Parametric Collaboration by Andrew Heumann, NBBJ

This workshop focuses on collaborative strategies for parametric modeling in Grasshopper. In theory, parametric tools make collaboration efficient, streamlined, and powerful, but in practice there are significant challenges. Code may not be reusable from project to project, and visual scripting can be hard to share between users as there are fewer established standards of annotation and structure. It may be difficult to have multiple people modifying a parametric model at the same time. At NBBJ we have developed strategies for building and managing complex parametric building models: best practices, custom plug-ins, and unconventional ways of deploying existing features and tools. The first half of the workshop will focus on introducing and experimenting with these tools and techniques. The second half will be organized around a collaborative design exercise wherein participants can put these approaches into practice, identify and troubleshoot potential issues, and brainstorm new techniques. The workshop outcome will be a fully parametric building design model with components contributed by all workshop participants in a highly collaborative workflow. All participants will leave with a complete copy of this model and documentation of the workflows and tools employed.