Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

We live in a three-dimensional world. To design objects for everyday living, users must learn how to create in three dimensions. For precise modern designs that must conform to specific tolerances, we use computers to create a digital model first, and then pass that model on to a machine, such as a CNC router or 3D printer for fabrication.

There are many software packages that are used to create digital models. One such package that is popular for industrial, product, and graphic design and architecture is Rhinoceros 3D , or "Rhino." Grasshopper is a visual scripting platform for Rhino. With it, the user can build precise, customizable Rhino objects by simply dragging boxes around the screen and connecting them with virtual "wires." No knowledge of programming is necessary!

This work provides an introduction to modeling objects with Grasshopper. Through a series of examples and tutorials, readers will learn how to build complex objects by combining simple components. Applications include both NURBS surface modeling and mesh manipulation techniques.

In Part I, Bachman offers a brief overview of scripting with Grasshopper, with simple examples used to introduce the reader to the most common Grasshopper components. In Part II, more complicated Grasshopper scripts are presented, showcasing the variety of objects readers can create. These examples were carefully chosen so that readers can see how the concepts from Part I can be put together to create increasingly complex designs. Finally, Part III features a reference guide from Grasshopper's own help files containing descriptions of some of the most common Grasshopper components.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Introduction (p. 1)
• Part 1 Learning Grasshopper (p. 5)
• Chapter 1 Getting Started (p. 7)
• The Cylinder Component (p. 8)
• Extruding a Circle (p. 11)
• Lofting Two Circles (p. 13)
• Piping a Line Segment (p. 14)
• Revolving a Line Segment (p. 14)
• Chapter 2 Lists (p. 17)
• A Simple List (p. 17)
• Data Trees: Lists of Lists (p. 19)
• A Useful Trick: Flipping Data Trees (p. 23)
• Chapter 3 Adding More Interactivity (p. 27)
• Dials and Sliders (p. 27)
• The Graph Mapper Component (p. 28)
• Direct Interaction with Rhino Geometry (p. 30)
• Chapter 4 Curves and Surfaces (p. 33)
• Curve Parameters (p. 33)
• Surface Parameters (p. 35)
• Variable Offset Surfaces (p. 37)
• Chapter 5 Surface Transformations (p. 41)
• Mapping Curves to Surfaces (p. 41)
• Mapping Geometry to Surfaces (p. 43)
• Paneling with Surface Morph (p. 46)
• Chapter 6 More List Manipulations (p. 51)
• The Weave and Dispatch Components (p. 51)
• Conditional List Processing (p. 53)
• Simple Recursion with the Shift List Component (p. 57)
• List Comparisons with the Cross Reference Component (p. 59)
• Chapter 7 Meshes (p. 65)
• Deconstructing Meshes (p. 66)
• Creating Meshes from Scratch (p. 68)
• Modifying Existing Meshes (p. 69)
• Part 2 Case Studies (p. 73)
• Seashells (p. 75)
• A Striped Torus (p. 83)
• A Faceted Cylinder (p. 91)
• Creating Custom Bevels (p. 101)
• Part 3 Component Reference (p. 111)
• Params Tab (p. 113)
• Input Panel (p. 114)
• Util Panel (p. 116)
• Maths Tab (p. 117)
• Domain Panel (p. 118)
• Matrix Panel (p. 121)
• Operators Panel (p. 122)
• Polynomials Panel (p. 126)
• Script Panel (p. 128)
• Time Panel (p. 129)
• Trig Panel (p. 131)
• Util Panel (p. 133)
• Sets Tab (p. 137)
• List Panel (p. 138)
• Sequence Panel (p. 142)
• Sets Panel (p. 145)
• Text Panel (p. 148)
• Tree Panel (p. 151)
• Vector Tab (p. 157)
• Field Panel (p. 158)
• Grid Panel (p. 161)
• Plane Panel (p. 163)
• Point Panel (p. 166)
• Vector Panel (p. 170)
• Curve Tab (p. 173)
• Analysis Panel (p. 174)
• Division Panel (p. 179)
• Primitive Panel (p. 181)
• Spline Panel (p. 187)
• Util Panel (p. 191)
• Surface Tab (p. 195)
• Analysis Panel (p. 196)
• Freeform Panel (p. 201)
• Primitive Panel (p. 205)
• Util Panel (p. 208)
• Mesh Tab (p. 211)
• Analysis Panel (p. 212)
• Primitive Panel (p. 215)
• Triangulation Panel (p. 218)
• Util Panel (p. 222)
• Intersect Tab (p. 227)
• Mathematical Panel (p. 228)
• Physical Panel (p. 231)
• Region Panel (p. 233)
• Shape Panel (p. 235)
• Transform Tab (p. 239)
• Affine Panel (p. 240)
• Array Panel (p. 243)
• Euclidean Panel (p. 245)
• Morph Panel (p. 247)
• Util Panel (p. 250)
• Display Tab (p. 253)
• Color Panel (p. 254)
• Dimensions Panel (p. 256)
• Graphs Panel (p. 258)
• Preview Panel (p. 259)
• Vector Panel (p. 260)
• Index (p. 261)