Designing with Algorithms
A sculpture I designed using Grasshopper
A Trend in Design
More and more design studios are starting to utilize algorithms to get the edge on their competition. Concepts like the BMW Vision Next 100, Chrysler Portal and Renault Trezor have extensive use of algorithms in many of their graphic and surface design.
The hexagonal surface treatment gives this Renault a futurist feel.
Using the proper tools and methods
Many studios look at these concepts and don't know how to approach this type of modeling. I see people use traditional software such as Alias to make each and every component. What you need is someone who is proficient in Rhino with Grasshopper. I started teaching myself Grasshopper three years ago when I was working at Design Center of California VW. After that I kept writing algorithms for the different companies and clients. Most recently Faraday Future.
My background is in Alias modeling and I see guys wasting their time trying to replicate these result with common Alias tools. You are getting to the correct result it's just taking you much longer to get there. With Grasshopper you can achieve things never possible in traditional CAD modeling. Hopefully one day soon Alias will give us such a robust tool set but right now, that is not the case.
So how does it work?
Grasshopper gives us the ability to program every aspect of the design modeling process. Controlling each data set gives us the ability to make design changes based on other parameters such as distance or space. It is very similar to Parametric modeling in other 3D software. You are inputting a surface and than telling grasshopper what to do with it