Grasshopper Essential Plugins for Beginners 101

This Course Includes:

Lunchbox

Lunchbox can be used to break down large surfaces into unique units of form, generating manipulations or operations. In this course, we will use Lunchbox to create a brick wall from a surface, then manipulate it using an attractor point function. Then, we will explore the more unique truss structures Lunchbox can provide, and use panelization throughout a script to generate walls, windows, and mullions.

Parakeet

Parakeet enables designers to create unique patterns on surfaces. From generating simple patterns to more complex networks, we will experiment with the setup Parakeet requires to create a pattern. We will also explore some tools built into the plugin that can be used outside of pattern generation to manipulate curves, making advanced techniques easier, such as 3D print file generation. We will progress from the basics to advanced manipulations, and include some bonus tools you shouldn’t miss.

Kangaroo

Architects have utilized physics to generate form for centuries, from Gaudí’s catenary curves to Frei Otto’s experimentation with soap film minimal surfaces. Kangaroo allows Grasshopper to simulate many physical properties and generate meshes that can be manipulated within your form-making process. We will start with a simple catenary surface, then generate a minimal surface mesh using a soap film, and finally create a thallus pattern using curves on a manipulated surface.

Weaverbird & Mesh+

Weaverbird and Mesh+ are not designed to create forms on their own; however, when used in conjunction with other plugins, they become extremely powerful. We will start by exploring the utility these programs offer in smoothing meshes or adding unique manipulations to mesh surfaces. Then, we will utilize all the plugins used previously in this series —Lunchbox, Parakeet, and Kangaroo—to generate a single workflow where Weaverbird and Mesh+ integrate within the script, enhancing the capabilities of each individual program.

Bonus Session: Integrated Workflow

In the final session, all four plugins combine in a single parametric design workflow. Participants will apply surface paneling, pattern generation, force-based transformations, and mesh refinement in one comprehensive script, demonstrating the strength of combining these tools to produce complex, intelligent geometries.