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Christian López

In this course aimed for architecture students you will not only learn the basics of Rhinoceros, but also acquire the necessary skills to be able to model complex forms efficiently. You will come by and gain an understanding of strategies that I have developed with more than 10 years of experience that will allow you to create high end architectural diagrams of your concept, site analysis and even it's structure. By the the end of the lectures you will be able to create any architectural design effortlessly and represent it in an appropriate manner. 

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In this course aimed for architecture students you will not only learn the basics of Rhinoceros, but also acquire the necessary skills to be able to model complex forms efficiently. You will come by and gain an understanding of strategies that I have developed with more than 10 years of experience that will allow you to create high end architectural diagrams of your concept, site analysis and even it's structure. By the the end of the lectures you will be able to create any architectural design effortlessly and represent it in an appropriate manner. 

The course is designed to start us off with the software of Rhinoceros from scratch, learning the most valuable and efficient ways for architects to start modeling geometrical forms. In a second stage the lectures will take you into the understanding on how to produce organic designs, this being a subject that not many know how to accomplish in the field of architecture.  On a third stage we will look into complementing our designs with structure and window frames with efficient methods. Fourth stage consists on the architectural representation through diagrams that we can initialy produce in Rhino and then retouch them in a bonus lesson of Adobe Illustrator.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • 3d modeling for architecture from scratch
  • Organic and geometrical architectural modeling
  • Efficient modeling workflow
  • Architectural representation strategies
  • Workflow between rhino and other architectural softwares
  • Topography creation of any region
  • Simple to do parametric designs

Syllabus

Introduction and Interface

Brief Introduction and first lecture in which we look at units, viewport configrutations and basic camera movements.

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Interface overview part 1, Curves manipulation through control points.

Interface overview part 2, different ways for creating surfaces

We will learn how to manipulate geometry and the importance of the boolean functions. In addition we will see how we can use projected curves in surfaces.

We will get to know the difference between nurbs. polysurfaces and meshes and also how we can join, group and rotate objects.

Understanding of how Array commands work, we will conclude Rhino's Interface

Basic Architecture modeling with everything we have learned so far, we will also go through the importance of layers.

In this stage of our modeling we will incorporate some commands such as extract wireframe and pipe so that we develope a good workflow.

Understanding of how sweep 1 and 2 commands work within the architectural model.

Model Conluscion and section creation strategy

General Overview of Rhino's incorporated rendering engine.

Learning how to edit the way we view Rhino's Interface within different viewports.

Slabs creation using contour command.

This time we use the Contour command to generate structure, we will also see how the Rebuild system works for organic and geometrical design.

Another way of creating interesting looking structure is with Revolve, we also use this tool to create complex architectural and furniture design.

Curve from two views understanding and modeling

We will look deeper into the array command to create an interesting design using the curve from 2 views tool. 

By going through this Project we will further understand the curve from 2 views tool and how we can apply it to advanced designs from big Architecture firms.

By creating this interesting design by Zaha Hadid Architects we are going to understand how we can blend surfaces together to achieve a smooth transition of these. 

By creating a pattern using the hatch tool we can create not only an interesting structure but also a complex facade using the flow along surface tool.

We will learn how to export topography curves from softwares like skecthup and get to know an efficient workflow to get our topography represented in 3D.

By using the Isometric view and the make2d command it is easy for Rhino to create diagrams of your concept process.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches efficient modeling workflows, which are essential for architects to produce designs quickly and accurately
Explores organic design creation, which is a sought-after skill in contemporary architectural modeling
Covers architectural representation strategies, which are crucial for communicating design ideas effectively
Includes a bonus lesson on Adobe Illustrator, which is helpful for enhancing architectural diagrams
Requires learners to have access to both Rhino and Adobe Illustrator, which may require separate licenses
Examines projects by Zaha Hadid, which may provide inspiration for advanced and complex architectural designs

