# Eco-Parametric Architecture

> This workshop demonstrates integrated methods for leveraging parametric tools and circular materials to translate initial design concepts into production-ready physical structures and examine how these systems can be disassembled for future reuse. Participants will discover how…

## At a glance

- Format: Upcoming live workshop
- Price: €102.00 (list €120.00)
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Duration: 10 Hours
- Schedule: Nov 21-22, 2026
- Instructors: Arthur Mamou-Mani, Fun Yuen, Clinton Mendonca
- Categories: Architectural Design, 3D Modeling, Fabrication
- Software: Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper 3D, RunChat
- Students: 15
- Rating: 5.0 / 5
- Canonical: https://paacademy.com/course/eco-parametric-architecture-arthur-mamou-mani
- Enroll: https://paacademy.com/course/eco-parametric-architecture-arthur-mamou-mani

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## About this course

**Eco-Parametric Architecture** is an intermediate workshop that teaches designers to build parametric systems and convert initial concepts into fabrication-ready circular structures. Participants use Rhino 8, Grasshopper, and RunChat to apply a modularize, path, print, and reuse workflow controlling geometry, connections, and material limits, finishing with disassembly testing to leave with a personalized, reusable circular design workflow.

## What you'll learn

- Translate briefs into parametric systems.
- Shape geometry using material behavior.
- Control modules and fabrication limits in Grasshopper.
- Prepare components for robotic 3D printing.
- Account for layer heights, overhangs, and print orientation.
- Convert digital geometry into toolpaths and G-code.
- Design for assembly, disassembly, and circular reuse.
- Use AI exploration without sacrificing geometric precision.

## Methodology

Participants will develop a new modular architectural system created specifically for the workshop. It will draw on principles from Mamou-Mani’s architectural projects and Fab.Pub’s circular-material research without reproducing client work or disclosing proprietary files.

The project will progress through concept development, parametric modelling, material constraints, modularisation, robotic toolpathing, assembly and future reuse.

The material focus will be large-scale 3D printing with reclaimed or recycled compounds. Available material volume, print bed size, layer height, minimum curvature, overhang analysis, connections, print direction, and disassembly requirements will inform the design and fabrication strategy.

A 45-minute live revision session will take place two weeks after the workshop to check your progress and answer any remaining questions.

Students will:

- Interpret an architectural brief and define its regenerative-material objectives.
- Use AI-assisted exploration to test design directions and visualise the system in context.
- Develop an adaptable architectural system in Rhino and Grasshopper.
- Translate material and fabrication constraints into geometry, modules and connections.
- Prepare a selected component for robotic fabrication and large-scale 3D printing.
- Reassemble the components and evaluate disassembly, reprocessing and future reuse.
- Demonstrate RunChat as a bridge between precise parametric geometry and rapid visual iteration.

## Program

**Day 1: Brief to Parametric System**

**Block 1 - From Brief to System: **

- Introduction to the single canopy or pavilion brief
- Review of relevant built precedents
- Definition of regenerative-material objectives
- Role of AI in transitioning from narrative intent to a controlled design system
**Block 2 - Building the Parametric System - Led by Fun Yuen:**

- Live build of the workshop project in Grasshopper
- Parametric control over module dimensions, density, and curvature
- Integration of connections, material limits, and fabrication constraints
**Day 2: Robotic Toolpathing & Circular Workflow**

**Block 3 - From Geometry to Robotic Toolpath - Led by Clinton Mendonca:**

- Transitioning Grasshopper geometry into robotic fabrication
- Setting tolerances, print orientation, and componentisation
- Defining bead and layer logic, robotic toolpaths, and G-code
- Conducting production checks for reclaimed printing compounds
**Block 4 - Completing the Circular Workflow:**

- Reassembling components into the complete canopy or pavilion system
- Testing assembly and disassembly logic
- Evaluating reprocessing and reprinting strategies
- Using AI-assisted visualization to present the design in context

## FAQ

### Can I actually adapt these Grasshopper scripts for my own projects?
Yes. You build the logic step-by-step from scratch so you walk away with a flexible workflow you can tweak for your own designs, not just locked files.

### How does AI fit in without messing up the precise 3D geometry?
AI is used strictly for quick visual concepting and setting final images in context. Your Grasshopper script maintains absolute control over exact measurements and print toolpaths.

### Is learning robotic toolpathing useful if I don't own a robot?
Definitely. Understanding layer heights, overhangs, and G-code logic changes how you design for any digital fabrication lab, even if you send files out to print.

### Do we design for real-world material limits or theoretical geometry?
Real limits. You’ll design around actual recycled compound constraints, factoring in print bed size, layer height, joint connections, and disassembly.

### I only have basic Grasshopper experience. Will I be able to keep up?
No. Basic navigation and a general understanding of how components connect is plenty. The modeling block builds the script sequentially so it is easy to follow.