Content:

This course introduces students to computational design through Rhino and its algorithmic editor Grasshopper. The course will begin with a short introduction to Rhino, focusing only on the essentials required to get started. Before moving into Grasshopper, we will take time to explain the principles of computational design as a conceptual foundation for understanding how Grasshopper works. Grasshopper will then be our main tool throughout the semester, where we will progressively explore its logic, components and capabilities.

The class is structured as a step-by-step progression: starting from the very basics of algorithmic modeling and advancing towards more complex definitions as far as our group’s pace allows. By the end of the semester, students are expected to handle Grasshopper confidently as a design tool for working with data, geometry and processes in tasks such as modeling, analysis, simulation and fabrication. I also hope to share how enjoyable and rewarding it can be to work with these tools, and if you are new to these topics, it may even change the way you think and approach problems, opening your mind to a new world of possibilities.

Methodology:

The course will combine lectures with hands-on exercises. After each significant lesson, students will receive assignments to reinforce the concepts learned. These exercises will gradually build towards a final assignment, to be submitted and presented at the end of the semester.

Requirements:

• Bring your own laptop with the latest version of Rhino 8 installed.

• No prior knowledge of Rhino/Grasshopper is required.

• There are no extra expenses involved in this course for the participants.