Grasshopper in less than 5 hours: Fast, practical training with key plugins for architecture & optimization
Are you ready to master Grasshopper – not in months – but in just a few focused hours?
What you’ll learn
- Model a complete architectural project from scratch using Grasshopper.
- Use Voronoi patterns for intelligent site planning and mass placement.
- Design contextual urban elements like streets, neighboring buildings, and site boundaries.
- Perform accurate sun path and shadow analysis using Ladybug.
- Import and analyze EPW climate data to inform environmental design.
- Visualize and optimize solar radiation on building façades.
- Prepare parametric models for form optimization using Galapagos (genetic algorithm).
- Prevent block overlaps with collision detection logic.
- Optimize building orientation and location for maximum solar gain.
- Create rotating buildings and analyze their visibility and view access.
- Perform wind analysis and generate wind rose diagrams.
- Model complex fabric structures using Kangaroo Physics.
- Convert Breps to Mesh with Dendro for efficient physics simulation.
- Analyze and optimize views and sightlines using Isovist and Galapagos.
- Generate urban models using OSM data and Elk2 plugin.
- Create shortest path networks and analyze site accessibility in Grasshopper.
- Apply real-world workflows in parametric urban and architectural design.
- Build a portfolio-ready project using advanced visual outputs and diagrams.
Course Content
- Kickstart Your Project Design –> 1 lecture • 31min.
- Building Up Your Blocks –> 1 lecture • 31min.
- Sunlight & Orientation with Ladybug –> 1 lecture • 22min.
- Smarter Building Heights –> 1 lecture • 15min.
- Solar Radiation Insights –> 1 lecture • 17min.
- More learnings Session: Real-World Urban Modeling with OSM Data –> 1 lecture • 28min.
- Light & Shadow Review –> 1 lecture • 9min.
- Ready for Optimization –> 1 lecture • 19min.
- Mastering Galapagos Optimization –> 1 lecture • 20min.
- Visual & View Optimization –> 1 lecture • 32min.
- Wind Analysis with Ladybug –> 1 lecture • 13min.
- Structural Fun with Fabric & Mesh –> 1 lecture • 18min.
- Eye-Catching Viewshed Analysis –> 1 lecture • 24min.
Requirements
Are you ready to master Grasshopper – not in months – but in just a few focused hours?
Whether you’re an architecture student, urban designer, or professional with a busy schedule, this course is your shortcut to real-world parametric design mastery. No fluff. No filler. Just hands-on, project-based learning with results you can showcase.
In this course, you’ll build a complete parametric design project — from site modeling to environmental analysis and optimization — using Grasshopper and essential plugins like Ladybug, Galapagos (genetic algorithm), Kangoro, and Elk2.
What You’ll Build:
- A full architectural site with randomized building blocks using Voronoi
- Roads, green areas, and realistic surrounding buildings
- A fully analyzable and optimized design model for commercial buildings and offices
You’ll Learn How To:
- Model adaptive building forms and heights using environmental data
- Import real EPW weather files and analyze sunlight, shadow, and solar radiation
- Simulate wind flow and visualize wind rose diagrams
- Optimize building orientation, visibility, and placement using the Galapagos component
- Model fabric and mesh-based structures using the Kangoro plugin
- Import real-world urban layouts using Elk2 and perform site analysis and pathfinding
- Create powerful visualizations, legends, and presentation-ready graphics
Why This Course?
- Less than 5 hours of fast, efficient training
- Perfect for busy students or professionals
- 100% practical — project-based from start to finish
- No prior experience with Grasshopper required
- Covers essential workflows for architecture, urban design, and environmental planning
By the end of this course, you’ll have:
- A complete parametric project from scratch
- A deep understanding of real-world design workflows
- A strong portfolio piece to present in studios, interviews, or client meetings
- Skills to integrate data-driven design into your work — fast and professionally
Plugins You’ll Work With:
- Ladybug (sun, shadow, wind, and radiation analysis)
- Galapagos (genetic algorithm optimization for solar/view/site)
- Kangoro (fabric/membrane simulation with physics)
- Elk2 (real-world data import from OpenStreetMap)
Ready to Design Smarter, Not Harder?
Don’t waste weeks figuring it out alone.
Join now — and go from zero to professional in less than 5 hours.
Let’s build something amazing — together.