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Reviews summary

Rhino 3d essentials for architects

According to learners, this course serves as a solid introduction to Rhino 3D for architecture students, starting from scratch and covering essential tools and workflows. Many appreciate the instructor's clear explanations and the practical approach, particularly the focus on architectural modeling techniques and representation strategies. The course is often described as easy to follow and well-structured, building concepts progressively. While some found certain sections could benefit from more in-depth coverage or additional examples, the overall consensus is highly positive, making it a valuable resource for beginners in architectural visualization.
Incorporates practical modeling exercises and projects.
"Modeling the project step-by-step was very helpful."
"Loved the practical application of commands in the exercises."
"The project examples solidified my understanding."
"It's great to see how the tools are applied in real architectural models."
"The hands-on parts are the most valuable for me."
Logically organized, building from basic to advanced.
"The course structure is logical and easy to follow."
"It builds knowledge step by step, which is great for learners."
"Content is organized well, progressing smoothly through topics."
"Each module flows nicely into the next."
"I liked how the complexity gradually increased."
Tailored specifically for architectural workflows.
"Very useful for architects, focusing on relevant tools."
"I found the architectural examples and workflows particularly helpful."
"It teaches Rhino specifically for architecture projects."
"The content aligns perfectly with architectural design needs."
"Great insights into using Rhino effectively for architectural diagrams and modeling."
Instructor explains concepts well and is easy to follow.
"The instructor is very clear and easy to understand."
"He explains every step clearly, making it easy to follow and learn."
"His teaching approach is methodical and easy to grasp."
"The lectures are delivered in a way that makes complex topics simple."
"I appreciate the clarity in the demonstrations and explanations."
Provides a clear and effective starting point.
"Excellent course to start using rhino 3d for architectural purposes."
"This course has provided me with a very solid foundation to start working in Rhino."
"It gives a good overall understanding of the software and how to approach modeling architecture."
"Perfect for beginners! Clear instructions and easy to follow along."
"I've never used Rhino before, and this course made it accessible."
Some topics could benefit from further detail or examples.
"Some sections could be more in-depth."
"I wish there were more examples for certain commands."
"Could expand on advanced techniques beyond the basics."
"While good, a bit more detail on specific workflows would be great."
"More complex examples could enhance understanding."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Rhino 3D for Architects from Scratch with these activities:
Review Basic Geometric Modeling
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental geometric shapes and modeling techniques. This will provide a solid foundation for the more complex forms covered in the course.
Browse courses on Geometric Modeling
Show steps
  • Practice creating basic shapes like cubes, spheres, and cylinders.
  • Experiment with boolean operations (union, difference, intersection).
  • Familiarize yourself with coordinate systems and transformations.
Sketchup to Rhino
Learn how to integrate SketchUp with Rhino for topography creation and other architectural tasks. This book will provide practical guidance on how to leverage the strengths of each program.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on SketchUp to Rhino workflows.
  • Practice exporting and importing models between the two programs.
  • Experiment with different file formats and settings.
Read 'Architectural Geometry'
Deepen your understanding of the geometric principles behind architectural forms. This book will provide a theoretical foundation for the practical modeling techniques taught in the course.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on curves and surfaces.
  • Study the examples of geometric forms in architecture.
  • Relate the concepts to the Rhino 3D interface and tools.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Boolean Operation Exercises
Master boolean operations (union, difference, intersection) in Rhino. These are fundamental for creating complex shapes and forms.
Show steps
  • Create two overlapping objects.
  • Perform union, difference, and intersection operations.
  • Repeat with different shapes and configurations.
Follow Advanced Rhino Tutorials
Explore advanced modeling techniques and workflows in Rhino 3D. This will help you push the boundaries of your design capabilities and create more complex and innovative architectural forms.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on topics like surface blending and parametric design.
  • Replicate the techniques demonstrated in the tutorials.
  • Adapt the techniques to your own architectural projects.
Model a Famous Building in Rhino
Apply your Rhino 3D skills to a real-world architectural project. This will challenge you to integrate different modeling techniques and develop a comprehensive understanding of architectural design principles.
Show steps
  • Choose a famous building with complex geometry.
  • Gather reference images and architectural plans.
  • Model the building in Rhino 3D, paying attention to detail.
  • Refine the model and add materials and textures.
Create a Portfolio of Rhino Models
Showcase your Rhino 3D skills and architectural design abilities. This will help you build a professional portfolio and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers or clients.
Show steps
  • Select your best Rhino 3D models.
  • Create high-quality renderings of your models.
  • Write descriptions of your projects, highlighting your design process.
  • Compile your work into a digital portfolio.

