Intro to Parametric Design & Clay 3D Printing - Summer 2026

Lebanon, Beirut

This introductory workshop explores the intersection of computational design and ceramic fabrication through clay 3D printing.

Over two intensive days, participants will learn the fundamentals of parametric design using Rhino and Grasshopper, understand how clay 3D printing works, and gain hands-on experience preparing clay and producing printed ceramic objects.

By combining digital tools with traditional material processes, the workshop offers a first step into the emerging world of digital ceramics and computational fabrication.

Participants will leave with both practical knowledge and physical printed pieces, gaining a foundation for further experimentation in architecture, design, and ceramic art.

  • This workshop is designed for:

    • Architecture and interior architecture students
    • Designers interested in parametric and computational design
    • Ceramic artists curious about 3D printing technologies
    • Makers and creatives exploring digital fabrication

    No prior experience with Grasshopper or ceramics is required.

  • • 2 days of guided instruction (12 hours total)
    • Introduction to Rhino & Grasshopper for parametric design
    • Fundamentals of computational design workflows
    • Access to a clay 3D printer during the workshop
    • Clay and materials for printing
    • Workshop files and example Grasshopper definitions
    • Small group learning (limited to 8 participants)

  • During the workshop, participants will develop a parametric design and translate it into a physical ceramic object using clay 3D printing.

    Each participant will:

    • Generate a parametric form using Grasshopper
    • Adapt the design for ceramic 3D printing
    • Produce a 3D printed ceramic object

    Participants will leave with:

    • A 3D printed ceramic piece
    • The digital Grasshopper design file used to generate the form
    • A portfolio-ready project combining computational design and digital fabrication

    This project can be documented and included in architecture, design, or graduate school portfolios.

  • 2-Day Intensive Workshop

    Saturday → 10:00 – 18:00

    Sunday → 10:00 - 14:00

    Total: 12 hours

    Summer Sessions:

    Session 1 — June 28–29
    Session 2 — July 5–6
    Session 3 — July 12–13
    Session 4 — July 19–20

    Each session is limited to 8 participants to ensure hands-on access to the clay printer.

  • $250 per participant

  • Rachad Salem is an architect and computational designer working at the intersection of digital fabrication, parametric design, and material experimentation.

    He has worked internationally in Los Angeles and Spain, developing projects that explore 3D printing technologies and sustainable fabrication methods in architecture.

    His work focuses on combining computational design, robotics, and traditional materials such as clay to create new approaches to making and manufacturing.

    Through Clayhopper Academy, he aims to introduce students, designers, and makers to the possibilities of parametric design and ceramic 3D printing, making advanced fabrication tools more accessible to the local creative community.

Apply
A 3D Clay printer with aluminium frame printing a yellow clay, spiral-patterned object in a room with large windows and furniture.
Several 3D Printed textured clay or ceramic vases and bowls in beige and brown tones displayed on a surface.