The Advanced Digital Tools course instructs and engages students in the parametric computational tools.


Syllabus

In this course, our primary focus will be on emergent design strategies rooted in algorithmic design principles. These strategies have a far-reaching impact, not only on design methodologies but also on how we perceive and define architecture and its boundaries. We will explore how algorithmic and computational approaches are reshaping both physical spaces in our built environment and the interconnected digital realms of contemporary culture.

CD Seminar//Forces of nature//Grow-tesk//Zackary Bryson

Credits: CD Seminar//Forces of nature//Grow-tesk//Zackary Bryson

The course’s core objective is to impart a solid understanding of visual scripting using Grasshopper while introducing the fundamental concepts of computational design. Students will learn how to generate geometry as data and how to algorithmically manage multiple sets of geometric information. This skill set is essential for developing algorithmic thinking, enabling students to navigate the complexities of geometric data effectively.

 


Faculty


Faculty Assistants


Projects from this course

A Computational Design Odyssey

As a designer in today’s world, you need to stay on the cutting edge of technology to remain competitive. One essential skill is learning parametric design tools like Grasshopper to create complex geometries and forms. Grasshopper is a visual programming language that enables computational design. With Grasshopper, you can generate intricate patterns, optimized structures, and … Read more

Advanced digital tools

1. Table The main goal of this assignment was to get familiar with the basic commands of the grasshopper and create variations of the principal design. All the solids created derive from the same coordinate points, differing only in the way they were manipulated in order to generate the table base. Starting from five points, … Read more

Unfolding Effortless Creation

Through Advanced Digital Tool Advanced Digital Tool course has been a great eye opening. During this course, I acquired comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in utilizing the parametric software Grasshopper for computational design. Throughout the duration of the classes, our focus was on mastering the practical application of these parametric design tools. By integrating the … Read more

Fundamentals of Grasshopper

Embarking on my journey with the digital tool Grasshopper has been an intriguing exploration into the realm of parametric design. As a novice, the process of manipulating shapes and structures through a variety of tools within the program has been both challenging and captivating. The dynamic nature of Grasshopper allows for a seamless transition from … Read more

Algorithmic Design by using Rhino/Grasshopper

Computational Form derived from mathematical functions

Forms Follow Mathematical Functions The project draws inspiration from Joseph Choma’s book ‘Morphing: A Guide to Mathematical Functions for Architects and Designers’ (2015). Utilizing mathematical functions from the book, it delves into the intricate connections between various shapes and forms and the underlying mathematical concepts. The primary objective is to unveil the captivating relationships between … Read more

Individual projects | Advanced Digital Tools

During the advanced digital tools class, we were introduced to the Rhinoceros plug-in Grasshopper. Grasshopper is a way to create visual scripts, a graphical way to program, resulting in an output in Rhino that can easily be changed. Grasshopper works using components and its capabilities can be expanded using different plug-ins. The classes were divided … Read more

The new world

Many physical objects are built / created with many layers of complexity. Some object of designed with basic primary forms like villa Savoye, while other objects are designed with a more complex form like pattern of a sunflower. Grasshopper is a different modeling system to the traditional programs (rhino, 3ds max) it allows the creation … Read more

Advanced Digital Tools : Fundamentals of Grasshopper

Light Fixtures and Kinetic Sculptures Exercise 01 : Wooden Shingle Lampshade The first exercise was a lesson in learning a basic Grasshopper script that involves several steps in creating and manipulating geometry. We learnt to interpolate curves from multiple points generated within grasshopper. and then went on to applying a revolution command to rotate them … Read more

Advanced Digital Tools

Grasshopper fundamentalsMAEBB program 23/24 Grasshopper is plug-in within Rhino, it enables to create complex parametric designs by connecting components in a graphical interface. This tool allows for a new way of designing and manipulating complex geometries. During the first semester, we had to submit weekly assignments. For our final assignment we had to send in … Read more

La Danza | Advanced Digital Tools

During the Advanced Digital Tools classes, we were introduced to various aspects of the parametric design software Grasshopper. Weekly, we had assignments to review the components / tools learned in class. At last, we had one final exercise to combine everything we were taught during the course into one final animation. Though we had some … Read more

FLUCTUATIONS – a form finding exploration

A FORM FINDING EXPLORATION Fluctuations in design; the variations, changes, or deviations that contribute to the form-finding process. This research lies in unfolding the possibilities of parametric design driven by the use of jitter and random components in Grasshopper. These tools are used to generate variations and introduce randomness into the design. Let’s explore how … Read more

Overview | Advanced Digital Tools

Within the Advanced Digital Tools course, we embarked on an exploration of parametric design using Grasshopper, exploring the possibilities it allows. This overview will showcase some of the projects I worked on and culminates in a presentation of the final assignment. This journey underscores Grasshopper’s dual nature—as a controllable tool and a gateway to innovative … Read more

Adaptive stairs | Advanced Digital Tools

Project AbstractThe programming of the definition for these adaptive stairs serves the purpose of investigating parametric design as a type of proceduralmodelling by using Rhino Grasshopper comprising of parameters, algorithms and their outcomes. The Grasshopper definition uses an extensive set of parameters, published to Rhino’s remote control panel to adapt the design in real-time. The … Read more

Advanced Digital Tools – Grasshopper fundamentals

The Advanced Digital Tools course on the MAEBB program focuses on emergent parametric design rooted in algorithmic design principles.  Throughout history, architects and designers have deployed tools and technologies to create, represent and communicate ideas relating to design of physical 3D space. As new technologies emerge – perspective, drawing utensils, for-finding techniques, the invention of … Read more

Advanced Digital Tools: Introduction to Grasshopper

Embark on a transformative journey into the realm of digital design with our “Advanced Digital Tools” course, where innovation meets precision. Central to this exploration is Grasshopper, a visual programming language seamlessly integrated into Rhino 3D modeling software. This course propels students beyond conventional design boundaries, offering a hands-on experience in parametric design, algorithmic workflows, … Read more

Advanced Digital Tools: Getting Familiar with Grasshopper

In the context of technology, Grasshopper refers to a visual programming language and environment. Unlike traditional coding languages, Grasshopper employs a graphical interface, allowing users to create and manipulate algorithms through a visual representation of code elements. Originally designed as a plugin for the 3D modeling software Rhinoceros, Grasshopper enables architects, designers, and engineers to … Read more

Advanced Digital Tools: An Overview

During the first term of the Master’s program, we took a class called “Advanced Digital Tools,” which focused on exploring all the functions and potentials of the software “Grasshopper.” This blog post aims to showcase some of the works developed during the course, illustrating both the processes and results. Same code, variations of parameters The … Read more

Advanced Computational Tools: A Journey Through Grasshopper

Welcome to the world of advanced computational tools, where we delve into the intricacies of Grasshopper, a graphical algorithm editor tightly integrated with Rhino’s 3-D modeling tools. This blog post will guide you through the learning process, focusing on the fundamental aspects of Grasshopper and logical representations. Grasshopper Fundamentals Grasshopper is a powerful tool that … Read more