We value your privacy.

We use strictly-necessary cookies to keep you signed in and the service operational, and analytics cookies to understand how the site is used. With your consent, we also use preference and marketing cookies. You can change your choice anytime; see our Cookie Policy or Privacy Policy.

Enter CartesianForms: Architecture Reimagined competition early to win from a $120,000 prize pool.
PAACADEMY
PAACADEMY
Courses
Software
Bundles
Membership
Become MemberSign In
HomeCoursesLoading

Catalog

PAACADEMYPAACADEMY

Online EdTech platform · 2020-2026

Shaping the next generation of designers, architects, and makers through computational tools and immersive education.

Reach out

team@paacademy.com

Newsletter

New workshops, early-bird seats, and release notes, straight to your inbox.

Platform

CoursesMembershipsBundlesProjectsInstructorsSoftwareBoardsBlogFree coursesEarnCertificatesReviews

Company

AboutBusinessBecome an InstructorContactFAQHelp CenterChangelogWe're Hiring

Popular Searches

Architecture coursesGrasshopper coursesAI architecture workshopsParametric design workshopsRhino courses3D modeling coursesBlender workshopsVisualization coursesRevit coursesDigital fabrication workshops3D printing workshopsSustainability courses

Most Interested

Urban design coursesLandscape architecture coursesHoudini coursesUnreal Engine coursesComfyUI workshopsMaya coursesInterior design coursesFashion design coursesFootwear design workshopsStructural analysis coursesVirtual reality coursesComputational design coursesGenerative city designBIM coursesMetaverse coursesPhotography workshops

© 2026 PAACADEMY. All rights reserved.

Privacy PolicyCookie PolicyRefund PolicyMembership Agreement
Loading course…
CoursesArchitectural DesignParametric Optimizations: Decoding Spaces and Places
Oct 19-20, 202410 lessonsAdvanced
Architectural DesignFeaturedFREE with Full AccessWorkshopOct 19-20, 2024Advanced10 lessons7h 35mParametric DesignGenerative DesignSustainable ArchitectureEnvironmental Analysis

Parametric Optimizations: Decoding Spaces and Places

Parametric Optimizations: Decoding Spaces and Places is a course on PAACADEMY that teaches participants to manage design data and optimize architectural projects for sustainability and performance using Grasshopper 3D and Rhinoceros 3D. Led by Stefano Bastia, the course traces projects from initial environmental analysis through performance improvement, using Ladybug for solar and environmental analysis, Galapagos for evolutionary algorithm-based optimization, and LunchBox for parametric facade design and pattern generation. The workshop is designed for Grasshopper first-timers and teaches a data-driven workflow for making location-specific, performance-aware design decisions.

Learn from Stefano Bastia
FREE with Full Access

Instructor

Stefano Bastia2 courses

  • Oct. 19-20, 202415:00 - 19:00 (GMT)
  • 7 Hours 35 MinTotal duration
  • Lifetime accessRewatch anytime
  • AdvancedLevel
  • 50 seatsClass size
  • EnglishLanguage
  • EnglishSubtitles
  • 10 LessonsLessons
  • CertificateIncluded
  • Course filesDownloadable

The technological decade between 2010 and 2020 was mainly characterized by the global explosion of the Big Data phenomenon the implications that this has on society are still ongoing and are the subject of numerous studies. The amount of data generated in that period has proven infinitely more significant than that created in the previous millennia. The quantity of “input” is constantly increasing. Thus, the level of complexity consequently increases. The information we gather from different situations are stimuli that actively influence the places we live in, determining their space, geometry, sociability, and beauty. We can and must use them to design more consciously.

  • 01

    Introduction to parametric and computational design principles.

  • 02

    Understanding sustainability principles in architectural design.

  • 03

    Enhancement of participants' skills in Rhinoceros (Rhino 3D).

  • 04

    Proficiency in using Grasshopper 3D for design analysis and optimization.

  • 05

    Practical applications of various Grasshopper plugins, such as:

  • 06

    LadyBug for environmental analysis and sustainability.

  • 07

    Galapagos for evolutionary algorithm-based optimization.

  • 08

    LunchBox for parametric facade design and pattern generation.

  • 09

    Additional plugins to be announced.

  • 10

    Exploration of sustainability analysis, parametric design, and performance-driven design through Grasshopper plugins.

  • 11

    Application of these tools in real-world design projects focused on performance and optimization.

Grasshopper 3DRhinoceros 3DLadybugLunchBox

How the 2 days are spent, session by session.

Day 1 Program

Saturday · Oct 19, 2024

  • Introduction/Lecture: “Programming Form and Beauty: Complexity and Creation” (1 Hour)
  • Intro to Grasshopper with SOA Architecture project examples
  • How to manage data in Grasshopper (List management, Data matching, Tree data structure)
  • Controlling the algorithm and Data manipulation
  • Surface manipulation, panelization – Morphing
  • Q&A

Day 2 Program

Sunday · Oct 20, 2024

  • Intro to Ladybug and Galapagos demonstrating practical examples from SOA Architecture projects
  • Intro to Ladybug and Galapagos
  • Parametric Facade: Pattern and Manipulation, then diving into Ladybug
  • Optimization and analysis
  • Q&A

Through a series of example projects led by Stefano Bastia, we will trace a reverse path to understand how a project is conceived, from the initial analyses to improving its performance. Participants will individually learn to develop and manage a small project through a series of exercises using Rhinoceros, with the support of Grasshopper.

