Parametric and Computational Design Lab - Course Structure

Day 1: Introduction to Rhinoceros 3D – Understanding 2D, 3D Curves & Basic 3D Modelling

Software Taught: Rhinoceros 3D

• Rhino Interface and navigation – Layer windows – Setting up units

• Basic drafting and 3D modelling with solids in Rhino

• Live modelling exercise

• Learning curves in Rhino – Creating, Rebuilding, and Editing

At the end of Day 1: Participants will understand Rhino basics and be able to create 2D plans and basic 3D models.

Day 2: Principles of Freeform Surface Creation in Architecture

Software Taught: Rhinoceros 3D

• Creating and editing surfaces from curves

• Surface creation commands – loft, sweep, network, etc.

• Surface morphing tools – twist, bend, cage edit

• Live modelling exercise

At the end of Day 2: Participants will be comfortable with freeform surface modelling and creating clean fluidic surfaces.

Day 3: Advanced 3D Modelling Techniques – From Sketches to 3D Models

Software Taught: Rhinoceros 3D

• Advanced surface creation techniques

• Surface blending & curve blending methods

• Modelling curves with constraints and controlled measurements

• Live modelling exercise

At the end of Day 3: Participants will learn advanced manipulation of surfaces and precision curve modelling.

Day 4: Complex 3D Modelling & Generating Technical + Presentation Drawings

Software Taught: Rhinoceros 3D

• Developing 3D models from conceptual sketches or drawings

• Extracting plans, sections, and detail drawings

• Producing presentation drawings with Rhino

• Live modelling exercise

At the end of Day 4: Participants will be able to convert sketches into 3D models and extract clean 2D technical drawings.

Day 5: Introduction to Parametric Design & Algorithmic Thinking (Grasshopper Basics)

Software Taught: Grasshopper 3D

• Introduction to parametric architecture & Grasshopper

• Grasshopper interface & linking Rhino geometries

• Understanding data structures – lists, data trees

• Live modelling exercise

At the end of Day 5: Participants will be able to create simple parametric scripts and generate design variations.

Day 6: Parametric Patterns – Facade & Pavilion Design with Lunchbox

Software Taught: Grasshopper 3D + Lunchbox

• Pattern creation in Grasshopper – controlling with parameters

• Surface manipulation using Lunchbox – panels and structural members

• Live modelling exercises

At the end of Day 6: Participants will be able to design parametric facades and pavilion systems with controllable parameters.

Day 7: Data Manipulation & Kinetic Facade Systems – Fabrication Data

Software Taught: Grasshopper 3D + Lunchbox + OpenNest

• Data manipulation – cull, dispatch, weave, vectors

• Creating kinetic facade systems

• Digital fabrication workflows (CNC, laser cutting)

• Live modelling exercises

At the end of Day 7: Participants will be able to design kinetic facades and generate CNC-ready fabrication data.

Day 8: Parametric Architectural Structures – Environmental Analysis

Software Taught: Grasshopper 3D + Ladybug

• Using graph mappers & trigonometric functions for form generation

• Parametric structures – skyscraper, stadium, pavilion

• Environmental analysis (solar radiation, daylight, wind) with Ladybug

• Optimizing forms for performance

At the end of Day 8: Participants will know how to generate parametric forms and optimize them with environmental data.

Day 9: Mathematical Expressions & Complex Algorithms

Software Taught: Grasshopper 3D + OpenNest

• Using trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, etc.)

• Complex mathematical + vector operations

• Exporting measurement data to spreadsheets

• Live modelling exercises

At the end of Day 9: Participants will be able to generate complex algorithms and integrate mathematical operations into design workflows.

Day 10: Simulative Form Finding & Generative Design

Software Taught: Grasshopper 3D + Kangaroo + Galapagos

• Base shapes and meshes with pre-defined parameters

• Simulating base meshes

• Generating multiple design options by adjusting parameters

• Using evolutionary/genetic solvers to optimize solutions

At the end of Day 10: Participants will learn simulation-based form finding and generative design strategies.