# Living Geometry: Deployable Systems with Grasshopper > Adaptive and deployable systems are opening new possibilities in architecture by enabling spaces and structures to transform in response to different needs and conditions. Behind these dynamic behaviors lies geometry - not simply as a way to create form, but as a system that can… ## At a glance - Format: Upcoming live workshop - Price: €85.00 (list €100.00) - Difficulty: Beginner - Duration: 8 Hours - Schedule: Dec 5-6, 2026 - Instructors: Ladan Vojdanzade - Categories: Architectural Design - Software: Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper 3D, Anemone, Weaverbird - Students: 23 - Rating: 5.0 / 5 - Canonical: https://paacademy.com/course/living-geometry-deployable-systems-with-grasshopper - Enroll: https://paacademy.com/course/living-geometry-deployable-systems-with-grasshopper --- ## About this course This workshop introduces parametric scissor-based geometry in Grasshopper for designing, modeling, and transforming adaptive, deployable architectural systems. ## What you'll learn - Understand the basic logic and geometric principles of scissor-based deployable systems - Model and control scissor mechanisms through parametric workflows in Grasshopper - Create flexible geometric systems by defining relationships between form, movement, and parameters - Explore how repetitive patterns can be transformed into deployable architectural structures - Develop computational approaches for designing kinetic and adaptive systems - Use Grasshopper as a tool for exploring and testing different geometric possibilities ## Methodology 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 ## Requirements - Please install and test Rhino 7, Grasshopper, and all required plugins before the workshop. - Workshop materials and resources will be provided for all participants ## FAQ ### Which software is used in this Grasshopper computational design course? The workshop uses Rhinoceros 3D and Grasshopper 3D as the primary tools. Participants also work with two Grasshopper plugins: Anemone for looping and animation of movement sequences, and Weaverbird for mesh topology operations. All software must be installed and tested before Day 1. Workshop materials and resource files are provided to all participants. ### What does the Living Geometry deployable systems workshop cover across two days? Day 1 introduces the geometric principles of scissor mechanisms and progresses through four types of parametric scissor units: translational, 3D, polar, and angular. Each is modeled and controlled in Grasshopper. Day 2 shifts to repetitive geometric patterns and how they can be transformed into adaptive, deployable systems with opening and closing behaviors. The workshop concludes with architectural application discussions and design variations. ### Do I need prior Grasshopper experience to join this workshop? Basic familiarity with Rhinoceros 3D and Grasshopper is expected, as the workshop moves directly into parametric modeling from Day 1. Participants who have completed a Grasshopper beginner course or have used it in academic or professional projects will follow the workflow comfortably. The instructor guides each step, so participants with some parametric design exposure but no specific experience with deployable systems are well-suited. ### What will I have built by the end of this Grasshopper deployable systems workshop? Each participant will complete a fully parametric deployable geometric system in Grasshopper, with controlled transformation behavior and multiple design variations. You will also develop a design concept showing how the workflow applies to an architectural scale or typology of your choice, such as a kinetic pavilion, adaptive facade, or transformable canopy. The parametric model is reusable and adaptable to future computational design projects.