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rat[LAB]EDU GLOBAL VISITING SCHOOL 2022

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM

PARAMETRIC MODULATIONS_2.0: COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 

Global Visiting School London 2022

PARAMETRIC MODULATIONS_V2.0

Computational Design Workshop // MASTERING GRASSHOPPER3D & MAYA

Global Visiting School LONDON 2022

Level: [Basic + Intermediate + Advanced Tool-kits]

Tools: [Rhinoceros3D + Grasshopper3D + Maya + Advanced Plugins & Demo Toolkits]

SCHOLARSHIPS ANNOUNCED > SEE INFORMATION BELOW

// Level

Basic, Intermediate & Advanced

(Previous parametric design knowledge not obligatory - Studio is adaptive to basic & advanced users)

 

// Agenda

Parametric Design, in the history of architecture, has defined many rules for current designers and for future practitioners to follow. One of the strongest aspects that are prominent from this style is ‘geometry’. Arguably, there is nothing new about geometry and aesthetics forming the most prominent aspect of any style or era. The language of any style, in the long history of architecture, is visually defined by geometry or shape, beyond the principles that define the core of the style. In the distinguishable style of parametric architecture, geometry has played, and is continuing to play an integral role. And with this fairly young style, there are many strings of myths and false notions associated.

 

The workshop aims to provide a detailed insight to ‘parametric design’ and embedded logics behind it through a series of design explorations using Rhinoceros & Grasshopper platforms, along with understanding of data-driven design strategies. An insight to Computational Design and its subsets of Parametric Design, Algorithmic Design, Generative Design and Evolutionary Design will be provided through presentations, technical sessions & studio work. Studio work will be focusing on modulation of geometry and iterative form using Parametric Design methods that will lead to explorations of spatial geometries that can be articulated as architectural constructs or abstract artistic interventions. There will be a demonstration of Fluid Form Modelling using Autodesk Maya on Day03.

The 1st batch of workshop in London took place in January 2020 with an exploratory learning output for ~20+ participants that travelled from different parts of the world to be a part of 3-day workshop titled Parametric Modulations. V2.0 is the evolved workshop with new toolkit add-ons for the 2nd batch and demonstrative tools & examples for future use of participants to get a deeper understanding of Computational & Parametric Design. 

Parametric Modulations_V2.0 will take the agenda forward in unprecedented ways through a hands-on 3-day workshop to engage all participants in individual as well as group learning through a unique design studio pedagogy. Pre-workshop training material, participant handbooks (for take-away), video recordings (for future access) & demo toolkits & examples will be provided as a part of this comprehensive learning studio that takes places over a weekend (Friday to Sunday) to allow flexible participation from students and professionals. The workshop takes place in Central London to allow a post-workshop social experience for a collaborative experience across the 3-day programme.

 

// Methodology

Workshop has been structured to teach participants the use of Grasshopper® (Generative modelling plug-in for Rhinoceros 3D) as a generative tool, and ways to integrate it with architectural design process. There will be a focus on parametric modulation of geometry that can lead to a design process that utilizes data to inform geometry and space through use of Grasshopper3D and its associated plug-ins that would be introduced during the 3-day programme.

 

The 3-day studio / workshop shall focus on inculcating the following aspects as a part of curriculum:

  • Computational Design Techniques & Parametric Design

  • Data, Mathematics & Geometry

  • Geometry Rationalization

  • Iterative Form Development

  • Digital simulation of forces

  • Environmental Analysis (Tool-kits & Example files for future use)

  • Collaborative Design Exercises to understand application of the learnt tools

  • Documentation and Presentation

  • Hands-on Demonstration of Maya (Polygonal Mesh Modelling)

  • During registration process, all participants get an option to share about their current skill-sets and a wish-list of tools they wish to learn. We will be carefully collating this information to evolve the curriculum as per the common needs of of the batch as much as possible. This makes the workshop unique in its workflow with an adaptive curriculum.

  • The workshop is suitable for beginners, intermediate as well as advanced users of these tools and very helpful for anyone planning to start their Masters in UK as this 3-day workshop would serve as a bootcamp to kick-start anyone's journey in Computational Design.

// City & Dates

London, UK:  23rd, 24th & 25th September 2022 (Friday to Sunday)

Anglo Educational Services

The West Room, Richbell House

5 Richbell Place, Holborn,

London WC1N 3LA,

United Kingdom


Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/f6Bo41W4ofopTvmx8

 

 

// Schedule

NOTE: Due to multiple requests received to make the workshop on weekend-only, we have cumulated the workshop into 2-Days in studio (24th, Saturday & 25th, Sunday), which Day 1 (23rd, Friday) would be a non-obligatory meet & greet (networking meetup) with Tutors & Speakers at a pub in Central London (7PM onward).

DAY 01 [NETWORKING WITH TUTORS / SPEAKERS]

  • Meetup at a pub in Central London (Close to the AA / Bartlett) - will be informed to registered participants few days prior.

  • Timings: 7PM onwards.

  • This session is non obligatory as many prospective participants have a working day on Friday.

