Week 1

ARCH-2351 2015 Fall

Course ARCH-2351
Date 09.14
Learning Objectives
Agenda
  • Introductions: course and tools
  • Unit 1 _Geometry overview
  • Code: Elements of a Script
Uses Tool(s)


Getting Started with Rhino, Grasshopper and Python Scripting in decod.es

  1. Download the latest version of Rhino 5.0
  2. Download Grasshopper WIP
  3. Download the files for Python scripting in decodes . Once the .zip is downloaded, right click on the file and go to the Properties\General tab. At the bottom there should be a notice under Security that states that the file might be blocked. Unblock (or uncheck this tab) and apply. Then right click on the zipped file and "Extract All". Save to a location that you can easily access since these files will need to be copied to multiple locations. There should be two files (GhPython.gha, DcPython.gha) as well the folder “decodes”.
  4. From the Grasshopper Menu, select File->Special Folders->Components Folder. Copy the two .gha files as well as the folder into this location.
  5. From Rhino, launch the built-in Python editor by typing "EditPythonScript" from the command prompt. The Python script editor window should open.
  6. From the Python editor menu, select Tools->Options. A dialog box will display a number of folder paths under the heading "Module Search Paths". Double click on the one that looks most like C:\[YOUR NAME]\AppData\Roaming\McNeel\Rhinoceros\5.0\Plug-ins\IronPython. Copy the folder "decodes into this location (yes, this folder gets copied into two locations).

To test that everything worked

  1. Go into Grasshopper, and click on the “Maths” tab. You should see a collection of components called “decodes” on the left hand side. Drag a decodes script component (the pink “d”) onto the canvas.
  2. Double-click on the decodes component to open the decodes Python Editor
  3. Type the following script :
     print "cross your fingers"
    Click on "Test". If you see "cross your fingers" in the dialog box, then you are set up!

In-Class Example Files

For this class, each example file will be bundled up as a Grasshopper file containing multiple decodes Python scripts. These scripts can also be run as separate standalone Python files in your Python editor which will be demonstrated in class.

Assignment

Reading and Response

1.
Lewis Day, Pattern Design , 1903, read p. 1-53
Konrad Wachsmann, The Turning Point of Building , 1961, p. 48-74

Remember that you are expected read these even if this is not the reading that you are making a presentation on. To help focus your reading and what you bring to the discussion, prepare a brief (half-page) response about each text; this is not just a synopsis of what you have read, but a distinct reaction to the premise of the text. These will be turned into the discussion leader at the beginning of class and can be used as a jump start (or jumping off point) for the class discussion. These will then be turned into me and count towards your class participation.

Tool Setup and Familiarization