists such as Claudia Van and Dinh Ngoc Canh.

Looking forward to further exploration in this field, Altenburger is drawn to the immersive experience of working in Hanoi studios. He anticipates many more productive days in the sweltering heat as he continues to explore how digital technology opens new aesthetic avenues in this ancient technique.

For more about this exhibition, look at this local TV interview.

Contact Ekkehard Altenburger at

Web: /altenburger.co.uk

Instagram: /altenburger_artist

Easily turn Grasshopper models into sharable web apps with VIKTOR

VIKTOR is excited to share the awesome results of teaming up with McNeel to supercharge the digital shift in architecture, engineering, and construction!

Introducing the cutting-edge integration between Rhino Compute and VIKTOR, an innovation that transforms your Rhino Compute and Grasshopper scripts into real-time, web-based apps. All your favorite plugins are good to go!

Grasshopper web apps are effortlessly shareable, fostering a new era of cooperation among professionals. Additionally, the intuitive and user-friendly interface harnesses all the powers of Rhino! You have three options: Integrate the Grasshopper script from your computer, employ Rhino Compute, or use your company server.

Worried about data security? Web apps are hosted on an ISO-secured platform.
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Complete details...

Rhinozine, the magazine for Rhino enthusiasts

Attention all Rhino enthusiasts! We have exciting news to share. Rhinozine, a new interactive digital magazine, has arrived. Our magazine provides the latest updates, resources, and trends in the world of Rhino.

With Rhinozine, you can stay up-to-date with innovative ideas and easily accessible content anytime and anywhere. You can download, print, or share our content on social media to stay connected with the Rhino community. Join us and immerse yourself in the world of Rhino today!

Explore the Digital Magazine issues here!

Rhinozine is excited to hear from you! We are always looking for new products, projects, workshops, books, and events to feature. Everyone deserves recognition for their unique talents, regardless of their field or expertise level. By participating in our magazine, you'll have the opportunity to showcase your work to a broader audience, gain exposure, and connect with like-minded individuals. Don't let this chance slip away to leave your mark!

Submit your work here!

 

Unveiling the Past: Historical Jewelry and its 3D Reconstruction

Rhino User Webinar

Unveiling the Past: Historical Jewelry and Its 3D Reconstruction

September 14, 2023, at 4:00 PM CEST

This webinar will provide a brief overview of the following points:

• The origin of the idea to reproduce the crown and the iconographic sources used.
• The use of Rhinoceros software to develop the volumetry of the crown.
• The importance of faithfully recreating all decorative elements and ensuring their accuracy.
• The placement of over 200 stones and the design of bezels and interlocking mechanisms.
• The crown segmentation into 72 pieces to optimize space, facilitated by a reference pattern.
• The creation of lightweight elements to minimize the overall weight.
• An overview of the materials used and the different phases of the components' printing, casting, and testing.

Cadia Romano, a passionate jewellery enthusiast, began her studies in Florence at the Lao school at 16. She specialized in Goldsmithing at Il Tarì and Il Perseo in Italy, as well as El taller de Joyeria in Barcelona and Central Saint Martin in London. Graduating from the University of Florence in 2010 in the Culture of Fashion and Style Goldsmithing section, Cadia expanded her skills in sacred (thanks to Paolo Penko) and sexual (thanks to the start-up The Precious Lust) goldsmithing, enameling, engraving, lost wax, and more.

Joining the esteemed Bvlgari High Jewellery workshop, Cadia spent seven years crafting exquisite pieces while refining her 3D design and printing expertise. Today, she works as a freelance designer. She shares her knowledge as a lecturer at the Accademia Italiana University in Rome.

Complete details and registration...

New remote collaboration tool: Foveate

 

Discover Foveate—Collaborative 3D Presentations in the Browser

Spatial walkthroughs made easy
Impress your clients with next-generation presentations using Foveate's sleek 3D Moments system. Take your clients on a curated journey of your designs in real-time 3D.

Upload and view your 3D scenes online instantly
Drag and drop your 3D, video, image, and audio files to create incredible sensorial experiences right in the browser at lightning-fast speeds.

Collaborative real-time 3D from your favorite 3D apps
Invite your teammates to build 3D presentations with the 3D apps they use. Now, architects, 3D artists, and designers have one platform they can upload to and visualize their scenes together—whether they use 3D modeling apps, CAD apps, 3D scanning apps, or game engines.

