PARAMETRIC MODULATIONS

A Computational Design Workshop

Presented by Material Driven, in collaboration with rat[LAB]EDUCATION // Global Visiting School LONDON 2020

Tools: [Rhinoceros3D+Grasshopper3D]

*GROUP DISCOUNTS are available. Explore the ticketing options and discounts for groups on this page, and contact the organizers for queries.

// Level

Basic & Intermediate (Previous parametric design knowledge is not obligatory).

// Agenda

Parametric Design, in the history of architecture, has defined many rules for current designers and for future practitioners to follow. One of the strongest aspects associated with this style is ‘geometry’. Arguably, there is nothing new about geometry and aesthetics being the most prominent aspect of any design style or era. The language of any style, in the long history of architecture, has been visually defined by geometry or shape, beyond principles that define its core. In the distinguishable style of parametric architecture, geometry has played and is continuing to play an integral role. And with this fairly young style, there are both myths and false notions associated.

This unique workshop aims to provide a detailed insight into ‘parametric design’ and the embedded logic behind it, through a series of design explorations using Rhinoceros & Grasshopper platforms, along with an understanding of data-driven design strategies. Included in the workshop, will be an induction on 'Innovation in Materiality’, by organizers MaterialDriven. This session aims to bring together the digital and more tactile, material worlds, to the advantage of creatives attending the workshop.

// Methodology

The workshop has been structured to teach participants the use of Grasshopper® (Generative modelling plug-in for Rhinoceros 3D) as a generative tool, and ways to integrate it with the architectural design process. There will be a focus on parametric modulation of geometry that can lead to a design process that utilizes data to inform geometry and space through the use of Grasshopper3D and its associated plug-ins that would be introduced during the 3-day programme.

The 3-day studio/workshop shall focus on inculcating the following aspects as a part of the syllabus:

• Computational Design Techniques & Parametric Design
• Data, Mathematics & Geometry
• Geometry Rationalization
• Iterative Form Development
• Digital simulation of forces
• Environmental Analysis (Basics)
• Documentation and Presentation

// Schedule

DAY 01 [SKILL BUILDING]

• Presentations / Lectures on Parametric Design & Computational Thinking
• Talk/Presentation on the use of Computational Design in architecture.
• Introduction to Rhinoceros 3D – GUI & Basic Use
• Grasshopper GUI & Basic Functionality
• Points, Lines, Surfaces.
• Parameters, Inputs, Numbers.
• Simple & Referenced Geometry, Locally Defined Geometry, Baking, etc.
• Lists & Data Tree Management
• Data Manipulation & Visualization
• Surface Tessellations

DAY 02 [IDEATION, SKETCH, COMPUTE]

• Patterns & Geometric Explorations
• Release of pre-designed tools (Grasshopper scripts) to all participants
• The functionality of tools for design explorations
• Design development (Teamwork)
• Discussions on submission panels & output
• Documentation

DAY 03 [DEVELOP, VISUALISE, DOCUMENT]

• Group Discussions & Preparation of Panels
• 3D Visualizations, Diagrams, Drawing Preparations
• Presentation of participant works
  • Timings for each day would be 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
  • There will be talks on each day by guest tutors on subjects related to computational design.
  • Each day would be followed by an optional informal session with tutors & organizers. (Not obligatory to attend).

// Tutors & Speakers

• The 3-day workshop would be taught by rat[LAB] Co-Founder Sushant Verma (Architect, Computational Designers, Educator).
• Induction on ‘Innovation in Materiality’ would be given by Adele Orcajada (Partner, MaterialDriven).
• There will be guest lectures/talks during the workshop focusing on Design Technology & Computational Design from industry experts. List of guest tutors & speakers will be unveiled in due course of time.

// Software & skills

• Basic 3D modelling skills in any software are preferred (Previous knowledge of Rhino3D is not obligatory).
• Participants should bring their own laptop with pre-installed software.

NOTE: Grasshopper does not fully function on Rhino for MAC. A windows-enabled laptop is necessary.

// Level

Basic & Intermediate (Previous parametric design knowledge not obligatory).

The workshop will cover the basics and intermediate level of Parametric Design through use of Grasshopper3D. Some of the advanced aspects such as Environmental Design using Ladybug & Honeybee, physics simulation using Kangaroo, etc would also be introduced towards the end of the workshop as a demonstration.

// Software Downloads

Rhino, the free version can be downloaded from here.

Grasshopper, the free version can be downloaded here. (Required if you have Rhino5 Version- Rhino6 comes with GH inbuilt)

Additional software & plug-ins will be provided in the workshop.

// Workshop Overview

• The studio is structured to teach participants the use of computational techniques through Grasshopper® (Generative modelling plug-in for Rhino®) and ways to integrate it with architectural and spatial design.
• No previous knowledge of Grasshopper & Rhinoceros is required for the workshop as basic technical knowledge will be provided on Day 1.
• Pre-designed customizable tools will be provided on Day 2 for design explorations & experimentations, pertaining to applications for architectural projects as per studio brief.
• The studio is flexible to basic, intermediate & advanced users of computation.
• The workshop is curated in the form of a design studio with collective learning than mere software sessions.

