# Building Envelope(d) Data

> The workshop is designed to provide a deep understanding of a professional workflow applicable to various scales and design contexts. Participants will learn how to create fully parametric-informed 3D models using Rhino and Grasshopper, which can efficiently improve the design p…

## At a glance

- Format: On-demand course
- Price: €119.00 (list €140.00)
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Duration: 8 Hours
- Schedule: Nov 16-17, 2024
- Instructors: Martina Rosati
- Categories: Architectural Design, 3D Modeling, Design Workshops
- Software: Grasshopper 3D, eleFront, Rhinoceros 3D
- Students: 95
- Rating: 5.0 / 5
- Canonical: https://paacademy.com/course/building-enveloped-data
- Enroll: https://paacademy.com/course/building-enveloped-data

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## About this course

Building Envelope(d) Data offers a comprehensive exploration of parametric 3D modeling for building envelope design.

## What you'll learn

- Develop a systematic approach to managing design complexity.

- Utilize Rhino and Grasshopper for automated workflows and design iterations.

- Familiarize yourself with Elefront and its capabilities for coordinating complex 3D models within the Rhino environment.

- Implement techniques to embed information into geometries for enhanced coordination. 

- Split up the process into steps that multiple users can use for further development. 

- Integrate structural or functional considerations seamlessly into the design process.

- Explore 3D facade detailing in a real case study.

## Methodology

We will adopt a hands-on learning approach tailored for intermediate to advanced Grasshopper users. While the exercise will provide a structured framework, participants will have the opportunity to personalize their designs and details based on their interests.


The workflow is split into steps of increasing complexity allowing participants to progressively build on their skills. Collaborative discussions and Q&A sessions will also help everyone to get a comprehensive understanding of this method. By the end, participants will have gained confidence in applying the same principles to different design goals and purposes.


This workshop will explore the key aspects of typical shell and core design, from geometry set out to facade detailing. This course will teach you how to manage design complexity by developing a BIM-like model within Rhino environment. Using Elefront, participants will learn how to combine geometric and non-geometric data and how to interrelate them to ensure a smooth transition across multiple design iterations and different levels of detail.

Storing metadata inside Rhino objects allows the splitting of a complex process into manageable parts, facilitating various users to use them for further development. With this approach, participants will also automate some repetitive tasks and minimize errors inherent in manual modeling.

## Requirements

- Good knowledge of** **Rhino & Grasshopper is required.

- Basic knowledge of Elefront is welcome but not required.

## Curriculum

### Session 1
- Intro + PAACADEMY Updates (11:51)
- Lecture (01:04:49)
- Streamlined Data Management (44:18)
- Efficient Geometry Management with Elefront (52:54)
- Parametric Facade Design Workflow (01:01:30)

### Session 2
- Grasshopper Script Setup Insights (49:06)
- Preparing Geometry for Paneling (01:03:26)
- Processing Curves for Panels (48:16)
- Refining Panels and Curvature (42:05)
- Parametric Workflow Final Steps (51:18)

## FAQ

### What software and plugins will I need for this workshop?
You will use Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper 3D, and the eleFront plugin.

### What experience level is recommended prior to taking this course?
Knowledge of Rhino and Grasshopper is required. Basic familiarity with eleFront is welcome, but not necessary.

### How is non-geometric data managed within Rhino and Grasshopper?
You will use eleFront to embed metadata and parameters directly into Rhino geometries, creating a BIM-like, information-informed 3D model that streamlines multi-user coordination.

### What real-world architectural design scale is used in the course exercises?
The workshop focuses on shell-and-core design, geometry set-out, and 3D facade detailing, applied to a real architectural case study.

### What practical outcomes can I expect to achieve by the end of the workshop?
You will master automated, step-by-step data management workflows that reduce manual modeling errors, simplify complex facade iterations, and allow multiple team members to work on split, coordinated parts of a model.