Share to any device with a browser
Instantly share any Foveate scene on a link. Set the permissions to public or private, so only the right eyes see your work.

Sign up for early access!

Orca3D adds Advanced Stability Module WIP

 

Orca3D Advanced Stability Module Work-in-Progress (WIP) Available

Orca 3D Version 3 WIP introduces a completely new module focused on advanced stability analysis. The new module includes:

• Define compartments and tanks.
• Set permeability and loads.
• Run multiple load cases.
• Calculate intact and damaged stability.

Like Rhino, major version updates of Orca3D begin with a series of WIP releases to allow users to participate in the development process by providing feedback to our development team.

More details on the Advanced Stability Module...

SAVANNA3D R7 with new SubD blocks

 

The SAVANNA3D for Rhino 7 library contains over 1,600 detailed 3D architectural models in the 3DM file format, plus a few parametric Grasshopper definitions to create parametric models.

All these blocks are 100% NURBS, SubDs, or Grasshopper parametric definitions made in Rhino 7. Plus, discover the new blocks created for you; all are SubD models included in Chapter 7, which provides for cocktail glassware and lounge chairs.

Explore what's included in the SAVANNA3D R7 library by scrolling down to the curriculum section and preview how to use the blocks + get around 40 free blocks from the library by downloading Chapter 2.1 for free!

View the catalog here!

Subscribe to the SAVANNA3D R7 library to download the entire library; it's yours to keep for as long as you like. Please refer to the License Agreement. The subscription includes all 1,600+ blocks plus any new blocks added sporadically during the twelve-month subscription. 

Enjoy 20% off with coupon code: RHINO3DEDUCATION20 at checkout for a limited time!

How To Generate Complex Technical Drawings with Grasshopper | Pt. 2

In Part 2 of this video tutorial series, Edwin Hernández from ShapeDiver explains the concept behind Printing Points and how to create a template for technical drawings that allows you to input data parametrically for any project.

If you missed Part 1, watch it now.

Our newest Authorized Rhino Trainers!

Cluster Ring by Laurie Robinson

Congratulations to our newest Authorized Rhino Trainers!

Check out the final projects below with the various topics. 

• James Chadud: Modeling a Spiral Stair
• Mike Annear: Modeling from Point Clouds
• Lissa Saruhashi: Contour in Rhino and Grasshopper
• Steve Workman: History and Halos
• Jim Callans: Modeling a Skatepark Bowl
• Laurie Robinson: Cluster Ring
• John Morris, SCAD: Modeling a Computer Monitor
• Gautier Mallet: Mesh to Nurbs
• Winston Pynn: Modeling a Hull & Lines
• Ian Gordon: Worksession Project

See additional ART projects.

The ART Trainers are excited to share their Rhino expertise and help you with training or tutoring. You can see their classes and contact details.

If you want to become an ART, here are the requirements. Sign up for the next Required ART training for the North and South American regions.

Learn more about testing for Professional Rhino Certifications... 

Bubble Pavilion Documentary

The Bubble Pavilion is a project led by Professor Roberto Narvaez at the University of Seville (Spain), which combines geometric, structural, and constructive research with educational innovation.

Based on the geometric relationships found in spherical soap bubbles of equal radius, a geometric algorithm is designed using Rhinoceros and Grasshopper to adapt the natural arrangement of bubble clusters to any free-form surface. Subsequently, another algorithm is designed in Grasshopper to materialize the structure using laminated wood panels and digital fabrication tools.

The overall result is a self-supporting system with a uniform shell behavior that is highly resistant to typical architectural stresses. The pavilion takes the form of a single vaulted envelope, approximately 11 meters long and 6 meters wide. However, the designed system can be adapted to any size and shape for a multitude of applications in architectural design, including facades, roofs, or architectural envelopes of any kind.

More information...

VisualARQ User-Case

VisualARQ User-Case: from Conceptual Volumes to Real Projects

VisualARQ played a crucial role in the design process of this residential apartment project in Costa Rica, showcasing the architectural expertise of Costa Rican architect Javier Castro. By using Rhino and VisualARQ, the project evolved from conceptual volumes to stunning photorealistic images, both for the interior and exterior.

Read the complete article...

Getting to know... Sfered: Custom eyewear meets Grasshopper!

