Elizabeth Stevens Down to a Sunless Sea

Introduction to Grasshopper

Grasshopper, a visual programming language, is prominently known for its integration with Rhinoceros 3D, enabling users to create complex forms algorithmically. Its node-based workflow simplifies modeling processes, making it accessible even to beginners. This tutorial will guide you through the foundational steps to get started with Grasshopper.

Installing Grasshopper

Before diving into Grasshopper, ensure you have Rhinoceros 3D installed on your system. Grasshopper comes pre-installed with Rhino 6 and later versions. If you’re running an older version of Rhino, you may need to download Grasshopper separately from the official website. Once installed, you can access Grasshopper through the Rhino interface by typing ‘Grasshopper’ into the command line.

Understanding the Interface

Upon launching Grasshopper, you’ll be greeted by a clean, node-based interface. The main components include the Canvas, where you’ll place and connect nodes, and the Toolbar, featuring various categories of components like Params, Maths, and Sets. Familiarize yourself with these sections, as they will be critical in constructing your algorithms.

Basic Component Workflow

Start your first Grasshopper script by dragging a ‘Point’ component from the Params tab onto the Canvas. This component generates a point in the Rhino workspace. Next, attach a ‘Number Slider’ from the same tab to your Point component to control its coordinates. You connect components by dragging wires from output nodes to input nodes. Experiment with these connections to understand how data flows through the network.

Creating a Simple Geometry

To create a simple geometry, connect multiple points into a ‘Polyline’ component found in the Curve tab. Arrange the number sliders to form a shape of your choice. Grasshopper’s real-time update feature will allow you to see changes instantly in Rhino as you adjust parameters.

Conclusion

This tutorial provides a basic introduction to Grasshopper. As you continue exploring, the capabilities of this powerful tool become increasingly evident. Experiment with different components and workflows to build unique and complex designs. Always remember, practice and exploration are key to mastering Grasshopper.