Last week, we learned Rhinoceros, a powerful 3D modelling software frequently used in 3D fabrication. This week, we'll plug in a powerful Rhino add-on called Grasshopoper to create elaborate parametric forms. It's an increasingly popular tool among architects and designers, as an easy tool for creating shapes based on complicated math. Interface-wise, it sort of looks like Max or Pure Data, but for 3D modelling.

From Grasshopper.com:

"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."

-From Grasshopper 3D.com

MORE INFO:

What prior experience do I need?

You either took last week's Intro course, or you've used Rhino 3D before.

Do I get to go home with something cool?

Yes again! ...eventually. At the end of the evening, we'll round up your files and start printing them out. You can come into open studio the next week and we'll have your very own thing printed out and waiting for you! Cost of the printing material is included in your material fee.

What do I need to bring? 

Bring your laptop, and have a trial version of Rhino pre-installed and Grasshopper as well. Remember that trial version you downloaded for last week's class here:  http://www.rhino3d.com/download ? Hopefully you haven't used up the 25 saves that trigger the trial to expire.  If you can't bring a laptop, no worries--just e-mail us beforehand and we may be able to get you a loaner.

Is it OK to have a PC or Mac?

PC only, this time! Sorry, Mac users, but Grasshopper only plugs in to the PC version of Rhino.

What's that image credit?

A 3d-printed model of Kisho Kurokawa's "Project for a Helix City", fabricated by John Dolci and modelled in Grasshopper.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:

Mani Mani (B.Arch. S. + MArch.) is a Toronto based interdisciplinary designer. Mani is the founder and the director of Fishtnk Design Factory- a design and manufacturing studio focused on innovative design processes in architecture, furniture and architectural products.

Mani's work covers a wide range of disciplines from fashion design to urban planning and has consulted international firms and design organizations. Mani has been an active member of Toronto’s design community since 2007 and he has worked and collaborated with a number of influential local architects.
Mani's latest research is focuses on responsive architecture and physical computation in built environments.

Mani is currently a sessional lecturer at Ryerson University, Department of Architectural Sciences and in the past he has taught workshops and been an invited critic at University of Toronto, Waterloo University and the polytechnique University of Timisuara.