# Fractal Matrix Architecture - Studio Jack Rendler > In the field of mathematics, a matrix is: “ a rectangular array of quantities or expressions in rows and columns that is treated as a single entity and manipulated according to particular rules .” This workshop will explore orthogonal, cubic, and rectangular geometri… ## At a glance - Format: On-demand course - Price: €90.00 (list €125.00) - Difficulty: Intermediate - Duration: 2 Sessions (8 Hours) - Schedule: Jun 15-16, 2024 - Instructors: Jack Rendler - Categories: Architectural Design, Design Workshops - Software: Grasshopper 3D, Rhinoceros 3D, Pufferfish, Chaos V-Ray, Mandelbulb 3D, Fiji - Students: 39 - Rating: 5.0 / 5 - Canonical: https://paacademy.com/course/fractal-matrix-architecture - Enroll: https://paacademy.com/course/fractal-matrix-architecture --- ## About this course Fractal Matrix Architecture is a course on PAACADEMY led by Jack Rendler that explores orthogonal, cubic, and rectangular geometric systems through algorithmic design in Rhino and Grasshopper. Using the Pufferfish plugin, participants work with recursive subdivision, shifting grids, fragmented volumes, and line-work aggregations to create complex computational schematics applicable to urban contexts and tectonic design. The course also introduces Mandelbulb 3D for fractal structure exploration, including formula modification, interface navigation, voxel stack export using Fiji, and mesh import back into Rhino. V-Ray is used for rendering. ## What you'll learn - Comprehend the manipulation of complex geometrical systems by operating on the parameters that drive the system. - Fluidly compose the aggregation of shifting grids and subdivided volumes as integrated schematics. - Understand the nature of Fractals in a more intimate sense and how they function and form. ## Methodology - The workshop will focus on orthogonal geometries as geometric systems, like shifting grids and subdivided volumes. - Through hands-on exercises, We will guide you in the process of subdividing regions and rectangles using Pufferfish grasshopper components and the substrate component of grasshopper. - We will be offsetting surfaces at variant distances and extruding at variant lengths, creating arrays and fields of geometric compositions - We will explore different ways of integrating fields of line works and surfaces to create aggregations of clusters and volumes. - As a relative but separate note, we will provide an introduction to Mandelbulb 3D, where fractal structures will be explored. - How to navigate the Mandelbulb 3D interface. - Introduction to particular formulas. - Formula parameter modification techniques. - Exporting voxel stacks from Mandelbulb 3D using the Fiji J Image Compiler. The workshop will primarily focus on Grasshopper and the plug-in Pufferfish to explore geometrical operations. We will look at techniques that yield certain results as we work with specific geometric typologies. The geometric typologies that will be examined will be orthogonal, cubic, and rectangular geometrical systems. We will examine particular geometry operations, the grouping of geometric clusters, their scaling and dispersion, and the subdivision and isolation of specific components. We will also explore fractals' formation in the Mandelbulb 3D software. In Mandelbulb 3D, we will introduce the interface and basic formulas inside the software. We will also guide you through exporting your Mandelbulb 3D mesh into Rhino. ## Curriculum ### Session 1 - Part 1 (01:47:35) - New Lesson 1 (01:47:35) - Part 2 (01:02:29) - New Lesson 2 (01:02:29) - Part 3 (01:10:00) - New Lesson 3 (01:10:00) ### Session 2 - New Lesson 3 - Part 1 (01:29:43) - New Lesson 4 (01:29:43) - Part 2 (42:18) - New Lesson 5 (42:18) - Part 3 (01:35:34) - New Lesson 6 (01:35:34) ## FAQ ### What software is used in the Fractal Matrix Architecture course? The course uses Rhinoceros 3D and Grasshopper 3D with the Pufferfish plugin as the primary computational design environment. Mandelbulb 3D and Fiji are introduced for fractal structure generation and voxel export. Chaos V-Ray is used for rendering final outputs. ### What does the Fractal Matrix Architecture workshop cover? The course covers orthogonal geometric systems including shifting grids and subdivided volumes, recursive subdivision of surfaces and regions using Pufferfish components, offsetting and extruding surfaces to create geometric fields and clusters, and the aggregation of line-work and volume systems into complex schematics. A separate Mandelbulb 3D module introduces fractal formulas, parameter modification, and mesh export into Rhino. ### Is prior Grasshopper experience required for this course? Some familiarity with Rhino and Grasshopper is recommended, as the course works directly with parametric components and plugin-based workflows rather than introducing Grasshopper from scratch. The focus is on geometric systems and recursive logic, so participants comfortable with basic Grasshopper operations will get the most from the sessions. ### What will I produce by the end of this computational design course? Participants develop a series of grid-based and fractal geometric schematics built in Grasshopper, including subdivided surface systems, shifting grid compositions, and volume aggregations. They also produce fractal structures exported from Mandelbulb 3D and integrated into Rhino, with final outputs rendered in V-Ray.