SmartLabs Programme by rat[LAB]: Redefining Parametric & Computational Design Education for a Global Generation

In a world where architecture and design are rapidly being transformed by parametric thinking, digital fabrication, and AI in architecture, the need for meaningful education has never been greater. What began in 2017 as a hybrid experiment in design education has, over nearly a decade, evolved into an internationally recognised learning ecosystem — the SmartLabs Programme, curated by rat[LAB] Studio and its academic arm, rat[LAB]EDU.

Why Traditional Workshops Are No Longer Enough

Short parametric workshops and recorded tutorials have dominated design education for years. While they introduce tools like Grasshopper 3D and Rhino 3D, they rarely deliver deep conceptual understanding or coherent workflows. SmartLabs directly addresses this gap by combining:

• Mentorship-driven sessions

• Live studio reviews

• Continuous project development

• Collaborative design critiques

Rather than a fragmented learning experience, SmartLabs offers a progressive, design-centric journey that sticks with you well beyond a weekend session.

From 2017 to Now: The Evolution of SmartLabs

Started in 2017 and now entering its 12th batch, the SmartLabs Programme has graduated 11 cohorts of global learners, including:

• Students from design schools

• Practicing architects

• Computational designers

• Professionals across continents

Every batch has contributed to a culture of collaborative, forward-thinking design education that intentionally bridges the divide between academia and practice.

Structured Yet Flexible: What SmartLabs Offers

Unlike many workshop-style programmes, SmartLabs is a 6-month integrated design course that emphasises:

• Parametric Design & Computational Thinking

• Advanced Architectural Design Methods

• Digital Fabrication Workflows

• Artificial Intelligence in Design

• Environmental Analysis & Simulation

• Portfolio-ready project development

SmartLabs is designed to feel more like a Master’s level experience in curriculum rigour, yet accessible to beginners and intermediate learners alike.

Real Projects, Real Tools — Not Just Tutorials

One of the biggest differentiators of SmartLabs is its tool + thinking integration:

Core Software & Frameworks

• Rhino 3D (Primary NURBS modelling environment)

• Grasshopper 3D (Algorithmic & generative workflows)

• Grasshopper Plugins such as Lunchbox, Kangaroo, Mesh+, etc.

• Environmental Design Tools: Ladybug & Honeybee

• Optimization & Evolutionary Techniques: Galapagos

• AI in Architecture Tools: MidJourney, DALL·E, Stable Diffusion, Runway, ChatGPT

• Digital Fabrication: CNC, Laser Cutting, 3D Printing workflows

• Advanced Modelling: Autodesk Maya for fluid, organic forms

• Rendering + Visualization: KeyShot + AI Rendering Workflows

These tools are not learned in isolation — they are applied throughout the semester as part of real design exercises, culminating in a personal project that reflects the participant’s journey.

Progressive Learning: From Concepts to Control

SmartLabs does not rely on passive videos. Instead:

• Participants receive pre-programme tool kits and templates

• Sessions are live and interactive

• Assignments include 10+ reviewable exercises

• Each participant develops an ongoing design thesis project, guided by mentors and integrated with live workflows

• Final work is featured in the SmartLabs exhibition and smartFOLIO archive — a living showcase of over 200 participants’ work worldwide

AI & Design: Not Buzzwords — But Design Partners

SmartLabs incorporates emerging technology like Artificial Intelligence in Design not as a gimmick, but as a means to:

• Improve conceptual ideation

• Strengthen visual storytelling

• Accelerate iterative design workflows

• Augment parametric systems with AI-led generative strategies

This equips learners with real-world AI integration skills that are increasingly required in practice.

Environmental Design and Performance Analysis

A major component of modern parametric workflows is sustainable, data-driven design. SmartLabs embeds environmental thinking through:

• Climate analysis via Ladybug & Honeybee

• Daylight & energy modelling

• Performance-based façade strategies

• Simulation-driven form development

Global Exposure & Cultural Diversity

SmartLabs batches include designers from many regions and contexts, fostering cross-disciplinary insights and expanding perspectives beyond classrooms or offices. In addition, SmartLabs 12.0 introduces an optional study tour to architecture hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, further grounding computational workflows in real architectural experiences.

Ideal Learners: Who Should Apply?

SmartLabs is perfect for anyone who searches online for:

• Parametric design workshops

• computational design courses

• Rhino + Grasshopper tutorials and mentorship

• AI in architecture education

• digital fabrication and environmental design programs

Whether you're just beginning or expanding professional skills, SmartLabs offers a structured, mentorship-first environment that tools-centric tutorials simply cannot replicate.

Certificates, Portfolios and Career Momentum

At the end of the programme:

• Participants receive an official graduation certificate

• Final projects become part of their professional portfolios

• Outstanding work earns “Excellence in Computational Design” awards

• Access to the SmartLabs alumni network opens opportunities for recruitment, collaboration, and research

The Future of Design Education Starts Here

SmartLabs challenges outdated workshop models and rigid online courses by offering a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and forward-looking design programme that prepares designers for the future — not just software interfaces.

In a world shifting toward AI, parametric thinking, digital fabrication, and design performance analysis, SmartLabs stands as an important milestone in global design education.

👉 Discover the next SmartLabs batch — expand your capabilities, build your portfolio, and join a growing global community of computational designers.

Curious to join Smart Labs Programme, check out all details such as course curriculum, brochures, schedules, fee structure, tutor profiles, etc here: www.rat-lab.org/smartlabs

For any queries, write to education@rat-lab.org