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5 - Steps To Learn Parametric Design PDF

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5 - Steps To Learn Parametric Design PDF

Uploaded by

Gabriel-Dan Batalan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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5 STEPS TO LEARN

PARAMETRIC DESIGN

TOTALLY FOR FREE


Parametric modelling  is constantly growing in
popularity. Not only architects but also other
industries are increasingly using it – starting from
jewellery, furniture and ship designers and ending with
the construction sector. The following guide will
describe  5 proven steps  to learn parametric modelling
without spending a penny.

We will start with the basics which won't require


preparations or specialist knowledge. The next steps
will be more demanding, so each of you, regardless of
your level of initiation, will find something for
yourself.
5 STEPS TO LEARN

PARAMETRIC DESIGN
Grasshoppe
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Generative Components

FM E
Dyna
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STEP 1: SOFTWARE SELECTION

There are several noteworthy programs for parametric


modelling in our industry. Some of them compete to be
the most affordable and comprehensive. Each software
has something else to offer. If you are just starting
your adventure with parametric modeling, choosing
a program can be quite confusing.

However, Grasshopper (Rhinoceros 3D plugin) has


recently taken the lead. In my opinion, it is the best
choice for step into parametric world.
Why Grasshopper?

Versatility
The possibility to connect with many programs – unlike
others, Grasshopper is not limited to working with one
particular software. It connects with programs such as
Tekla, Archicad or SOFiSTiK. Additionally, thanks to Rhino
Inside it is additionally possible to run Grasshopper
in Revit, AutoCAD, Unity, and more!
Why Grasshopper?

Simple system operation


User-friendly interface, easy to operate and learn.
Creating algorithms becomes almost natural, and
choosing components comes intuitively.

Food4Rhino.com 
It is a free, large open source platform for
plugins, extensions and scripts databases

Open discussion forum


Access to a huge discussion forum
whose users are willing to help
tackle challenges in your projects

Easy script creation


No knowledge of programming languages is
required to create scripts. It may be an advantage
at the later stage but it is not necessary to begin
with.

Free license
Grasshopper, or actually Rhinoceros, may be
downloaded in a free 90 days license. DAYS
STEP 2: BOOKS AND GUIDES

The adventure with parametric modelling should start with


reading a few books. It is the first and the most important step
in your learning. These books will teach you the basics of the
program, the interface, and the functions of individual
components.

However, visual programming is more than learning a new


program - you need to learn parametric thinking as well.

Parametric thinking is a process of thinking focused


on defining problems and solving them in a way that
can be executed by a computer or a machine.

In other words, a way of thinking that does not focus on looking


for problems, but on solving the existing problems using logic
and algorithms. Something to cheer you up: You don't have to
be a programmer to learn parametric thinking! Undoubtedly, it is
a more difficult and time-consuming process than mastering the
program itself, but everyone can master this way of thinking.
Especially a brainiac like you!
In the following reads, you will find definitions
presented in an accessible way, explanation of the
components' functions and, above all, examples of
practical use:

First position, absolutely mandatory –  “Grasshopper Primer


V3.3”  – guide published by Modelab. A great book
presenting the entire interface and key components. It
contains both theory and many examples of practical
application of the program.

Download

After going through the 242 pages of the guide, it's time for
a little entertainment. Play a card game called
SudoHopper3D®. Besides learning Grasshopper components,
the game develops the skill of parametric thinking.
Mastering mathematical functions and algorithms is the first
step of learning. Players practice problem solving skills
using logic and basic knowledge of coding. Highly
recommended to everyone.

Download
After reviewing the program interface and
components, it is time to proceed to the more
advanced piece – “Essential Mathematics for
Computational Design”. Raja Issa from Robert McNeel and
Associates presents basic mathematical concepts such as
vectors, matrixes and parametric curves in the realm of
parametric modelling.

The book will refresh your knowledge of mathematics and


geometry acquired in high school and college. Just like
“Grasshopper Primer”, it's also a must-read! Also, you can
download Grasshopper files with sample algorithms used in
the book as part of the PDF version. Thus it is not just dry
theory, but also juicy practical examples, through which you
can go step by step and try your hand in the program.

