Rhinoceros for Architects Level 1

Rhino can function not only as a modeling tool but also as a full documentation environment.

Layout = a sheet (paper space) containing Detail Views with different projections of the model.

Workflow logic:
Model Space → Layout Space

Make2D converts 3D objects into editable 2D line drawings from any chosen view.

Useful for exporting clean vector drawings to CAD or graphics software.

SectionTools — official Rhino plugin for architectural sections.

Works with NURBS and polysurface geometry.

Enables live, updateable section drawings.

Annotations make drawings readable and professional.
Types:

Dimensions (linear, radius, angle)

Text labels

Leaders (callouts)

Annotation scale depends on Annotation Styles.

Export formats for documentation:

PDF — printing & presentation

DWG — CAD workflow

AI — Illustrator post-processing

Learn how to create solid geometry and edit it using Boolean tools.

Rhino solids = closed polysurfaces.

Solid creation workflows:

From primitives

From surfaces (Join / Cap)

Tools

Solid primitives: Box, Sphere, Cylinder, Cone, Torus, Pyramid

Boolean operations:

BooleanUnion — combine volumes

BooleanDifference — subtract one volume from another

BooleanIntersection — keep shared volume

Editing solids:

Explode — convert to surfaces

FilletEdge / ChamferEdge — smooth or bevel edges

Shell — create hollow objects

Understand precise movement, rotation, and scaling using reference points.

Transformations change position/size/orientation, not shape.

Key concept:
Base Point + Reference Direction / Value

Working with numeric input & relative coordinates.

Tools

Move — reposition with mouse or coordinates

Rotate — angle or reference angle

Scale 1D / 2D / 3D — directional scaling

Copy — duplication during transformation

Learn how to create repeated elements for modular and ornamental design.

Patterns and modular logic in architecture & design.

Array logic and distribution principles.

Understanding directions, spacing, and repetition.

Tools

ArrayLinear — linear array with step or number of copies.

ArrayPolar — radial array around a center point.

ArrayAlongCurve — copies distributed along a curve.

ArrayCrvOnSrf — copies placed on a curve across a surface.

Understand the basics of parametric modeling, Grasshopper interface, and simple logic structures.

Grasshopper — visual programming inside Rhino:
Input → Transform → Output

What is a definition (nodes + wires).

Data structure basics: Item / List / Tree

Real-time control using sliders.

Interface & Components

Canvas, tabs, search (double-click)

Key parameter types:

Number Slider

Point / Curve / Surface

Boolean (True/False)

Convert 3D geometry into clean 2D drawings and prepare sheets for presentation or printing.

Documentation logic: Model Space → Layout Space

Layouts — sheets with viewport windows (Detail Views)

Make2D — converting 3D views into editable line drawings

SectionTools — generating architectural sections from 3D

Tools

Layout — create sheet, scale, title block

Make2D — extract linework from model

SectionTools — section planes and updates

Annotation tools: Dimensions, Text, Leaders