Grasshopper Free Course

Welcome to the Grasshopper Free Course repository, created by Nacho FC Monereo (@nachomonereo).
This course provides a structured introduction to parametric design using Grasshopper, covering fundamental to advanced concepts through practical exercises.

The repository includes Grasshopper definitions (.gh files) that demonstrate various workflows, algorithms, and modeling techniques applicable to architecture, design, and digital fabrication.

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📂 Course Content and Grasshopper Files

Each file corresponds to a lesson in the course, designed to progressively introduce key concepts and techniques.

1️⃣ Introduction to Grasshopper

• File: day1-introduction.gh
• Description:
  • Overview of Grasshopper’s interface and workflow.
  • Understanding nodes, parameters, and data structures.
  • Creating basic parametric geometries using sliders and mathematical expressions.

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2️⃣ Data Trees & Topography Manipulation

• File: day2-lists-topography-tree.gh
• Description:
  • Introduction to data trees and list management in Grasshopper.
  • Generating topographic surfaces from point clouds.
  • Extracting contours and creating site models.
  • Using graph mappers to control elevation and deformations.

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3️⃣ Image-Based Geometry & Data Visualization

• File: session3-workflow-image.gh
• Description:
  • Using images as input data for parametric design.
  • Extracting pixel color values and converting them into height fields.
  • Generating density-based geometry from image brightness.
  • Exploring raster-to-vector transformations.

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4️⃣ Urban Modeling & Panelization

• File: session4-elk-city3D-panelization.gh
• Description:
  • Importing real-world urban data using the ELK plugin.
  • Generating 3D city models from OpenStreetMap data.
  • Applying panelization strategies to urban surfaces.
  • Exploring modular facades and tiling systems.

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5️⃣ Surface Design with Parametric Scales

• File: session5-scales.gh
• Description:
  • Designing biomimetic surface textures.
  • Creating scalable, repeating modules that adapt to curvature.
  • Implementing attractor points to control scale variation.
  • Using subdivision techniques for organic patterns.

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6️⃣ Mesh-Based Topography & Structural Optimization

• File: session6-mesh-topography.gh
• Description:
  • Generating site topographies using meshes.
  • Smoothing techniques to refine terrain surfaces.
  • Structural mesh optimization for lightweight designs.
  • Converting mesh landscapes into fabrication-ready geometries.

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7️⃣ Physics Simulations with Kangaroo

• File: session7-kangaroo.gh
• Description:
  • Introduction to Kangaroo Physics for real-time simulation.
  • Using forces and constraints to generate optimized structures.
  • Exploring tensile structures, fabric simulation, and bending.
  • Creating self-supporting geometries through iterative adjustments.

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8️⃣ Environmental Analysis & Evolutionary Optimization

• File: session8-ladybug-galapagos.gh
• Description:
  • Introduction to Ladybug for climate-responsive design.
  • Analyzing solar radiation, daylighting, and wind flow.
  • Using Galapagos (Genetic Algorithms) for form optimization.
  • Creating energy-efficient building envelopes.

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🛠 Required Software & Plugins

To fully explore these files, you need:

• Rhino 6 or newer (with Grasshopper).
• Plugins Required:
  • ELK → for urban data import.
  • Kangaroo → for physics-based simulations.
  • Ladybug → for environmental analysis.
  • Galapagos (built into Grasshopper) → for optimization.

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📌 How to Use the Files

1. Clone the Repository:

   git clone https://github.com/nachomonereo/grasshopper-free-course.git