Sybren de Graaf, CEO and founder of Sfered, created an innovative solution for the eyewear industry using Grasshopper and ShapeDiver's infrastructure. With a background in architecture, Sybren discovered the potential of Grasshopper and used his design knowledge to create a revolutionary online service for opticians. Sfered's service allows for the customization of frames using a 3D parametric model placed on the client's scanned face. The result is a personalized and comfortable fit unique to each individual.

In this interview, Shapediver dives into Sybren's early beginnings, his early design influences, and how he discovered Grasshopper. They also discussed how his architectural background influenced his current path and when he realized the concept behind Sfered could be a good business idea. Furthermore, you can explore how ShapeDiver helped him create this iOS application, the challenges he's faced so far, and what opticians say about the tool.

Read the complete interview...

SudoHopper3D is a fun way to learn Grasshopper!

Learning Grasshopper is fun; McNeel Miami has created SudoHopper3D, a free card game to improve the overall understanding of parametric thinking.

SudoHopper3D playfully takes you through mathematics, algorithms, and basic coding. Players surprisingly learn concepts such as vector geometry and trigonometry. Players also understand problem-solving, logic, and sequential reasoning in a socially interrelated and entertaining environment. 

Players can access the online course, Introduction to Grasshopper with SudoHopper3D in English and Spanish. These videos are from our Rhino3D.Education platform and will show students the different ways to write the definitions that solve each assignment. 

Plus: Access to this new magazine we have created for you, which includes the solutions to the assignments to SudoHopper3D, and you can download it to have it with you while playing!

View/Download here

Please, share comments and images of what your students are achieving with SudoHopper3D and Grasshopper.

When you complete this Introduction to Grasshopper with SudoHopper3D course, you will be ready to continue learning Grasshopper with the more advanced Computational Design with Grasshopper online course, also offered in English and Spanish!

Check out Rhino3D.Education for the latest courses on Rhino, Grasshopper, and more!

New Land Kit plugin V12 release

The latest version of Land Kit 1.2 bolsters your Land Kit performance while introducing Water Kit!

Whether you’re just getting your toes wet or diving in, Water Kit has the tools to help you understand water. Dip your toes into Water Kit:

• Flowlines. Trace water on your site with new and improved flowline fidelity!
• Upslope Area. Find what areas contribute to runoff on your site with a refined Upslope Areas tool!
• Add Catchment layer. Discover where water settles on your site!

What’s your footprint?

• Carbon Calculator beta. Find out how your site contributes to carbon over time!
• Add CSV Data. Bolster your plants and areas by adding carbon calculation values and more!

Diving in (components available with a Pro Key license):

• CN Calculator beta.
• Calculate TR-55 Curve Numbers. A simple solution for a complicated job!
• Add Static Storage Layer. Determine how much static water storage is in selected areas.
• Add Diffuse Layer. Blur an environment layer.
• Add Layer Overlay. Combine index layers using a master overlay layer!
• Add Occurrence Layer. Tally the density of flowlines on your site.

Also, there are improvements in Environment, Paving Kit, Topo Kit, and Plant Kit.

See all the details...

Revit Essentials for Rhino and Grasshopper Users - English or Spanish

   

We are happy to announce that Rhino3D.Education's

Revit for Rhino and Grasshopper Users online course is now available in

English and Spanish!

This course will teach you the essentials of working with Revit, Rhino.Inside, and VisualARQ. Due to the significant development of Rhino.Inside tools in different software such as Revit, it is necessary for you as a Rhino user to know some essentials of that software, such as the basics of modeling, assigning materials, editing the plans, and adding elements or components to your model, so that you can communicate in your team with the 3D modelers working on different tools.

At the end of this course, you should be able to create your own Revit model, export the schedules, and bring your basic project elements to Revit and vice versa. This course is designed for absolute beginners, meaning no previous experience with Revit Architecture is required. In this course, we work with Revit 2022 and Rhino 7.

I'm Niloofar, a computational architect and designer with a Master's Degree in Sustainable Architecture and part of the McNeel Miami team. The complete course is ready for you. Plus, with the help of my co-worker, architect Julian Oquendo, we have come together to translate it into Spanish too!

Revit Essentials for Rhino and Grasshopper Users is now available in English and Spanish. 

Enjoy 20% off with code: RHINO3DEDUCATION20 at checkout!

For a limited time only!

Register now!

Plus: Upon conclusion, you will receive a certificate of completion. Get started today!

