Rhino 3D Training | The Parametric Architecture Masterclass

Lesson 1 – Introduction / What is Parametric Modelling (6:23). We open the course with a lesson outlining what Parametric Modelling really is and how to achieve it. We de-bunk some myths around this style of modelling and design and finish by breaking down Parametric Architecture into four key elements, setting us up perfectly to learn together in lesson 2.

Lesson 2 – Parametric Curves (26:10). One key characteristic of parametric design is the use of beautiful curves and fluid forms. The first in a short series of theoretical lessons goes into the different types of curves, using NURBS, geometric continuity and analysis. All of this is in the aim of understanding how these different curves achieve varying results when designing something in a true parametric way.

Lesson 3 – Parametric Surfaces (14:12). In this lesson we emphasise the importance of keeping things simple, as the potentially complex results of parametric architecture can overwhelm some. By breaking down the different types of surfaces that can be produced within Rhino & Grasshopper, we give you comfort that there’s a simple way to achieve apparently complex results, keeping your workflow efficient and adaptive to change. You’ll learn how to create some of these varying surfaces to ready you for the real-world example by Zaha Hadid.

Lesson 4 – Surface Analysis and Parameters (16:54). Getting the topology of your surfaces correct is crucial in creating free flowing surfaces and buildings, which is the calling card of parametric design. By analysing your surfaces through varying test methods, you can check whether you’re achieving a truly fluid piece of design. We also touch on parameters & tools to help you achieve smooth curves without harsh points and obvious seams.

Lesson 5 – Parametric Modelling Process (15:24). Before diving into the iconic Heydar Aliyev Centre by Zaha Hadid, we use a simple example to walk you through a true parametric design process using Rhino & Grasshopper side by side. Once the simple forms are in place, you’ll learn how to make quick and wholistic changes using these parameters created earlier in the lesson, making it incredibly straight forward to create design options and completely varied design concepts for your projects.

Lesson 6 – Heydar Aliyev Centre – Building Analysis (9:44). Now the fun begins! With the theory and concepts of parametric architecture covered and understood, we dive into one of Zaha Hadid’s most famous buildings, the Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku, Azerbaijan. The opening lesson in this chapter walks you through how this amazing building was first designed, then created using various software. We finish by introducing a few curves overlaid onto the building to set the tone for how we’re going to approach the model as a whole.

Lesson 7 – Reference Drawings (13:22). In order to model the building accurately we load in a series of reference drawings to Rhino 7. We scale & position them, so we can do this stunning building justice. This lesson applies to all kinds of buildings, even your own creations as you may begin to design in 2D and wish to load your drawings in for exploration in 3D, so a lesson not to be missed and will serve you for your entire career as a designer.

Lesson 8 – Principal shell curves & curve network (16:38). In this lesson we start to create the initial forms of the building, starting with the free flowing, curved shell of the envelope. In order to achieve this, we create profile curves that are traced over the reference drawings, creating a skeleton of the building to be later ‘skinned’.

Lesson 9 – Generating the exterior shell (11:29). With the curves and overall skeletal form of the building in place, we can now create the shell as a skin. You’ll learn how to turn a series of basic curves into a full-blown shell of a building and start to analyse the surfaces of the shell to ensure it’s ready for parameters to be added to it, so we can turn the conceptual form into a recognisable building in later lessons.

Lesson 10 – Interior shell surfaces (8:37). The interior faces of Heydar Aliyev Centre aren’t quite a simple offset, as the interior curves weave in and out at varying thickness from the outer shell. So, to continue to honour this iconic building we use the reference drawings to create a separate interior shell of the building as constructed.

Lesson 11 – Curtain walling (20:30). A striking aspect of this building is the intersection of the fluid forms with the rigid, parallel forms of the curtain walling which provides the glazed areas of the project. Here, you’ll learn how to create the curtain walling perimeter within Rhino, moving into Grasshopper to create the framing, glazing and sub-dividing mullions & transoms.

Lesson 12 – Structural elements (8:03). In this lesson we cover the key structural elements and circulation cores, generating them parametrically using Grasshopper. Populating the interior of such a complex and fluid form would ordinarily be a tedious task, but if you approach parametric design in the correct way, it can be efficient and quick. This approach allows for design iterations and the creation of various concepts & options.

Lesson 13 – The space frame (17:08). The skin of the building is held together with a structural device known as a ‘space frame’, which is a rigid, lightweight structure made from interlocking struts in a geometric pattern. We infill the exterior and interior skins of the building with this space frame, which can be easily generated using Grasshopper and a methodical approach to parameters and scripts.

Lesson 14 – Shell cladding panels (15:20). The cladding of the building may appear simple at first glance, but if you look a little closer you’ll see that the joints of the panels perfectly follow the topology of the structure, meaning that no two panels are identical. Creating these panels and joints, manually, would be an incredibly tiresome task! Luckily for us, we have parametric tools within Grasshopper at our disposal to easily generate these panels for a realistic, true to life result.

Lesson 15 – Script overview & course conclusion (2:00). We finish the course by recapping the individual lessons learned and how this yields a full building and how you can utilise these tutorials for your own projects. We also explain how to use the scripts and models created within the course and apply them to your own work moving forward. Be sure to checkout the downloads area within the course dashboard to access these files. Lastly, we have one final walk around the finished model to ensure everything is as it should be and reflect and what has been discovered & created in this parametric masterclass.