Top 7 Rhino and Grasshopper Online Courses to Get Started with Parametric Modelling
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Rhino 3D courses have been around for years, perhaps as long as the software existed, but it’s in these later years that they have become online, allowing anyone interested all around the world to join in. Year after year, the interest of AEC professionals in parametric modelling is growing, and so is the interest in Rhino 3D, after all, it is considered one of the prime parametric modelling software used today.
What is Rhino 3D?
Rhinoceros 3D is a freeform modelling tool based on the NURBS mathematical model used for representing accurate curves and surfaces in computer graphics. This extensively popular tool is used for computer-aided designs (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing, 3D printing, prototyping and more. Developed by a privately-held American company, Robert McNeel and Associates in 1980, over the years, Rhino 3D has gained ground and become more prominent due to its enhanced functionality with cross-disciplinary plugins.
What is Grasshopper?
Grasshopper is a parametric modelling tool that runs with Rhino 3D, enabling the creation of more powerful, efficient, and enhanced way of designing. Dragging and placing components onto Canvas, helps to create programs. Primarily, Grasshopper is used to develop generative algorithms. On a more advanced level, Grasshopper expands to parametric modelling for architecture and fabrication, parametric modelling for structural engineering, and performance analysis for green architecture.
What are the Benefits of Rhino 3D and Grasshopper?
As we already know, both Rhino and Grasshopper are powerful tools in the field of architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. When used together, they can create more efficient and effective designs than ever before. Here’s a list of advantages that come when using Rhino 3D and Grasshopper:
– Create and generate different parametric designs and their multiple iterations very quickly.
– Using a node-based interface, it allows its users to create and manipulate 3D models.
– Provide data which can be used to improve the analysis and overall design process.
– Allow users to automate repetitive tasks and thus reduce time and energy while designing.
– Offer real-time feedback analysis enabling users to make on-the-go adjustments, and streamlining the design process.
Why Should You Join a Course in Rhino 3D?
Of course, you can learn on your own with tips and tricks on the internet but, would you say – it is effective? You might say yes as many others have done the same. But we can’t deny that it takes ages to master software or a methodology that way. There is no support and you won’t even know whether what you have been learning is correct or not.
Joining a course will help you gain knowledge and systematically improve your skills as courses tend to be planned out from easiest to most advanced. Compared to watching recorded tutorials, live classes are more effective since there is a mentor to guide and advise you immediately. Plus you will be learning together with others so everyone can learn from each other!
If you have been wishing to learn parametric modelling, we have you covered with this list of top Rhino and Grasshopper courses essential for parametric modelling.
7 Rhino 3D and Grasshopper Online Courses
1. Novatr Parametric Modelling Certification Course
Novatr offers a Master Computational Design Course for real-world application. This course exposes the learners to parametric modelling techniques and design thinking. It is suitable for beginners too as the course teaches both Rhino 3D and Grasshopper from scratch. It’s a 10-month online course led by industry experts to help you master parametric modelling. The comprehensive course curriculum features an interactive mix of weekly live sessions, mentor interactions, specialisations, and capstone projects.
With specific modules on Rhino 3D and Grasshopper, it enables you to understand the interface, essential commands, and visualisations of the software. In addition to these tools, you master multiple software and plugins to strengthen your expertise in the field of parametric designing. At the end of the course, you get to work on a live capstone project and also receive industry-recognised certification.
2. Rhino3d.education
An online course platform by Rhino 3D, it offers courses on computational design, GhPyhton, and RhinoCAM, in addition to Rhino and Grasshopper classes. While there are individual courses on both Rhino 3D and Grasshopper, the Computational Design course teaches concepts and features of Grasshopper in Rhino 3D. The learners will explore tools in Grasshopper, creating forms, together with their relationship to Rhino. As it is also necessary to understand and apply parametric thinking, the course will train learners to apply such an approach for better design workflows. The computational design with Grasshopper course consists of 14 modules, all in recorded sessions, and a certificate is given at the end of the course.
