Project of the week

Project of the Week Series

Grasshopper Course

What is the course about?

During the 2020 lockdowns, The Different Design ran a ‘Project of the Week’ series, in which we examined as collection of complex algorithmic projects and problems using Grasshopper.

The series varies from example precedents by famous architects, to complex growth and computational design outcomes.

Each tutorial is an isolated lesson, but combined together provides a fantastic collection of expertise on how you might apply logic in Grasshopper to almost any project.

What will you learn in each video?

This lesson will examine the 3D printed Thallus sculpture by Zaha Hadid Architects. The pattern is based on a differential growth algorithm, which typically works to create an ever-expanding curve that never touches itself. We will create a parametric model of the base form, and use Kangaroo to simulate the pattern over the surface.

In this lesson we will be examining spatial 3D printing techniques relying on a cantilever of material to create a voxelized spatial printing technique. We will apply this technique to a surface, then learn how to program an industrial robot through a singular toolpath. We will use the Robots plugin for Grasshopper to simulate our robot.

In this lesson we will examine the Mathematics Gallery by Zaha Hadid Architects. This project consists of 3 minimal surface objects hanging from the ceiling in the gallery.

In this lesson we will learn how to create a Gyroid pattern in Grasshopper. We will be using Isosurfacing to create our Gyroid forms. Isosurfacing is an algorithmic concept that creates mesh surfaces from field data, and is commonly used to generate gyroid patterns.

In this lesson we will examine how we might create an animating 2D differential growth algorithm. Usually this type of algorithm requires knowledge of a coding language, however we will recreate this algorithm with the Anemone looping plugin and simple grasshopper components only.

In this lesson we will examine Diffusion-limited aggregation, which is an algorithm that produces random walking particles that cluster together to create strange crystalline branching forms and patterns. We will use Anemone to create a double loop system.

In this lesson we will examine OMA’s Galleria Department Store project in South Korea. The building is designed to evoke the nature of its neighbouring park, and has a sculpted textured mosaic stone façade. We will use the Chromodoris plugin and Image Sampling to re-create the façade algorithmically.

What are the learning objectives for the course?

Course image gallery:

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