// Eligibility & Visa Rules

• The workshop is open to architecture and design students, academicians and professionals from all parts of the UK & EU.
• Having an educational background of architecture or similar spatial design stream is a requisite. Basic knowledge of 3D modelling is important for quick learning.
• All international participants must check visa eligibility rules as per their local embassies and request for necessary documents. Organizers will provide an invitation letter on request.
• Travel and Accommodation costs (if applicable) are to be borne by each participant themselves.

// About Organizers

MaterialDriven is a design agency and materials library which serves as an interface between the developers of sustainable, new materials and studios, brands or institutions seeking to learn about and apply them. With a curated range of materials in their collection, the company’s expertise lies in locating and sourcing innovative materials, as well as understanding their applications, and impact across industries. MaterialDriven has a presence in the UK and US.

Parametric Modulations is MaterialDriven’s first collaboration with rat[LAB]EDUCATION and represents the company’s continued interest in the relationship between materials, fabrication, design and technology. MaterialDriven’s USP lies in its relationships with creative professionals and the support it provides for their growth. Parametric Modulations is another step in helping them build a strategic and diverse design toolkit.

// About collaborators & Studio Tutor

GLOBAL VISITING SCHOOL is an offshoot of rat[LAB]EDUCATION that delves into a global dialogue on Design Technology, Parametric Design & Computational Design applied in domains of architecture, art, fashion and material sciences through the curation of workshops, training programmes, talks and symposiums across various geographical territories. GVS (Global Visiting School) collaborates with independent organizations, domain experts, universities and visionary institutions to engage in a dialogue on Design Technology through various mediums. organization rat[LAB]. rat[LAB]EDUCATION is headquartered in New Delhi and has successfully organized 60+ national-level workshops in India with over 1500+ students and professionals of architecture and design as its core participants through Summer-Winter School programmes. GVS aims to inculcate a collaborative and open-learning culture by evolving an open-source knowledge base for all and democratising design technology education.

Sushant Jai-Amita Verma is a Design Entrepreneur, Architect, Computational Designer & Educator, currently leading rat[LAB] Studio (Research in Architecture and Technology) that investigates intersections of design, art & technology through architecture, interior design and art installations. He holds a Masters Degree in Emergent Technologies & Design from Architectural Association, London and is a former architect at Zaha Hadid Architects, London & a Sr. Editor at Arch2O. He is the founder of rat[LAB] EDUCATION, which is an initiative to spread the idea of computation in design through independently-organized design workshops for profession and academia. Recipient of MAK Schindler Award from Vienna / Los Angeles and a finalist for AIA Emerging Leaders Fellowship from Chicago, his work is widely published and exhibited in London, Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo, San Francisco, Taipei, New Delhi, Mumbai among other places. He has been shortlisted in New Delhi among 5 architects for ’20 under 35’ Exhibition at Alliance Francaise de Delhi, featured as iGen 2017 Top 50 Gen-Next Designers in India, tagged as ‘Rising Star’ by Surfaces Reporter India, among other features. He also started and currently heads Smart Labs – India’s first 6-month hybrid programme on Computational Design that blends studio learning and e-learning using a technology-oriented approach. His third TEDxTalk was delivered at IIT Bhubaneswar on Diffusion of Technology in Architecture recently.

// About the Media Partners

PA (Parametric-Architecture) Magazine and ArchDaily are the official Media Partners for Parametric Modulations: Global Visiting School LONDON 2020. Selected works of participants developed in the workshop will be showcased on PA’s media channels after the workshop.

PA is an art, architecture, and design magazine focusing on parametric, computational, and digital design. We believe that the world around us is parametric, and since we are able to define and change these parameters with computers simultaneously while in the design process, it can become one of the most interesting design approaches ever. Our objective is to push the boundaries of design by informing every designer about this phenomenon.

ARCH DAILY is the official Media Partner for Parametric Modulations: Global Visiting School LONDON 2020. ArchDaily is a web blog covering architectural news, projects, products, events, interviews and competitions, opinion pieces, among others, catering to architects, designers and other interested parties. ArchDaily is the most visited architecture website worldwide, with over 500,000 daily readers and about 160 million page views per month as of 2016. Founded in March 2008 by David Basulto and David Assael, ArchDaily includes three regional websites in Spanish (Plataforma Arquitectura, ArchDaily México, ArchDaily Colombia, and ArchDaily Perú), Portuguese (ArchDaily Brasil), and Chinese (ArchDaily China).

More details about the workshop:

www.materialdriven.com/parametricmodulations-ratlab-london

www.rat-lab.org/gvslondon2020

Queries:

Adele Orcajada: adele@materialdriven.com

Purva Chawla: purvac@materialdriven.com

rat[LAB]EDUCATION: education@rat-lab.org

*Kindly use PARAMETRIC MODULATIONS LONDON in Subject Line, for any queries.