I have used Rhino but only know the basics of Grasshopper. Is this workshop too advanced for me?

Not at all. While basic familiarity with the interface is expected, the workshop is designed to guide participants step-by-step. The focus is on "logic" and "design thinking". All specific algorithms for the site analysis and massing are built from scratch during the sessions, ensuring everyone can follow along.

Do I need to be a programmer or an expert to understand the 'Algorithmic' part of this course?

No coding background is required. The term "algorithmic" here simply refers to a sequence of geometric operations used to solve design problems. The workshop focuses on creative problem-solving and on translating design intuition into a digital workflow, making it accessible to architects and designers who want to work smarter.

What software do I need to have ready before the workshop begins?

Participants need Rhino 8 installed on their computer. The Ladybug plugin is also required for the analysis. Software installation is not covered during the session, so having these tools ready beforehand is essential.

Can the analysis tools we build and workflows be used for other projects, or are they specific to the workshop's site?

The tools are designed to be fully reusable. A key objective of the workshop is to teach how to create a flexible "definition" (script) that can accept different terrain geometries. By the end of the course, participants will possess a versatile tool capable of analyzing and generating concepts for future projects on different sites.

Is this workshop limited to data analysis, or does it also cover the design concepts?

It bridges the gap between both. While the process begins with data analysis (sunlight, slope, visibility), the goal is design generation. The data serves as the foundation for the "Generative Design" phase, creating optimal building positions and urban layouts based on the environmental factors analyzed earlier.

Algorithmic Urban Design in Grasshopper: Data-Driven Site Analysis & Massing

Name: Algorithmic Urban Design in Grasshopper: Data-Driven Site Analysis & Massing
Price: 102.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.00 (1 reviews)

Ognjen Graovac

Verified Account

1 course5.0

About Algorithmic Urban Design in Grasshopper: Data-Driven Site Analysis & Massing

Creating urban design from scratch on complex terrain can often feel like a big challenge. So, in order to gather a deeper understanding of the site and quickly explore different design possibilities, we can use digital tools, parametric modelling, and an algorithmic approach. The idea is to read the landscape first and let the environment guide the concept.

Therefore, in this workshop, we will explore how to analyze the location and use the data to inspire design solutions, not just as technical requirements. You will learn how to create four different analysis methods:

Sunlight exposure
Terrain slope
Vegetation density
Visibility study

Each of these methods will be demonstrated step-by-step, showing how raw site information can be turned into visual diagrams. Then, these diagrams will become inputs for a generative design workflow focused on finding optimal building positions and shapes.

Rather than guessing where a building should go or relying purely on intuition, we can use algorithms, or in other words, a sequence of geometric operations, to analyze the site, gather data, and suggest initial massing for the urban design. This workflow is one of the strategies for early design exploration and can be used in any location.

The complete workflow, including 4 analyses and generative design, will be developed entirely in Grasshopper for Rhino, since it is one of the best tools for architects and designers for parametric and generative design.

Creating urban design from scratch on complex terrain can often feel like a big challenge. So, in order to gather a deeper understanding of the site and quickly explore different design possibilities, we can use digital tools, parametric modelling, and an algorithmic approach. The idea is to read the landscape first and let the environment guide the concept. Therefore, in this workshop, we will explore how to analyze the location and use the data to inspire design solutions, not just as...

What you will learn

Creative algorithmic thinking and problem-solving
Analyzing complex terrain geometry (Sunlight + Slope + Vegetation + Visibility)
How to create your own custom analysis method from scratch
Data-driven design strategies
Generative approach to urban design
Tips & tricks for creating efficient and organized Grasshopper definitions

Methodology

The workshop will focus entirely on creating algorithms within Grasshopper. This includes creating different methods for site analysis and a parametric model for generating urban design. The input geometry will be available in Rhino, but we will not cover basic 3D modelling techniques there. Therefore, it is expected that the student is familiar with Rhino and basic Grasshopper concepts.

