// rat[LAB] Delhi Studio // 24 – 25 September 2016

​

// Title

[Parametric Modulations]v_1.0: Parametric Design & Computation Workshop

 

// Level

Basic & Intermediate (Previous software skills are not 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 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 fabrication 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, with highlighting agenda of using data into Hands-on fabrication of a parametrically generated design. A strong focus will be made on ‘geometry’ and ‘matter’.

 

// 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 Hands-on Fabrication process. A strong agenda on ‘geometry’ and ‘matter’ will form the focus of the studio with design experimentation through computational & parametric techniques, culminating into a manually fabricated wall panel using understanding of data-driven design during the course of workshop.

 

Day 1 Topics / Agenda

• 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.

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

• Design Experimentations with Geometry & Data

• Understanding Data for Manual Fabrication

 

Day 2 Topics / Agenda

• Design Experimentations with Geometry, Form, Matter

• Data for effective numbering and strategizing during Manual Fabrication

• Collaborative effort for Hands-on ‘making’ process

• Analysis & Evaluation of Fabricated Geometry

• 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:
No prior software skills (in Rhino & Grasshopper) are required. 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:

Registrations end: 19th Septmber, 2016 (or till seats last)

Workshop Dates:
Saturday, 24 September 2016: 1000 -1800 hrs

Sunday, 25 September 2016: 1000 -1800 hrs

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

INR 6000 (+ 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.

• Failure to submit a proof of student status will lead to a non-refundable cancellation.

• The workshop’s prime focus will be on methodologies & processes through software platforms, culminating into derivations as a manually fabricated work/result 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.