Course content

The course is an introduction into fundamental concepts of parametric design - a merge between design and engineering:

Topics:

1 Parametric design (Rhino / Grasshopper)

Parametric points, curves, surfaces, shapes, structures.

2 Visual programming (Grasshopper)

Components of visual programming, model flow, data structures, input/output data flow.

3 Python (Spyder / Grasshopper)

Script writing in Python using Object Oriented Programming. Script writing inside Grasshopper

4 Parametric modeling (Grasshopper)

Connect different applications in a parametric design for simulations (BIM, FEA, etc)

5 Optional: Parametric optimization and topology optimization (Isight and Tosca)

Parametrize and simulate problems. Understand different design methodologies like six-sigma etc.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, you should be able to create a parametric design of a concept product or structure. The parametric model will be based on visual programming and thus you will extend your programming language / Python skills. You will learn parametric modelling to analyse a product or structure from different aspects - structural performance, comfort, appearance etc.

This means that you will have:

1. Knowledge of visual programming / parametric design
2. Knowledge of parametric modeling and optimisation
3. Knowledge of Python

Furthermore, you will:

1. Design structures with improved performance (UN)
2. Use digital tools for simulation of different scenarios
3. Communicate results to peers (UN)

Learning methods and activities

Emphasis is placed on a) individual work (first part of the course) and b) work in groups (second part of the course). Lectures are largely available as pre-recorded videos, and the planned campus hours are largely used for student activities and project work.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

TEK1000 Introduction to technology or INGG1001 Introduction to the engineering profession

Course materials

To be informed at the beginning of the course