Rhino3D.Education offers online courses in Rhino, Grasshopper, Computational Design, GhPython, PanelingTools, RhinoCAM, V-Ray, and more. Check it out!

Free book: Advanced Surface Modeling in MatrixGold 3

 

Mohsen Mohammadvali has written a free digital book in English about Advanced Surface Modeling in MatrixGold to share with Rhino users.

Advanced Surface Modeling in MatrixGold is an educational book that provides CAD designers with the tools and techniques they need to create complex and organic models. Whether you're an experienced designer looking to expand your skill set or a newcomer to the world of CAD, this book will guide you through surface modeling using MatrixGold software. With this book as your guide, you can create stunning, high-quality designs that push the boundaries of what's possible in CAD.

Mohsen Mohammadvali is a jewelry CAD designer, authorized Rhino Trainer, and certified MatrixGold instructor in Bangkok, Thailand.

Download the book...

Note: An earlier post had a bad link, which we have now fixed. Thanks to all those who pointed that out.

How To Generate Complex Technical Drawings with Grasshopper

In Part 1 of this video tutorial series, Edwin Hernández explains how to create complex technical drawings with Grasshopper using the Squid Plugin (ShapeDiver Edition). In the following parts, he'll show how to create PDF templates and integrate everything into a cloud application running on ShapeDiver.

Click here for more ShapeDiver video tutorials...

How to design a serpentine wall

 

Are you looking to elevate your architectural design skills? Iamthestudio launched their new course, Design a Serpentine Modular Wall. Discover how to design a serpentine modular wall and learn the secrets behind designing optimized modular systems in Grasshopper.

• Discover the principles of parametric design and algorithmic thinking that drive the creation of exceptional architectural masterpieces such as the Serpentine Pavilion by the architecture firm BIG.
• Design, optimize, and fabricate a serpentine-inspired modular wall, incorporating innovative techniques for efficient construction and assembly. 
• Master using Grasshopper to bring your creative ideas to life.
• Apply fabrication techniques like Excel exporting and unit rationalization for effective construction workflow.
• Understand how to create parametric design systems that allow you to adapt and iterate quickly.

The course is taught by Brandon A. Gibbs, AIA, an accomplished architect and educator passionate about merging art and technology in architectural design. Brandon has years of experience in computational design, digital fabrication, and programming. He has worked with organizations like the Design Research Lab and Zaha Hadid Architects. Brandon is well-equipped to guide you through creating effective parametric designs and computational systems and his teaching style is engaging and comprehensive, ensuring that you understand the techniques and develop the skills to apply them in real-life projects.

Enrollment is open now for $49.99 or free for 14 days with a trial to the monthly membership to Iamthestudio. 

Enroll in the  Create A Serpentine Modular Wall course today and take your architectural vision to the next level!

 

3D printed surgical guides combined with monitored guidewires for placement of cervicothoracic pedicle screws

 

Rhino and its medical plugin Rhino3DMedical have been used on a technical note in a study on the accuracy and safety of 3D-printed surgical guides for the placement of cervicothoracic pedicle screws. The study was led by the Neurosurgery Department of Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho and Pagaimo Medical from Figueira da Foz, Portugal.

More information and complete details...

CrossGems 1.2 released

CrossGems 1.2 is a free update for all CrossGems and Panther users that, in addition to bug fixes, includes new tools and features to simplify workflow and offer more design versatility.

The main features of this version are:

• Real-time distances between gems and cabochons
• Manually placed parametric gems and cabochons
• Break history (de-parametrize objects)
• Auto hatch tool
• Object on curve tool
• Auto splop tool
• Planify curve tool
• Flow by curve tool
• Auto blend curves tool
• Ring resize tool
• Bangle resize tool

See the full changelog here...

Download CrossGems from food4Rhino...

3D footwear creation in Rhino with Botcha

Footwear designers constantly seek efficient workflows and tools to enhance their creative process. This Rhino + Botcha workflow offers valuable features that can significantly improve footwear development. 

Watch the video to learn how the remapper, modifiers, and UV functionalities can help streamline the 3D footwear development process.

More information about Botcha for Rhino...

2Shapes 4.1 for Rhino now released

2Shapes has just announced the release of 2Shapes for Rhino – Version 4.1. This update brings a range of enhancements and new features that will elevate your Rhino design and modeling experience to new heights. 

