Iterative Pattern Design via Decodes Python Scripts in Grasshopper

With the rapid development of parametric design, Grasshopper, as a visual programming tool for architects, has been widely used. However, although Grasshopper is powerful for data processing, there is a weakness that the data only flows linearly from the first component to the last component, which means it’s impossible to update the data iteratively by loop structure in native Grasshopper. So here, we introduce a Python based scripting plug-in Decodes, adding the function of loop construct into Grasshopper while integrating the basic graphical operations with faster mathematical matrix calculation. What’s more, in order to bring Decodes into play as far as possible, four iterative patterns are researched and designed through Decodes scripting, demonstrating the strength and necessity of loop construct. The patterns include iterative subdivision patterns (center tiling and pinwheel tiling) and iterative growing patterns (semi-regular tiling and swarm behavior). Also, the core parts of their codes are revealed and deciphered in this article.