Read More: 7 Best Career Roles in Computational Design for Architects and Engineers
3. PAAcademy
PAAcademy by Parametric Architecture opens courses, workshops and online interactive conferences in computational design and its subsets. Its well-known Computational Design: Next series is a two-day online conference attended by different design professionals. It is not an ordinary Rhino 3D course; as a conference, it includes several workshops, presentations and panel discussions over 18 hours in two days. The main software used is Rhinoceros 3D and Grasshopper, along with an additional tool for every conference.
4. Atelier Rhino Training HK
This is an Authorised Rhino Training Centre recognised by the Rhino 3D page. Course on Rhino 3D is offered in Levels 1 and 2. Level 1 focuses on familiarity with the software, tasks include creating and editing geometry in Rhino 3D, 3D modelling and rendering. In Level 2, more advantageous workflows are explored. The learners will explore NURBS, meshing, surface analysis and more. These Rhino software classes are available in person or in real-time online classes.
At the end of each course, an official certificate of completion from Mcneel Asia will be issued to successful students.
5. ThinkParametric
ThinkParametric’s course library has diverse software courses and certifications. Among them, the Rhino 3D certification course explores workflows in the software from simple to advanced use. The course is suitable for someone with no prior knowledge of 3D modelling in Rhino 3D. In recorded tutorials, the Rhino online course consists of three modules. The first module is for getting familiarised with the software, the second module is to work on a modelling exercise, and the third is to learn more advanced workflows in Rhino 3D.
In recorded tutorials, the Rhino online course consists of three modules. The first module is for getting familiarised with the software, the second module is to work on a modelling exercise, and the third is to learn more advanced workflows in Rhino 3D.
Read more: 8 Best Places to Learn Computational Design
6. SimplyRhino
SimplyRhino is a well-known site when it comes to information and training on Rhino software. Similar to ART HK, SimplyRhino provides Rhino training on two levels. Both courses are delivered in live sessions. In Level 1, the learners will explore modelling in Rhino including NURBS and advanced surfacing and solids. Level 2 explores more advanced modelling techniques and workflows such as modelling terrain and stadiums.
The courses are 3.5 hours long with 6 sessions for one course. Each course has two options: jewellery design and architecture and engineering. Grasshopper course is also offered in similar manner - in two levels - but no additional options.
7. How to Rhino
How to Rhino, also available on YouTube, is run by Dusan Cvetkovic and Lazar Djuric who are both architects. Their Rhino for Architects course claims to teach Rhino and Grasshopper as quickly as possible for the best modelling potential for architects. In addition to parametric modelling, it also explores BIM in Rhino with VisualARQ and rendering with Vray. The course is delivered in online tutorial videos from core principles of both software to advanced levels. The full package includes Rhino Essentials, Rhino Organic and Animations and Grasshopper Essentials. There are 9 modules in total with assignments and additional resources. Once enrolled, a student gets unlimited access to the course.
Conclusion
The realm of parametric modelling, particularly focussed on Rhino 3D and Grasshopper, offers boundless opportunities for architects, engineers, and designers to revolutionise their design processes. As the demand for these tools and software in the AEC industry soars above the crest, most professionals working in the construction sector opt for online courses to acquire expertise in this software.
Whether you are a novice seeking to acquire the fundamentals, or a seasoned professional wanting to enhance your skill set and expertise, the above-mentioned list of top Rhino 3D courses caters to your unique needs. From workshops to certification programs, these courses provide structured guidance, expert mentorship, and hands-on experience to help you master the core principles of parametric modelling.
If you are still confused, you can schedule a session with our expert counsellors, who will understand your career goals and help you figure out how Rhino 3D and Grasshopper courses can help you scale up in your career.
You can also read more interesting blogs on parametric modelling on our Resources page as a starting point!