Computational design allows designers to program the behaviour of a complex architectural system such as the building facades. By defining parameters and relations we can design in a flexible environment that allows us to test several design options in a fraction of time compared to the traditional design approach.

Computational design applied to a circular economy and reuse of materials allows us to rethink and rearrange existing elements into new layouts suitable for temporary activities in the urban environment.

Along this course we will discover the basic aspects of Grasshopper 3D, visual programming plugin of Rhinoceros 3D, well known 3D modeling software. The aim of the course is to establish the basis and provide an overview for a better understanding of Grasshopper and its multiple applications. Main advantages of this software are the flexibility of the design workflow and the interoperability with other platforms. Grasshopper is a powerful tool which enhances designers capabilities to achieve complex geometries both in 2D and 3D.

No prior knowledge of programming is required thanks to the intuitive graphical interface.

After a first introduction on the interface and the basics, the goal of the course is to establish a clear methodology for designing parametric elements, rethinking existing buildings and implementing new temporary structures. At the end of the course, participants will be able to understand and design complex structures made by the agglomeration of simple units. Students will acquire a basic-intermediate knowledge of Rhinoceros and Grasshopper and they will be capable of extending it, using external libraries, based on their proper interest and project intentions.

• Computational design introduction
• Rhinoceros interface
• Grasshopper interface
• Euclidean geometry (point, curve, surface)
• List and data manipulation in Grasshopper
• Patterns
• Attractors
• Modeling exercise
• Main plugins: Anemone, Chromodoris, Bowerbird, MeshEdit, MeshTool, WeaverBird, Lunchbox, Bifocals

• Rhinoceros 6 (free versions available)
• Grasshopper Plugins installed (see list above)
• A second monitor is highly recommended

Each participant needs to work from their personal computer.
3D modeling basic knowledge is a requisite to properly catch up with all the explained topics, although an introductory class on 3D modeling interface will be given.

The principal software is Rhinoceros 6.0. The 90-day trial version can be downloaded from the website www.rhino3d.com/eval.html . Grasshopper 3D will be the main computational tool.

A list of the required plug-ins will be sent to students prior to the workshop beginning. Windows operating system is highly recommended since many of the Grasshopper plugins still do not run on Apple IOS operating systems.