This workshop focuses on the design of adaptive and deployable architectural systems using scissor-based geometry and parametric modeling. Rather than developing a single predefined project, participants will learn a computational workflow applicable to a wide range of design applications, from kinetic pavilions and transformable canopies to responsive façades and experimental spatial installations.
Participants will build parametric scissor units, study their geometric behavior, and combine them into deployable systems capable of controlled transformation. Through a series of guided exercises, they will learn how to organize geometric relationships, define movement through parametric constraints, and generate different design variations from a single computational model.
By the end of the workshop, each participant will have developed a fully parametric, deployable system, along with a design concept demonstrating how the workflow can be adapted to different architectural scales and applications.
Scope:
The workshop follows a step-by-step, hands-on computational design workflow that combines geometric exploration, parametric modeling, and design development.
1. Introduction to Scissor-Based Geometry
- Introduction to deployable and kinetic architectural systems
- Understanding the geometric principles behind scissor mechanisms
- Exploring the relationship between geometry, movement, and transformation
2. Parametric Modeling in Grasshopper
- Building basic scissor units through parametric definitions
- Establishing geometric relationships and controlling design parameters
- Exploring different configurations through computational modeling
3. Developing Deployable Geometric Systems
- Combining scissor units into larger geometric configurations
- Studying transformation behavior and movement logic
- Exploring how repetitive patterns can generate adaptive structures
4. Design Exploration and Computational Workflow
- Testing variations of deployable systems through parametric control
- Understanding how the developed workflow can be applied to different architectural applications
- Discussing potential applications in kinetic structures, adaptive installations, and transformable systems
Program:
Day 1 - Understanding and Modeling Scissor-Based Systems
- Introduction
- Workshop goals and overall computational design workflow
- Introduction to Scissor Mechanisms
- Definitions, applications, and geometric principles
- Exploring kinetic logic through selected examples
- Translational Scissor Mechanism
- Understanding linear transformation logic
- Developing geometric relationships
- Modeling a parametric scissor unit in Grasshopper
- 3D Scissor Mechanism
- Exploring spatial configurations
- Analyzing geometric behavior
- Expanding the basic unit into a 3D system
- Polar Scissor Mechanism
- Studying radial transformation logic
- Developing polar configurations through parametric modeling
- Angular Scissor Mechanism
- Exploring angular configurations
- Modeling scissor-based geometric variations in Grasshopper
- Wrap-up & Q&A
- Reviewing the developed systems and key concepts
Day 2 - From Geometric Patterns to Adaptive Transformations
- Introduction to Repetitive Geometries
- Exploring the logic of repetitive geometric patterns
- Investigating their potential for dynamic configurations
- Geometric Pattern Transformation
- Transforming static patterns into movable and adaptive systems
- Pattern-Based Motion Studies
- Developing animated geometric patterns
- Exploring different transformation behaviors
- Creating Dynamic Pattern Systems
- Applying transformation strategies
- Generating opening and closing behaviors within geometric patterns
- Adaptive Geometric Applications
- Exploring applications in architectural elements
- Investigating kinetic and transformable systems
- Wrap-up & Q&A
- Reviewing the workshop process and discussing further design possibilities
