by Dušan Cvetković
Dušan Cvetković
Published June 3, 2020

The UAE Pavilion, with its intricate detailing and stunning visuals, has gained significant traction in the design world. Notably, its particular surface texture and the use of 3D modeling software tools have garnered attention. For those who are eager to reproduce such intricate designs, especially using the Rhino software and its partner scripting tool, Grasshopper, this comprehensive tutorial guide is for you. Let's dive into UAE Pavilion Design together.

Step 1: Setting The Scene for UAE Pavilion Design

Our UAE Pavilion Design journey starts with the most basic elements. Understanding the importance of transitional effects, precise alignments, and life-like resemblance is crucial. One such example is the visual transformation of an image into a 3D model, ensuring it has a cool transitional effect, and bringing edges closer to give them a real-life effect.

Step 2: Crafting Textures

The next step in our design process is creating the desired texture. Here's the golden rule: save your current work as a "SubD layer." This will ensure that any future modifications are seamless.


Once saved, manipulate the outer edges for a more refined look. For instance, opt for a slight extrusion at the top and maintain sharp edges on all sides. The objective? Achieving those sharp, defined borders that make the design stand out.

UAE Pavilion Design first steps

Step 3: The Art of Isolation and Surface Rebuilding

A pivotal moment in our process is isolating and rebuilding surfaces. By extracting surfaces, especially from the top, we can join and rebuild them. Here's a trick: utilize the "duplicate border" option. This nifty feature allows you to recreate the surface with the same dimensions and proportions.

Step 4: Diving Deep Into Grasshopper

Arguably the most thrilling part of the UAE Pavilion Design is integrating Grasshopper. By selecting your base surface within this software, you're setting the stage for design magic. And while "baking" might sound out of place in design lingo, in Grasshopper, it's a game-changer. The result? A perfectly textured and detailed design, just like the UAE Pavilion.

Textured and detailed design

Step 5: Fine-Tuning and Division

Now, let's delve into the details. To emulate the iconic panels seen in the UAE Pavilion, you need to divide and segment your surface strategically. By using the “Duplicate Border" and "Divide" options, you can segment and create precise lines on your design. Remember to trim and adjust accordingly.

UAE Pavilion Design - fine tuning

Step 6: Visualization and Final Touches

Lastly, visualize your masterpiece in various modes, such as Shaded or Arctic. With careful adjustments and detailed attention throughout the process, your design should now resemble the majestic UAE Pavilion.

Wrapping Up UAE Pavilion Design

Recreating the UAE Pavilion can be an intricate process, but with tools like Rhino and Grasshopper, the journey becomes less daunting and more exciting. Remember to continually save, adjust, and fine-tune as you go. If you're interested in diving even deeper into the Grasshopper definitions, there are specialized tutorials available to guide you further.


Are you ready to embrace the challenge and create your version of the UAE Pavilion Design? Dive in, and don't forget to share your masterpieces with us!

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About the Author

Dušan Cvetković is a professional architect from Serbia with international experience in the industry. Collaborated with numerous clients all around the world in the field of architecture design, 3D modeling and software education. He's been teaching Rhinoceros3D to thousands of architects through How to Rhino community and various social media channels.