Career center

Learners who complete Rhino 3D for Architects from Scratch will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Architectural Designer
An Architectural Designer develops plans and designs for buildings and other structures. This role synthesizes artistic vision with technical knowledge. This course helps build a foundation in 3D modeling software, which is crucial for any Architectural Designer. It provides specific instruction in Rhinoceros, a powerful tool used for creating both geometric and organic designs. Mastery of Rhino, as emphasized in the course, allows the designer to efficiently create detailed architectural models, develop site analyses, and represent concepts visually. This course may be useful for those who wish to create high-end architectural diagrams, because it teaches strategies developed over ten years of use in the field.
Architectural Illustrator
An Architectural Illustrator creates drawings and renderings of buildings and designs for presentations. This course is highly relevant as it provides focused training on Rhinoceros, a powerful tool for creating architectural models. The emphasis on architectural representation through diagrams aligns with an architectural illustrator's needs. Understanding efficient modeling and its workflow, as covered in the course, will make an illustrator more productive. The course also covers a workflow between Rhino and Adobe Illustrator, which may be helpful. The course also helps develop a foundation in 3D modeling from scratch.
3D Modeler
A 3D Modeler creates three-dimensional models of objects, characters, and environments for various industries, including architecture, gaming, and film. This course may be very useful for a 3D Modeler because it provides a targeted approach to 3D modeling using Rhinoceros. It covers geometric and organic modeling, which are essential skills for creating diverse models. The course focuses on efficient workflows, allowing modelers to produce high-quality models quickly. It also teaches how to represent designs, which a 3D modeler will find useful in visualizing their work. The course helps develop skills in creating topographies and making diagrams.
CAD Technician
A CAD Technician uses computer-aided design software to create technical drawings and plans. This course provides a strong foundation in Rhinoceros, a relevant 3D modeling software used in many design fields. The course's focus on geometric and organic modeling makes it useful to a CAD Technician to create diverse designs. It also emphasizes efficient workflows, a critical aspect of the role. The course also provides an understanding of architectural representation through diagrams. This course teaches technical knowledge that a CAD Technician would find useful.
Building Information Modeling Specialist
A Building Information Modeling Specialist, or BIM Specialist, uses digital technology to create and manage building data. This role requires a deep understanding of 3D modeling and digital workflows. This course helps build expertise in Rhinoceros, a software often integrated into BIM workflows, and teaches an efficient modeling workflow. The ability to create complex 3D models, as highlighted in the course, provides a strong background for preparing detailed BIM models. With this course, a BIM specialist will be able to create forms efficiently and represent them in an appropriate manner.
Visualization Specialist
A Visualization Specialist creates images and animations of designs. The person in this role works to communicate design concepts visually. This course is useful because it provides targeted training in Rhinoceros, which can be used to create highly detailed visualizations. The course emphasizes architectural representation, which will prepare them to create clear and engaging visuals. The course also covers organic and geometrical modelling, which are suitable for creating architectural models. The course further teaches skills for creating 3D models from scratch.
Drafting Technician
A Drafting Technician creates technical drawings used in the construction and manufacturing sectors. This course provides a basis in Rhinoceros, a software used to create detailed 3D models. The course covers geometric and organic modeling, which could help the drafting technician create diverse and complex technical drawings. The course also allows the technician to model structures including window frames, which are important in technical drawings. The drafting technician will find the course useful in learning to model buildings from scratch and in creating architectural diagrams.
Design Consultant
A Design Consultant advises clients on design strategies and solutions, often needing to visualize their ideas to clients. This course provides a useful understanding of 3D modeling using Rhinoceros, which can be used to present design concepts effectively. The course covers geometric and organic modeling, which will help inform a consultant's design proposals. The course further highlights architectural representation through diagrams, which design consultants can use to enhance their communications. This course teaches efficient modeling workflows for faster iterations.
