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Computational Mindset – Studio Jak Drinnan

"Computational Mindset: Foundations for Innovation in Design" teaches how to apply computational design principles using Grasshopper to solve complex design problems efficiently.

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Learn Advanced Design Tools

web computational mindset jak drinnan

Introduction to Computational Mindset:

To master the tools of Computational Design – you need to fundamentally change how you think as a designer.

Using Grasshopper as your tool and medium, you must first realize that you aren’t 3D modeling anymore; you’re creating systems. From a systemic perspective, seemingly unrelated designs can follow the same build logic and the exact same approach.

In this workshop, we will explore the principles, logic, rules, and methodologies that you can repeatedly use to solve problems and design anything you can imagine in Grasshopper. Learn these foundations and unlock design abilities in Grasshopper you didn’t know you already had.

The Scope of the Workshop:

Arming you with proven methodologies and the right mindset – this workshop will simultaneously develop your knowledge of Grasshopper and your Computational Thinking skills.

By focusing on a handful of key principles, we will learn to apply this knowledge by planning and creating two complex design projects in Grasshopper. The approach we will practice can be used as a blueprint, a repeatable methodology to tackle any design problem you can imagine in Grasshopper more confidently in the future.

These methods apply to all scales and typologies of design. We will work at an Architectural scale, but the principles can be applied to whatever design field you work in: Interior, Furniture, Jewelry, Product Design, etc.

Working individually throughout this workshop, participants will first get up to speed with some key principles of Grasshopper and Rhino geometry through live presentations and demonstrations. We will then review and practice storyboard sketching and reverse engineering methodologies in order to define a repeatable approach that we can use every time we create a new project in Grasshopper.

Finally, applying all we have learned, we will design, plan, and create two complex design projects in Grasshopper, practicing and showcasing all the concepts and methodologies we have encountered.

Program:

Day 1

  • Building Blocks of Grasshopper
  • Manipulating Number Systems
  • Geometry Normalization
  • Building and Breaking Geometry

Day 2

  • Reverse Engineering + Computational Sketching
  • Best practice working
  • Capstone Project
  • Library building

Software & Plugins:

Workshop Notes:

  • Please ensure you have all the software installed before the workshop starts. Software installation is NOT a part of the workshop.
  • Students will also need physical sketching equipment—an iPad or tablet or a physical sketchbook with tracing paper and a variety of pens in different colors—in addition to access to Rhino and Grasshopper. True creation should be messy!

Instructor:

Jak Drinnan

Portrait computational mindset jak drinnan2

Jak Drinnan is an Architect and Computational Designer based in Bangkok and the founder of Tekne Lab, a global consultancy delivering high-tech, design-driven solutions for complex architectural challenges. Known for his expertise in computational design, over the last decade of his career, Jak has crafted workflows and projects that push the boundaries of modern design. Formerly an Associate Architect with Foster and Partners, Jak has shaped iconic projects like Apple Global Flagship Stores, seamlessly bridging architecture and fabrication, innovation, and craft. Through Tekne Learn, he empowers all kinds of designers with transformative Grasshopper skills, offering programs tailored for newcomers and seasoned professionals.

Important Notes:

  • The “Computational Mindset: Foundations for Innovation in Design” Studio workshop by PAACADEMY will start at 13:00 (GMT) on Saturday, February 15th, 2025.
  • Total sessions: 2 Sessions
  • The teaching duration per session will be 4 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.
web computational mindset jak drinnan

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