Urbach Tower Modeling in Rhino and Grasshopper

Creating complex organic architectural forms like the Urbach Tower requires using advanced parametric modeling tools like Rhino and Grasshopper. In this comprehensive tutorial, we will walk through the intricate process of Urbach Tower modeling from start to finish using these powerful tools.

Overview of the Urbach Tower Project

The Urbach Tower was an experimental architecture project constructed entirely out of wood by teams from the University of Stuttgart and ETH Zurich. Built amidst nature, the tower features a cylindrical form with curved edges that twist and rotate as it rises into the sky.

The complex geometry of the Urbach Tower was enabled by parametric modeling in Rhino and Grasshopper. By using algorithms and computational processes, the designers were able to efficiently optimize the tower's form.

In this step-by-step Urbach Tower modeling tutorial, we will use a combination of both Grasshopper and Rhino to recreate the tower digitally. We will focus on developing the underlying logic and mathematics to generate the complex shape.

Modeling the Base Cylinder in Grasshopper

We first start in Grasshopper by creating a 12-sided polygon using the Polygon component. To make the edges curved, we extract each edge and create a perpendicular frame to find the midpoint.

By moving this midpoint up and generating an arc from it, we can create the curvy cylinder edges. We then loft between the arcs to form the 3D base cylinder.

Adding Height Variations with Scaling and Rotation

Next, we want to start modifying the cylinder as it gets taller. By scaling the midpoint of each arc, we taper the form as it rises.

We also add rotation by steadily twisting the arcs based on the circle tangent. This makes the loft twist up naturally.

The curve ranges and graph mappers allow us to control the scaling and rotation amounts.

Finalizing the Geometry

In the last step, we use the Shear component to lift up the edges slightly, mimicking the final tower form.

We then bake the finished Grasshopper definition, completing the basic Urbach Tower modeling.

Refining the Geometry in Rhino

With the base form done in Grasshopper, we can jump over to Rhino to refine the geometry and add details.

We start by modifying the top edges to match reference images. Then we cut out window openings on the front and back sides by projecting and splitting with border curves.

Adding the Staircase and Railings

On the interior, we model the central staircase using helix and sweep rails techniques. We also add curved guide rails around the staircase.

For the exterior safety railing, we use a combination of projecting curves onto the surface and border splits to achieve the exact shape. Applying small offsets creates the final railing bars.

Creating the Facade Paneling

To finish the facade, we offset the inner surface and use cross-section rails to create panel gaps. We then apply boolean splits with larger panels to carve out the gaps.

Extracting these surfaces allows us to assign different materials later.

Conclusion

Following this comprehensive step-by-step tutorial, you can learn how architects use parametric modeling tools like Grasshopper and Rhino to design, optimize, and visualize complex organic forms like the Urbach Tower.

Urbach Tower Modeling Takeaways

The combination of both programs provides endless flexibility to efficiently iterate and refine these freeform shapes. This opens up new possibilities in experimental architectural design.

To dive deeper into parametric modeling for architecture, be sure to check out our full Rhino and Grasshopper courses that take you from beginner to pro-level skills. With a structured curriculum and one-to-one support, it's the ultimate way to master these essential tools.