Parametric modeling with Nodes for Blender: Sverchok Add-on
A popular tool among architects that can create complex parametric shapes of buildings is Grasshopper 3D that works with Rhinoceros 3D. The tool works like a visual programming tool and gives you a lot of freedom to make complex structures that would be time-consuming to make using a traditional extrude only approach.
We eventually get a few readers from Blender 3D Architect staring to use Blender asking us about Grasshopper compatibility. In Blender, we can use a similar tool that works in a very similar way. Meet the Sverchok tool that has an Add-on for Blender.
The concept behind Sverchok is the same from Grasshopper. A visual programming tool that makes use of Nodes to create complex parametric geometry.
Here is a quick example from artist Víctor Doval:
It may take some time to learn all the new Nodes and make 3D models with an environment that we usually edit materials in Blender. But, after using it for a while, you start to become familiar with the environment.
That is a powerful and flexible way of making 3D models for architecture. The Add-on and Sverchok tools are free and open-source.
Using Blender for architecture
Do you want to use Blender for architecture or render your projects using Cycles or Eevee? We have three books available that could help you!
They cover the use of Blender for producing architectural content and also all information you need to render projects in real-time:
- Blender 2.9 for architecture: Modeling and rendering with Eevee and Cycles
- Blender 2.8 parametric modeling: Drivers, Custom Properties, and Shape Keys for 3D modeling
- Blender 3.0: The beginner's guide
- Blender 2.8 for technical drawing
- Blender Eevee: The guide to real-time rendering with Blender 2.8
You can get them in both digital and paperback formats. By ordering those books, you will not only improve your skills with Blender for architecture but also support Blender 3D Architect.