  • The session would allow tutors, speakers & participants to meet in a casual setting to get to know one another & discuss about the workshop intent and vision. 

DAY 02 [IDEATION, SKETCH, COMPUTE]

  • Presentations / Lectures on Parametric Design & Computational Thinking

  • Talk/Presentation on use of Computational Design in architecture.

  • Introduction to Rhinoceros 3D – GUI & Basic Use

  • Grasshopper GUI & Basic Functionality

  • Points, Lines, Surfaces.

  • Parameters, Inputs, Numbers.

  • Simple & Referenced Geometry, Locally Defined Geometry, Baking, etc.

  • Lists & Data Tree Management

  • Data Manipulation & Visualization

  • Surface Tessellations

  • Designing & Modulating Shapes using Data

  • Patterns & Geometric Explorations

  • Release of pre-designed tools (Grasshopper scripts) to all participants

  • Guest Talks on Design Technology

 

 

DAY 03  [DEVELOP, VISUALISE, DOCUMENT]

  • Functionality of tools for design explorations

  • Meshes, Forces, Form Finding

  • Live Assignments to test applications

  • Design development

  • Tool-kit demonstrations

  • Design Collaborations

  • 3D Visualizations, Diagrams, Drawing Preparations

  • Guest Talks on Design Technology

 

Note:

  • Timings for 24th & 25th Sept would be 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. (Venue: Anglo Educational Services, Holborn)

  • Timings for 23rd Sept would be 7PM onward (Not obligatory). (Venue: TBC; Any pub close to AA / Bartlett)

  • There will be talks on each day by guest experts from London on subjects related to computational design.

  • Each day would be followed by an optional informal session with tutors & organizing team. (Not obligatory to attend).

 

// Workshop Inclusions

  • 3-Day Live Studio Workshop (2-Days in Studio + 1 Networking Meetup)

  • Participant Handbook (Print) with Resources

  • Example Files for future access & practice

  • Pre-workshop preparation video & tool-kit access (Access will be provided upon registration)

  • Access to Whatsapp Group/ Discord Server for 2 months post-workshop for doubts & troubleshoots

  • 1 Year access to recordings of all sessions from 3-day workshop for future reference & practice

  • Demo tool-kits for future use & developing advanced skills.

  • Extra tool-kits & resources for Early Bird Registrations.

 

//PARTICIPATION FEE & CATEGORIES

A- Student Category : £ 295

(SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE - Find details at https://www.instagram.com/ratlab_edu/)

Early-bird: £ 236 (20% fee waiver) 

(Currently enrolled in a B.Arch. / BA / B.Sc. or equivalent undergraduate programmes)

 

B- Academics / Post-graduate students /PhD Researchers : £ 345 

(SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE - Find details at https://www.instagram.com/ratlab_edu/)

Early-bird: £ 276 (20% fee waiver)

(Currently enrolled in a M.Arch. / MA / M.Sc. or equivalent postgraduate programmes)

 

C- Professionals / Graduates: £ 395 

(SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE - Find details at https://www.instagram.com/ratlab_edu/)

Early-bird: £ 316 (20% fee waiver)

(Currently working / practicing architecture or similar profession)

 

*GROUP DISCOUNTS available on request. Contact organizers for group registrations of 3 or more members. Send e-mail to education@rat-lab.org with Subject Line: GVS London 2022 - Group Discounts

*Please note that all participants will be required to submit ID proof and student / academic status as per category. Failure to submit a proof of student status (or graduation year proof) will lead to a non-refundable cancellation.

//REGISTRATION DATES

Early-bird Registrations Open: 1st June 2022

Early-bird registrations End: 2330 hrs GMT, 10th Sept 2022 [Limited spots for early-bird  -will automatically close when seats blocked]

General Registrations End: 2330 hrs GMT, 22nd Sept 2022 [Registration will close earlier if all spots are filled up]

 

*All registrants during early-bird period will receive an online course preparation tool-kit and access to video tutorial to prepare for the workshop in advance. An early registration is advisable to block your spot & prepare well for the workshop.

 

// Tutors & Speakers

  • The 3-day workshop would be taught & led by rat[LAB]EDUCATION Co-Founder Sushant Verma (Architect, Computational Designer, Educator).

  • Gulzar Ahmed Khan (AA DRL, UK) & Su Abac (AA DRL, UK) will be the Studio Tutors for this workshop for troubleshoots & assistance.

  • There will be guest lectures / talks during the workshop focusing on Design Technology & Computational Design from industry experts from London. (Full list to be announced closer to the workshop date)

GVS London 2022 team
GVS2020_London_Scholarship.jpg

// Software & skills 

  • Basic 3D modelling skills in any software are preferred (Previous knowledge of Rhino3D is not obligatory).

  • Participants should bring their own laptop with pre-installed software.

  • Additional Plug-ins will be provided during the workshop.

// Level

Basic, Intermediate & Advanced (Previous parametric design knowledge not obligatory).

