But then, what is ParametricCamp?

ParametricCamp es un taller de cinco días de duración, cuya filosofía es introducir a los participantes en una nueva forma de diseñar: el pensamiento paramétrico.

ParametricCamp es un taller de cinco días de duración, cuya filosofía es introducir a los participantes en una nueva forma de diseñar: el pensamiento paramétrico.

ParametricCamp is a five-day intensive workshop whose aim is to give participants a deep insight into a new way of designing: the parametric thinking.

In the workshop, we will go over the conceptualization of a parametric process, the use of algorithms as creative tools, techniques for advanced formal generation, and methods for the optimization and improvement of our designs.

We will emphasize these concepts, as well as make thorough use of specific tools for generative modeling in order to materialize these ideas, in this case, Rhinoceros and Grasshopper.

In ParametricCamp we like being hands-on. We will go through theory, debate, case studies and reviews, but we will mainly work, code and produce on top of practical cases and real-case scenarios, structured in increasing complexity and developed with learning purposes. Also, the event will close with a personal project, a flexible proposal adapted to your personal interests and developed through the workshop.

ParametricCamp is open and multidisciplinary, and is best suited for students and professionals in the field of design, architecture and product development in particular.

What will I learn?

In ParametricCamp you will learn:

• · A new way of thinking: parametric design
• · The use of algorithms in the design and optimization of formal generation processes
• · The generation, use, links and possibilities of advanced 3D modeling
• · To generate not only a single outcome, but all the spectrum of possible solutions for a specific problem, to choose over from
• · A producir no sólo una solución, sino todo un espectro de soluciones posibles a un problema determinado sobre las cuales poder elegir.
• · Basic programming skills: data trees, iterations, conditional logics, etc.
• · Rhinoceros and Grasshopper
• · How to keep on learning once the workshop is over

What do I need?

A laptop and a lot of energy. That´s it.

You don´t have to be proficient in 3D modeling, very basic knowledge is ok.

You don´t need to know any particular software, we will teach you during the workshop.

And you don´t have to be an expert in geometry or mathematics, it is just enough if you like them.

How is the workshop organized?

The workshop spans over five consecutive days, with a total of 35 attendance hours, plus a week of online tutoring right afterwards. During the workshop, we will run a blend of theory and practice during the morning, and practical training sessions during the evening.

The approximate structure will be as follows:

DAY 1
09.00 – 14.00:

• · Presentations and workshop introduction
• · Intro to parametric design: base, concepts, methodology and case studies
• · Interface: intro to Rhinoceros and Grasshopper
• · Algorithmic logic: concepts, examples
• · Basic mathematics: operations, variables
• · Basic geometry: points, lines and curves

16.00 – 19.00:

• · Practice training session

DAY 2
09.00 – 14.00:

• · Parametric thinking, the paradigm shift: framing of concepts, focuses, opportunities
• · Manifesto: the Ten Parametric Rules
• · Basic structures: data trees and lists
• · Functions, series and ranges
• · Advanced geometry: surfaces, polysurfaces and meshes

16.00 – 19.00:

• · Final project presentation
• · Practice training session

DAY 3
09.00 – 14.00:

• · The parametric practice: close-up, workflow, pros and cons, built examples
• · Spatial and geometric transformations
• · Randomness
• · Formal algorithms: fractals, voronoi, delaunay…

16.00 – 19.00:

• · Practice training session
• · Personal project tutoring

DAY 4
09.00 – 14.00:

• · Connections to parametric design: digital fabrication and visual creativity
• · Data transformations
• · Bitmaps as datamaps
• · Boolean operations

16.00 – 19.00:

• · Practice training session
• · Personal project tutoring

DAY 5
10.00 – 13.00:

• · Diversity and complexity: parametrics as creative tools
• · Specialization: the plug-ins of the plug-ins
• · Other platforms and languages
• · So now what? Parametric design 2.0
• · Personal projects review
• · Concluding address, workshop closing

Once the workshop is over, a one week period of online tutoring will follow, where participants will be in touch with workshop instructors to review the exercises, troubleshooting questions, and get feedback on the development of their final projects. These will be due at the end of this period.

In 2012, the proposed themes for the final project will be the following:

• · A stand up lamp
• · A set of urban furnishing
• · The interior design of a cocktail-bar
• · A temporal exhibitions pavilion
• · An office tower

Participants will also be allowed to propose different themes that better fit their personal interests, although their proposals will need to be validated by the tutors to match the learning purposes of the Camp.

You can check some of our ParametricCamp 2011 participants’ works here.

Mmm, I still not sure…

If you are still doubtful, just give us a call. Tell us what you think, tell us about your doubts, your inquiries, let us state you personally why we think parametric design is worth it.

And how much is it?

The registration fee for ParametricCamp depends on different factors, such as where you want to attend it, your student status and your affiliations. Please check the particular conditions for each event in the ‘Workshops’ section.

And this sounds obvious coming from us, but you will see how every single spent cent will be worth it. You will not regret it.

If you still think you cannot afford coming, please check our own Scholarship Program.