Among the general performance improvements and multiple bug fixes, there are a few significant improvements that make version 4.1 an essential upgrade: 

• Seamless integration with 2Shapes Next, the in-store jewelry design platform
• Compatibility with new Free, Business, and Unlimited Plans
• Complete integration of Moissanite

More information...

KeyShot for Rhino - Online in English and Spanish

New online course on Rhino3D.Education, check it out: 

Essentials in KeyShot for Rhino 7

The Essentials in KeyShot for Rhino 7 online course is now available in English and Spanish. It's still a WIP (work in progress), and new chapters will be added weekly, so for a limited time, take advantage of the WIP introductory price and get 50% off with code: KEYSHOT50OFF

KeyShot is one of the fastest and most user-friendly programs for creating photorealistic images and animations. During this course, you can explore and experiment with materials, textures, lights, cameras, and editing to obtain quality results in your Rhino projects.

Dulce Chavez, the author of the course, has designed this course for beginners, so join her and learn step-by-step how to merge Rhino and KeyShot for your projects!

Enroll now while the course is still a WIP and save 50%!

Register here!

Plus, upon conclusion, you will receive a certificate of completion for this course. Get started today!

Questions? Contact Dulce at dulce@mcneel.com

Rhino3D.Education offers online courses in Rhino, Grasshopper, Computational Design, GhPython, PanelingTools, RhinoCAM, V-Ray, and more. Check it out!

Getting to know... CyBe: 3D Concrete Printing meets Grasshopper!

In this interview, ShapeDiver talks with CyBe, a Dutch technology company revolutionizing the construction industry with its state-of-the-art 3D concrete printing technology. Explore how they use this technology to create affordable housing while reducing the carbon footprint of their projects.

You'll also learn about the different types of printers they offer and how their proprietary software tools streamline the printing process. Dive into how they use Grasshopper and ShapeDiver to create online configurators that any client can easily use.

Read the complete interview...

Robotic Fabrication with COMPAS FAB

25. 26. May 2023

Robotic Fabrication with COMPAS FAB, PAZ Central - ETH, Zurich

24. May 2023 - Pre - Compas, PAZ Central - Zurich

Digital Fabrication in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry requires the seamless integration of diverse tools and software across various domains. COMPAS, a comprehensive open-source computational framework in Python, simplifies the integration of cutting-edge tools and streamlines multi-disciplinary workflows, making it easier for architects, designers, and researchers to adopt them within parametric design settings.

In this 2-day workshop, Gonzalo Casas of Gramazio Kohler Research - ETH will introduce participants to the COMPAS framework, showcasing its core functionality, extension packages, and compatibility with Rhino 3D. Participants will then collaboratively explore a hands-on example focused on robotic fabrication of a discrete assembly guided step-by-step.

More Info + Registration...

Digital Fabrication Showcase by RhinoFabStudio

View Magazine

To all our Certified RhinoFabStudios, ARTCs, and ARTs, we want to thank you and express our appreciation for all the work that you do.

We have created a portfolio called Digital Fabrication Showcase that includes outstanding computational designed projects manufactured in these centers worldwide before 2020. Check out these exceptional projects!

If you are a Certified RhinoFabStudio, ARTC, and ART, please share your most remarkable projects with us so we can include them in our new portfolio. We want to display your projects and developments in the latest version of our Digital Fabrication Showcase.

Fill out this form to get started!

For more information, please get in touch with Lucia Miguel at lucia@mcneel.com

What is RhinoFabStudio? A RhinoFabStudio™ (fabrication studio) is a small-scale digital workshop, certified by McNeel, with an array of Rhino and Rhino compatible software and computer-controlled tools and training. These tools cover the various leading-edge industrial methods and materials needed to design, analyze, and fabricate almost anything.

To become a Certified RhinoFabStudio, visit this link!

VisualARQ 2.13 released!

 

VisualARQ 2.13 is now available to download!

 

This is a free update for VisualARQ users.

 

It includes new features and fixes for issues reported by users:

• Now reference VisualARQ objects with the Grasshopper Player
• Added Chinese (Traditional) language
• Component to get the start and end planes of a beam
• New API scripts available
•  Improvements in performance
• Support to V-Ray Interactive Render

 

More information...

Download VisualARQ 2.13...

 

VisualARQ Labs

One of the main features of VisualARQ 2.13 is the option to create new commands involving VisuaARQ objects. We have arranged some of them in the VisualARQ Labs plugin, which streamlines the modeling process.

 

More information...