Urban Planner
An Urban Planner designs and develops plans for cities and towns. They work to improve the built environment using a blend of design and policy. This course provides an understanding of 3D modeling skills, which are useful for urban planners to visualize their plans and present them effectively. The course discusses organic and geometric modeling, which is applicable to various urban design elements. An urban planner may find the course useful in learning how to create topography of any region and produce architectural diagrams of their concepts and site analyses.
Interior designer
An Interior Designer enhances the functionality and aesthetics of interior spaces. They need a strong grasp of design, spatial planning, and representation. An understanding of 3D modeling as covered in this course may be useful for visualizing and presenting interior designs. The course includes architectural representation and organic design, which are relevant to interior spaces. The course provides an understanding on how to produce organic design, which is essential for creating unique interiors. Additionally, the course covers workflows between Rhino and other architectural software.
Landscape Architect
A Landscape Architect designs outdoor spaces, parks, and gardens, integrating natural elements and built structures. Strong 3D modeling skills are necessary to visualize and present their designs. This course may be useful because it provides instruction in Rhinoceros, allowing for the creation of topographic and organic designs. The course focuses on architectural representation through diagrams, which helps the landscape architect to communicate design ideas to clients. The course covers a workflow between softwares, which may be helpful.
Exhibit Designer
An Exhibit Designer creates engaging and informative displays for museums, trade shows, and other venues. They need strong 3D modeling skills to conceptualize and present design ideas. This course may be useful because it provides practical experience with Rhinoceros, a software capable of generating complex designs. The course will be helpful because it teaches how to represent designs through diagrams. The course covers organic and geometric modeling, which is relevant for creating a variety of exhibit elements. The course also helps in understanding the workflow between Rhino and other architectural softwares.
Set Designer
A Set Designer creates the environments for theatre, film, and television productions. They need to be able to visualize sets and communicate their designs effectively. This course may be useful for Set Designers because it covers 3D modeling with Rhinoceros, allowing them to explore their designs in a virtual environment. This course teaches workflows and strategies for efficient modeling. The course also emphasizes architectural representation through diagrams, which will be useful for a Set Designer. The course content in the creation of organic and geometrical designs further provides a broad scope for set design.
Fabrication Specialist
A Fabrication Specialist creates physical prototypes and models often using digital fabrication techniques. This course may be useful for a Fabrication Specialist because it provides experience with Rhinoceros, a software used to generate 3D models suitable for fabrication. The course teaches how to model complex forms efficiently, which is a practical skill for a Fabrication Specialist. The course also helps to develop skills in 3D modeling from scratch. The course also covers a workflow between softwares, which a fabrication specialist may find useful for preparing files for fabrication.
Product Designer
A Product Designer creates the physical form of products, balancing functionality with aesthetics. This course may be helpful because it provides experience in 3D modeling with Rhinoceros, which is a versatile design tool. It will help a product designer learn how to create 3D models of complex forms. The course teaches strategies for efficient modeling, useful for creating prototypes. The course also covers organic design in great detail, expanding the range of products they can design. The course discusses workflows between Rhino and other softwares, which will be useful for product design.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Rhino 3D for Architects from Scratch.
Focuses on the workflow between SketchUp and other architectural software, including Rhino. It provides practical guidance on how to leverage the strengths of each program to create efficient and effective design workflows. Given that the course mentions SketchUp for topography creation, this book can be a valuable resource for students looking to integrate SketchUp into their Rhino workflow. It is more valuable as additional reading to expand on the course.

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