The workshop will cover basics, intermediate & advanced level of Parametric Design through use of Grasshopper3D. Some of the complex advanced aspects such as Environmental Design using Ladybug, Agent-based Simulations, etc would also be introduced during the workshop as a demonstration along with future resources & tool-kits.

Prior knowledge of Maya is not required.

 

 

// Software Downloads

Rhino free version can be downloaded from here.

Grasshopper free-version can be downloaded here.
(Required if you have Rhino5 Version- Rhino6 & Rhino7 come with GH inbuilt)

Additional software & plug-ins will be provided in the workshop.

Maya can be downloaded from here.

​// Workshop Overview

  • ​Studio is structured to teach participants the use of computational techniques through Grasshopper® (Generative modeling plug-in for Rhino®) and ways to integrate it with architectural and spatial design. Software used would be Rhino, Grasshopper3D & Maya.

  • No previous knowledge of Grasshopper & Rhinoceros is required for the workshop as basic technical knowledge will be provided.

  • Pre-designed customizable tools will be provided for design explorations & experimentations, pertaining to applications for architectural projects as per studio brief.

  • The studio is flexible to basic, intermediate & advanced users of computation.

  • The workshop is curated in the form of a design studio with collective learning than merely software sessions.

// Eligibility & Visa Rules

  • Workshop is open to architecture and design students, academicians and professionals from all parts of UK & EU.

  • Having an educational background of architecture or similar spatial design stream is a requisite. Basic knowledge of 3D modelling is important for quick learning.

  • All international participants must check visa eligibility rules as per their local embassies and request for necessary documents. Organizers will provide invite letter on request.

  • Travel and Accommodation costs (if applicable) are to be borne by each participant themselves.

 

// About collaborators & Studio Tutor

GLOBAL VISITING SCHOOL is an offshoot of rat[LAB]EDUCATION that delves into a global dialogue on Design Technology, Parametric Design & Computational Design applied in domains of architecture, art, fashion and material sciences through curation of workshops, training programmes, talks and symposiums across various geographical territories. GVS (Global Visiting School) collaborates with independent organizations, domain experts, universities and visionary institutions to engage in a dialogue on Design Technology through various mediums. Having a vast global footprint in countries such as UK, USA, Italy, Taiwan, Japan, Egypt, Philippines, Ukraine, Belarus and India, GVS continues to expand through independently organized workshops and lecture series in various cities across the globe to create a singular network of researchers, computational designers and technology experts that directly and indirectly contribute to the evolving parent organization rat[LAB]. rat[LAB]EDUCATION is headquartered in New Delhi and has successfully organized 125+ national-level workshops in India with over 2000+ students and professionals of architecture and design as its core participants through Summer-Winter School programmes. It also co-heads Smart Labs, a 6-month part-time programme on Computational Design in India which has 150+ students spread across 6 batches. GVS aims to inculcate a collaborative and open-learning culture by evolving an open-source knowledge base for all and democratising design technology education.

Sushant Verma (M.Arch. Em.Tech. – AA London, B.Arch. SSAA New Delhi, MCoA India) is a Design Entrepreneur, Architect, Computational Designer & Educator, currently leading rat[LAB] Studio (Research in Architecture and Technology) that investigates intersections of design, art & technology through architecture, interior design and art installations. Former architect at Zaha Hadid Architects, London & a Sr. Editor at Arch2O, he has held teaching positions at a number of universities internationally & is involved in education for computation & parametric design. He is the founder of rat[LAB] EDUCATION, which is an initiative to spread the idea of computation in design through independently-organized design workshops for profession and academia. Recipient of MAK Schindler Award from Vienna & Los Angeles and a finalist for AIA Emerging Leaders Fellowship from Chicago, his work is widely published and exhibited in London, Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo, San Francisco, Taipei, New Delhi, Mumbai among other places. He has been shortlisted in New Delhi among 5 architects for ’20 under 35’ Exhibition at Alliance Francaise de Delhi, featured as iGen 2017 Top 50 Gen-Next Designers in India, tagged as ‘Rising Star’ by Surfaces Reporter India, among other features. Sushant joined the elite list of TEDx Speakers by speaking at TEDxGurugram on ‘Smart Cities need Smarter Design Education’. His second TEDxTalk was recently given at the prestigious IIT KGP where he inspired the young professionals to pursue their passions in Design & Technology. He was recently selected to be a MentorOfChange for Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) by NITI Aayog (National Institute for Transforming India), a policy think tank by Government of India where he shares his knowledge of design technologies to school students pursuing high school education to inculcate a culture of innovation and R&D in India. He also started and currently heads Smart Labs – India’s first 6 month hybrid programme on Computational Design that blends studio learning and e-learning using a technology-oriented approach. His third TEDxTalk was delivered at IIT Bhubaneswar on Diffusion of Technology in Architecture.

 

// Media Partners:

To be announced soon - Media Partners will feature workshop output from participant works as a part of post-workshop media feature.

Queries: 

rat[LAB]EDUCATION: education@rat-lab.org

*Kindly use PARAMETRIC MODULATIONS LONDON 2022 in Subject Line, for any queries.

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