Download

Another source worth recommending is a website created by


the Technical University of Delft. Presents condensed
knowledge about Grasshopper and discusses parametrical
issues in a clear and accessible way, adapted to  any level of
the user advancement.

Download
Daniel Devis' doctoral thesis “Modelled on
Software Engineering: Flexible Parametric Models
in the Practice of Architecture” supplements the
above items. The paper answers the question of influence of
software engineering on parametric modelling. Much more
theory (as befits a doctoral thesis), yet with addition of three
interesting case studies. One of them (case A) presents
modelling of unique fronts in the  Basílica de la Sagrada
Família in Barcelona.

Reading this work is not a piece of pie, but it will certainly


have a positive impact on your ability to think parametrically
(and stay persistent in pursuing goals...).

Download

What should you pay special attention to while


reading the above mentioned books?

First of all, learn the lists and data trees.


Mastering creation and manipulation of tree
PRO TIP structures is certainly the key to understanding
Grasshopper.
STEP 3: VIDEO TRAINING

Several tutorials and training sessions on


Grasshopper are available online. However, it's
difficult to choose one that's right for you in terms of
advancement level, duration, and content of the
course.

Below you will find some interesting courses to go


through. We will start with the most basic ones to
consilidate the knowledge acquired in previous steps.
Then we will proceed to more difficult tutorials
presenting more advanced parametric design
techniques.
Basic tutorials
First of all, a course created by David Rutten, presenting the
absolute foundations of the program. 13 short episodes of the
course cover most of the main components of Grasshopper.

Next to consider is the Basics course at RWTH Aachen. This time


in slightly longer episodes, but exploring the problem of
parametric modelling a bit broader and deeper.

Once you are familiar with the basics of the program, we can
move on to more advanced courses.
Advanced courses
Nick Senske is a professor at UNC Charlotte running his YT
channel. I recommend going through the course held in the
autumn term 2012 (Fall 2012). The content is presented with
great accuracy, therefore the average time of an episode is
almost one hour. However, it is worth every minute.

MODE LAB, the authors of the book “Grasshopper Premier”, also


run their channel on YouTube. The contents are presented in the
form of lectures with simultaneous building of a script. A large
selection of topics and difficulty levels, so that everyone will
find something for themselves.

If you want to reach a higher level of parametric programming


and learn other programs than Grasshopper, I recommend a
series of lectures called "Introduction to parametric design"
organized at Harvard University in Cambridge. Amazing
opportunity to become an auditor at one of the best and most
prestigious universities in the world! Huge dose of knowledge.
STEP 4: UNASSISTED WORK

Once the previous 3 steps are behind you, you can start creating
algorithms on your own and slowly implement parametric design
in your daily work. In fact, you will see the effects of your
learning only when you are left alone, face to face with the
program. Trial and error method works best. But while running the
scripts yourself, at some point you may come up against a brick
wall in programming. Sometimes what you have learned yourself
is not enough and you will need help. The discussion forum with
experts from all over the world comes to the rescue.

There is always a person on the forum willing to devote their time


and share a piece advice. McNeel forum helps solving problems
which would have taken a few days of your life otherwise.
STEP 5: TEAM WORK

You know what they say - the more the merrier. Collaborating with
other parametric design practitioners can significantly improve
your skills. While working with different people on a project, you
can peep into others' working patterns of creating components
and keyboard shortcuts. I encourage you to connect (in pain and
joy) with other users and establish cooperation.

Hackatons are design marathons intended in particular for


programmers, but not only. They don't last long and focus on
solving a specific design problem. Hackathons based on
parametric modeling are more and more frequent. It's a fantastic
initiative organized in various forms - sometimes as collaborative
designing, sometimes as contests with the competition for
awards.
SUMMARY

This guide aimed to bring together in one place the


proven, free sources of knowledge on
Grasshopper accessible for everyone. If you know
other interesting books or courses for learning
parametric modelling, please share!

Send an email to [email protected]

WHAT'S NEXT?

At BIMcorner.com we regularly share tricks, create


tutorials and present case studies on parametric
modelling and BIM in general. Subscribe to our
Newsletter and stay tuned!

Author of the guide


Krzysztof Wojsław
BIM and parametric modeling enthusiast.
Professionally absorbed in implementing
and developing model based design
method (zero drawing) with use of
parametric modeling.

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