The following software will be taught on the course through exercises and embedded into design projects.
Rhino 3D
Rhinoceros 3D is a three-dimensional computer graphics and computer-aided design software which uses Non-uniform rational basis splines (NURBS), to build geometry as opposed to a polygon mesh-based system. We will use this as our primary 3D modelling platform. https://www.rhino3d.com/
Grasshopper
Grasshopper is a visual programming environment which runs within the Rhinoceros 3D platform. The main interface for algorithm design in Grasshopper is the node-based editor. Algorithms are scripted by dragging components with inputs and outputs onto a canvas. A collection of components forms an algorithm, and the output of these commands is displayed in the Rhinoceros 3D window. The initial input geometry can either be assigned from Rhinoceros 3D or generated in Grasshopper.
https://www.grasshopper3d.com/
Ladybug
Ladybug allows you to import and analyse standard weather data in Grasshopper; draw diagrams like Sun-path, wind-rose, radiation-rose, etc; customize the diagrams in several ways; run radiation analysis, shadow studies, and view analysis. We will use this to conduct solar analysis on our models to determine where shading will be required to improve the durability of our designs.
https://www.food4rhino.com/app/ladybug-tools
Kangaroo
Kangaroo is a Live Physics engine for interactive simulation, form-finding, optimization and constraint solving. We will use this for form finding the truss design.
https://www.food4rhino.com/app/kangaroo-physics
Galapagos
The Galapagos plug-in in Grasshopper, is an evolutionary solver which can be used to rapidly test input parameters to find the best fit for our design needs. This is an efficient way to generate an optimal solution to our design challenges.