This workshop will focus on creative algorithmic thinking and problem-solving in Grasshopper. The algorithms for site analysis and urban design will be created from scratch. You will learn how to set up your own custom analysis method, which will allow you to extend this workflow after the workshop based on your own preferences.

Each student will work alone. We will start with the same terrain for input geometry, but the students will be encouraged to use the same algorithm for different site locations.

By the end of the workshop, each student will have a complete parametric definition capable of generating multiple urban design scenarios based on environmental data and design priorities.

Program

Day 1 – Introduction and Terrain Analysis

Presentation and Concept Overview
Overview of the workshop and objectives. Explanation of key concepts for creating necessary algorithms and preparing for parametric analysis.
Grasshopper Introduction and Setup
Understanding the interface and workflow. Step-by-step setup for terrain analysis.
Development of Terrain Analysis Methods
Creation of four different analysis methods. Practical demonstrations and explanations for each method.
Application and Experimentation
Running analyses on sample terrains. Adjusting parameters and experimenting with settings.
Visualization and Customization
Applying color gradients and visual styles. Developing custom styles for improved readability and presentation.
Outcome by End of Day 1
A fully functional Grasshopper definition capable of analyzing any terrain.
Homework
Continue experimenting with parameters, settings, and visualization styles. Explore ways to refine analysis speed and precision.

Day 2 – Data Integration and Urban Design

Working with Large Data Sets
Using outputs from different analysis methods. Handling data for urban design purposes.
Prioritization and Shape Extraction
Setting priorities to identify relevant shapes for buildings, parks, and squares.
Parametric Urban Design Development
Completing the remainder of the parametric model. Integrating multiple datasets to generate complex urban layouts.
Exploration of Design Solutions
Comparing alternative outcomes based on input parameters. Observing how variations affect the overall design and spatial organization.
Outcome by End of Day 2
A complete parametric urban design model ready for further development or presentation.

The workshop will focus entirely on creating algorithms within Grasshopper. This includes creating different methods for site analysis and a parametric model for generating urban design. The input geometry will be available in Rhino, but we will not cover basic 3D modelling techniques there. Therefore, it is expected that the student is familiar with Rhino and basic Grasshopper concepts. This workshop will focus on creative algorithmic thinking and problem-solving in Grasshopper. The algorithms...

Knowledge Requirements

What you should already know or have ready before you start, experience, tools, and any baseline skills the instructors expect. Scan the list below so nothing catches you off guard.

The installation process is not part of the workshop. The student should have Rhino 8 and Grasshopper already installed.
We will also use the Ladybug plugin for Grasshopper to perform daylight analysis.
Basic familiarity with Rhino and Grasshopper concepts is expected

Course Content

14 Lessons

Screenshots

Software & tools

Rhinoceros 3D

Grasshopper 3D

Ladybug

Highlights

Instructors

Ognjen Graovac

1 Course5.0

Ognjen Graovac is an architect and computational designer from Belgrade who loves blending design, technology, and creative problem-solving. He completed both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the Faculty of Architecture in Belgrade, where he first got into parametric and computational design.

That curiosity quickly pushed him toward object-oriented programming and creating digital tools and workflows to expand architects’ ability to design complex and precise shapes.

A year later, Ognjen founded Algorithmic Architecture, a small studio focused on solving geometric challenges in complex architectural forms and automating the creation of precise, large-scale 3D models for the building industry. Through his work, he has contributed to both small and large projects, including major developments such as Madison Square Garden in Las Vegas.

Ognjen is also an active member of the open-source community. He develops free Grasshopper plugins such as 3D Graphic Statics and Spider 3D. The 3D Graphic Statics plugin alone includes over 100 components and has been downloaded more than 11,000 times worldwide. He has also won several awards in architectural competitions, including a first-place prize for a pedestrian bridge over the Danube River in Novi Sad.

Algorithmic Urban Design in Grasshopper: Data-Driven Site Analysis & Massing FAQ

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1 Comments

Matteo Francesco De Maglie

Fantastic course, I hope that Ognjen will do more course about optimization!

Apr 22, 2026