This workshop aims to equip participants with skills to find and manage all these inputs (design data) for more conscious design. Through a series of software and plugins, we will be able to capture and channel them and consequently control them. The more information we have as input, the better and more precise the results will be, giving us more assets at our disposal and enhancing our ability to “solve” problems in a targeted way.

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 workshop is designed for Grasshopper’s first-timers. This workshop will teach you a workflow that allows you to control projects while considering different locations’ specific characteristics and contexts.

10 Lessons7h 35m

  • 01
    Students must have all the software installed before starting the workshop.

Instructor

Stefano Bastia

View profile
5.0instructor rating2courses

Stefano Bastia is an architect and computational designer with a keen interest in multidisciplinary design research. In 2020, he co-founded SOA Architecture with colleague Eurind Caka, following several years at Mario Cucinella Architects in Bologna after graduating in 2016. Stefano holds a Bachelor of Architecture and a Master of Architecture from the University of Bologna, where he was awarded the Giacomo Venturi Best Thesis Prize in 2017. From 2020 to 2021, Stefano served as a module professor in Digital and Parametric design at SOS – School of Sustainability. In 2023, he delivered a lecture at Computational Design: NEXT, sponsored by ParametricArchitecture and Designmorphine. His lecture explored the intricate relationship between humans and machines throughout history, focusing on the emergence of big data, AI, and complexity from philosophical and social perspectives. Stefano Bastia is particularly intrigued by the implications of these phenomena in everyday life, including their social and political ramifications. Starting from data is fundamental to his research, enabling the identification of real issues within specific contexts and approaching them with heightened awareness to find practical solutions. “We Program Beauty” embodies a dynamic and empathetic relationship with technology, outlining a new creative process. Our approach to complexity and methodology defines our CREATION and personal MODUS OPERANDI.

4.8·55
4.8avg·5 Ratings
5 Reviews
Jeriksen TimbangAug 10, 20265.0out of 5

This course taught me an incredible workflow for leveraging computational design tools for aesthetic and functional purposes. Such a valuable course!

Pedro Asgard Serrano MartínezDec 29, 20255.0out of 5

Very useful, it will help me greatly with the solar optimization process of my projects.

IgnasDec 25, 20255.0out of 5

Thank you

MOHAFIZ RIYAZNov 18, 20245.0out of 5

Really good. I love it!

CS NelNov 1, 20245.0out of 5

There are a lot of valuable tricks and tips that increase the workflow and help to solve computational problems. I can see how the techniques learned in this can help with the projects I am working on.

Jeriksen Timbang
Jeriksen Timbang
Aug 10, 2026

This course taught me an incredible workflow for leveraging computational design tools for aesthetic and functional purposes. Such a valuable course!

Pedro Asgard Serrano Martínez
Pedro Asgard Serrano Martínez
Dec 29, 2025

Very useful, it will help me greatly with the solar optimization process of my projects.

Ignas
Ignas
Dec 25, 2025

Thank you

MOHAFIZ RIYAZ
MOHAFIZ RIYAZ
Nov 18, 2024

Really good. I love it!

CS Nel
CS Nel
Nov 1, 2024

There are a lot of valuable tricks and tips that increase the workflow and help to solve computational problems. I can see how the techniques learned in this can help with the projects I am working on.

  • 01Building Envelope(d) DataMartina Rosati€119.00
  • 02Optimizing Design Decisions With Machine LearningZvonko Vugreshek€105.00
  • 03Advanced Grasshopper 2.0: Integrating Voxel and Mesh Modelling ApproachesAmir Hossein€119.00
  • 04Parametric IntelligenceTim Fu€300.00
  • 05Radical Net-Zero BuildingsCarlos Bausa Martinez€105.00
  • 06Data Structure(D) Design 2.0Federico Borello€90.00
  • Building Envelope(d) DataMartina RosatiAdvanced10 lessons8 Hours€119.00€140.00
  • Optimizing Design Decisions With Machine LearningZvonko VugreshekAdvanced6 lessons8 Hours€105.00€125.00
  • Advanced Grasshopper 2.0: Integrating Voxel and Mesh Modelling ApproachesAmir HosseinAdvanced11 lessons8 Hours€119.00€140.00
  • Parametric IntelligenceTim FuIntermediate14 lessons4 Sessions (16 Hours)€300.00€400.00
  • Radical Net-Zero BuildingsCarlos Bausa MartinezAdvanced10 lessons8 Hours€105.00€125.00
  • Data Structure(D) Design 2.0Federico BorelloAdvanced10 lessons2 Sessions (8 Hours)€90.00€125.00
Save €20.00

One-time payment

€105.00€125.00

Pay less with membership

Pro Membership€89.25Save €15.75 on this courseFull Access€0.00Plus every other course
InstructorStefano Bastia
Regular Price
Save €20.00
€105.00€125.00
Pay less with membership
Pro Membership€89.25Save €15.75 on this courseFull Access€0.00Plus every other course