Computational Dreamscape 2.0 – Studio Eliana Nigro

Topic: Computational Dreamscape 2.0
Date: September 14 – 15, 2024
Time: 15:00 – 20:00 GMT
Format: Online on Zoom
Duration: 2 Sessions (10 Hours)
Registration Deadline: September 13th, 2024
Total Seats: 50 seats
Difficulty: Beginner-Intermediate
Language: English
Certificate: Yes
General Registration: 105 EUR
Join free: with Full Access membership
Fee For Digital Members: 90 EUR (15% discount available only for Digital Members)
Organized By: PAACADEMY
Tutor: Eliana Nigro, Ludovico Palmeri
Recordings: Recordings will be available for all participants afterward indefinitely.

Introduction to Computational Dreamscape 2.0:

Explore Grasshopper 3D and learn how to create interactive and dynamic designs. The Computational Dreamscape 2.0 Studio is an opportunity to dive into parametric design and showcase your work using Unreal Engine.

The workshop is divided into two parts. In the first part, we’ll demonstrate how Grasshopper 3D helps designers work efficiently and control geometries. In the second part, we’ll focus on bringing your designs to life in real time using Unreal Engine 5, a world-class, state-of-the-art game engine.

This engine is renowned for visualizing designs in a photorealistic manner, enabling real-time changes to lighting and materials. Additionally, it allows you to create interactive experiences where you can play and modify your creations in real-time.

The Scope of the Workshop:

This workshop will help you develop algorithmic thinking, understand geometry, and create versatile Grasshopper definitions, making your projects unique and adaptable. During the workshop, we’ll work on sculptural installations with dynamic effects and colorful, flowing artistic landscapes that can be experienced in various ways, blending reality and fantasy.

Grasshopper 3D is essential for generating these complex geometries that are hard to achieve with traditional methods. It also allows us to experiment with multiple design iterations, test different scenarios, and optimize designs for specific constraints.

Unreal Engine is a famous tool for creating images and animations. Still, its unparalleled power lies in enabling users not only to visualize but also live within your architectural models, transforming them into dynamic, playable experiences.

Methodology:

During the workshop, we’ll use a hands-on approach to learning. Experience with Rhinoceros3D is required. However, no experience with Grasshopper is required, as we’ll start with simple algorithmic concepts and gradually increase complexity from day one. Prior knowledge of Unreal Engine is not mandatory before the workshop, as it will be explained to beginners, starting from the basics.

We’ll explore a seamless workflow from Rhinoceros to Unreal Engine, allowing us to harness the power of Unreal Engine to make real-time changes to designs created in Rhinoceros. The Unreal Engine part will cover essential topics like project creation, interface navigation, and main controls. Participants will learn to visualize in real-time design from Grasshopper/Rhino into Unreal Engine, create basic materials, and focus on lighting techniques specifically for interior environments. This workshop will demonstrate how to render images and animations.

The final project will consist of designing indoor art installations. You’ll create competitive static and dynamic visualizations for the final assignment to showcase your progress (including diagrams, renderings, and videos). Students can choose to work individually or in teams and will receive guidance and feedback from the instructors throughout the process.

Objectives:

This workshop offers a combination of theoretical and practical knowledge and professional experience. Participants are encouraged to produce a final project that will give them something tangible to add to their portfolio. This workshop focuses on creating exciting and innovative projects, ensuring the skills learned are applied to your workflow. The aim is to produce work that is not just for show but that you will use or inspire changes in your work.

Program:

Day 1:

• Introduction to Computational Design
• Theoretical explanation of the algorithmic process
• Technical tutorial (Grasshopper 3D)
• Introduction to Viz with Unreal Engine
• Technical tutorial (Unreal Engine / Grasshopper 3D)
• Assignment guidelines
• Q&A

Day 2:

• Technical tutorial (Grasshopper 3D)
• Technical tutorial (Unreal Engine)
• Project review
• Q&A

Software:

• Rhinoceros 3D
• Grasshopper
• Unreal Engine 5.4

Students must have all the software installed before starting the workshop.

Instructor:

Eliana Nigro

Eliana Nigro is an architect, educator, and head of computational design at Cobe, participating in numerous lectures and podcasts, discussing how technology interacts with creative developments. During her professional experience, she has been involved in an extensive range of projects worldwide. She worked for 3XN Architects for four years after completing a post-graduation master’s in advanced design methods. Before that, she had worked as a consultant for companies, providing services related to AI solutions, 3D modeling, algorithmic modeling, data-driven design, and digital fabrication. She has a background as an academic researcher and is still regularly involved in workshops and conferences concerning the use of digital strategies in architecture. She has been a guest lecturer at universities worldwide, focusing on parametric approaches to face the emergent complexity of architecture through mathematical and geometrical control.

Assistant Instructor:

Ludovico

Ludovico Palmeri is a 3D generalist and real-time visualization artist. Upon earning his degree in Architectural Engineering, he embarked on a journey to master architectural visualization, honing his skills at the prestigious MADI (Digital Architecture Master’s Course at IUAV in Venice) and the State Of Art Academy. He has collaborated with several international companies as an environment artist, visualization artist, and 3D generalist. His diverse portfolio spans various domains, including virtual production, gaming, VR, and Metaverse experiences. He published “Architectural Visualization with Unreal Engine 5,” edited by Packt: a comprehensive guide on using UE5 for architecture and visualization. Additionally, he taught Unreal Engine at MADI, the world-renowned visualization school in Venice.

Important Notes:

• The “Computational Dreamscape 2.0 ” Studio workshop by PAACADEMY will start at 15:00 (GMT) on Saturday, September 14th, 2024.
• Total sessions: 2 Sessions
• The teaching duration per session will be 5 hours.
• Students will have time for a break between teaching hours.
• Each session and the entire studio will be recorded, and videos will be available for participants just a day after the class for unlimited time.
• PAACADEMY will provide a certificate of attendance.
• The studio has limited seats. Tickets are non-transferable & non-refundable. Please read carefully before you register.

Topic: Computational Dreamscape 2.0
Date: September 14 – 15, 2024
Time: 15:00 – 20:00 GMT
Format: Online on Zoom
Duration: 2 Sessions (10 Hours)
Registration Deadline: September 13th, 2024
Total Seats: 50 seats
Difficulty: Beginner-Intermediate
Language: English
Certificate: Yes
General Registration: 105 EUR
Fee For Digital Members: 90 EUR (15% discount available only for Digital Members)
Organized By: PAACADEMY
Tutor: Eliana Nigro, Ludovico Palmeri
Recordings: Recordings will be available for all participants afterward indefinitely.