// Title

Parametric Design Thinking_ V1.0

 

// Level

Basic & Intermediate (No previous skills required)

 

// 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 aspect that is 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 an insight to ‘parametric design’ and embedded logics behind it through a series of design explorations using Rhinoceros & Grasshopper platforms. 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. A strong focus will be made on logics of design that can potentially be coded through a rational and parametric approach.

 

All rat[LAB]EDUCATION Workshops are tied up with a larger agenda of a buildable project for New Delhi, INDIA (Proposed for late 2015) & a publication scheduled for 2016. All participants will become a part of the growing EDUCATION network and will be exclusively invited for future events & studio activities.

 

// Methodology

Workshop has been structured to teach participants the use of Grasshopper® (Generative modelling plug-in for Rhinoceros) as a generative tool, and ways to integrate it with architectural processes. Throughout the use of visual scripting with Grasshopper participants will learn how to build and manage parametric data structures (from simple lists to complex data trees) and to develop data driven geometries & forms. No previous knowledge of Grasshopper is required, but a basic knowledge of Rhino modelling is preferred.

 

 

 

Day 1 Topics / Agendas

• Rhinoceros 3D GUI and basic use

• Installing Grasshopper & plug-ins

• Grasshopper GUI

• Basic logic, components, parameters, inputs, numbers, simple geometry, referenced geometry, locally defined geometry, baking, etc.

 

Day 2 Topics / Agendas

• Lists & Data Tree: management, manipulation, visualization, etc.

• Geometry generation from data stream

• Base exercises (Attractor field, Surface subdivision, Morphing, etc)

• Design exercises (individual or team work)

• Documentation

 

//About Grasshopper

For designers who are exploring new shapes using generative algorithms, Grasshopper® is a graphical algorithm editor tightly integrated with Rhino’s 3-D modeling tools. Unlike RhinoScript, Grasshopper requires no knowledge of programming or scripting, but still allows designers to build form generators from the simple to the awe-inspiring.

 

// Software & skills:
Basic modelling skill in Rhino are preferred (but not obligatory). Participants should bring their own laptop with pre-installed software.

NOTE: Grasshopper does not run on Rhino for MAC. A windows-enabled laptop is necessary.
 

// Tutor(s):
Sushant Verma (Architect / Computational Designer / Educator)

// Venue:
The workshop will be held at rat[LAB]’s Delhi Studio:

rat[LAB] - Research in Architecture & Technology

A-94B (3rd Floor), Lajpat Nagar - II,

New Delhi - 110024

INDIA

www.rat-lab.org

 

Google Maps: ratLAB // 28.570054, 77.239614

// Dates & Timings:

Early Bird Registrations end (15% Waiver): 18th March 2015

Registrations end: 30th March 2015

Workshop Dates:
Saturday, 04 April 2015: 1000 -1800 hrs

Sunday, 05 April 2015: 1000 -1800 hrs


// Participation fee (ONLY FOR STUDENTS: Valid ID Proof Required):

INR 5000 (+ Service Tax & Gateway Charges as applicable)

 

// NOTE

· The workshop has only 8 spots available (first-come, first-served).

· Workshop is only for students, currently enrolled in any educational institute or recent graduates (graduated in last 1 year from the date of workshop: Proof of status will be required).

· Failure to submit a proof of student status (or graduation certificate) will lead to a non-refundable cancellation.

· The workshop’s prime focus will be on methodologies & processes through software platforms and should not be interpreted as a ‘software tutorial’ merely.

 

// SOFTWARE DOWNLOADS

·  Rhino 5 (90-day evaluation) can be downloaded for free here.

·  Grasshopper free-version can be downloaded here.

 

 

// Queries:
For any queries or assistance, kindly e-mail: education@rat-lab.org

 

// About rat[LAB] & rat[LAB]EDUCATION:

rat[LAB]  - Research in Architecture & Technology, is an independent research organization and network of designers & researchers specializing in computational design or similar technology-related domains. Operated as a cloud-based organization with an international network of researchers & computational designers spread across UK, USA, Europe & Asia, and a studio in New Delhi, India, the research cell functions as a global collaborative and multidisciplinary laboratory facilitating design research that leads to novel spatial tectonics and smart built environments.

rat[LAB] EDUCATION is an initiative by rat[LAB] to start a new discourse in architecture & parallel design disciplines with the use of ‘computational design’ & it’s various subsets. Spread across various cities / countries, we are establishing a global dialogue in the domain of computational design by actively organizing and participating in workshops, lectures, presentations & symposiums. While rat[LAB] has taken a top-down approach of exploring computational design through industry, a parallel, bottom-up approach is also in-line to involve students of all levels, from design & related backgrounds.