RESPONSIVE SURFACES WORKSHOP _ LA 2012 
1-Day Intensive Workshop Exploring Grasshopper, Firefly and Arduino
Jan 28, 2012 @ Variate Labs, Los Angeles, CA (9am-5pm)

*** THERE ARE STILL 2 SEATS OPEN FOR THE WORKSHOP !!! ***

The Responsive Surfaces Workshop _ LA 2012 will explore the use of Grasshopper, Firefly and Arduino as creative and technical tools in the design, simulation and prototyping of intelligent building skins. Grasshopper, a free plug-in for McNeel’s Rhino modeler, allows designers to create adjustable parametric forms through graphic icons rather than programming. Firefly is a new set of comprehensive software tools dedicated to bridging the gap between Grasshopper, the Arduino micro-controller, the internet and beyond. It allows near real-time data flow between the 3D digital and physical worlds, and will read/write data to/from internet feeds, remote sensors, connect with machine vision protocols, and more.

Instructor: Jason Kelly Johnson, Firefly co-developer, Future Cities Lab and the CCA San Francisco
Lecturer: Miles Kemp, President of Variate Labs and co-author of “Interactive Architecture”
Workshop Assistant: Brian Harms 

Additional Information:
Workshop Location: 8451 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (GOOGLE MAP)
Required Materials: Each participant should bring their own Sparkfun Inventors Kit or equivalent.
Software: Please have the following software installed on your personal laptop computer - Rhino (SR9) + the latest versions of Grasshopper, Firefly and Arduino.

***  New - Lecture at the A+D Museum on Fri Jan 27th at 6:30pm (LINK)
Open to the Public: LIVE MODELS lecture by Jason Kelly Johnson

WORKSHOP FAQ_ Frequently Asked Questions.
If you have any further questions, please e-mail: info@future-cities-lab.net

What level of experience should I have?
- All students, academics and professionals are encouraged to attend. A basic knowledge of Rhino3D is required, and you are asked to familiarize yourself with Grasshopper before the workshop.  

What are the workshop take-aways?
- Each participant will receive custom workshop example files and a Responsive Surfaces workbook in printed and PDF formats. Each participant will also receive a Certificate of Completion (upon request).    

What software will the workshop focus on?
- Rhino3D (SR9) + the latest versions of Grasshopper, Firefly and Arduino. Please confirm installation PRIOR to the workshop. 

What am I required to bring?
- You must bring a Laptop capable of running Windows and Rhino3D (SR9) as well as any electrical adapters or accessories that you require.
- You MUST bring your own Arduino board (We recommend the UNO or the Mega), USB cable and associated components available in kits similar to the  Sparkfun Inventors Kit or equivalent. See Jason's blog posting for more details (link to Workshop Hardware Recommendations). 
- It is also recommend that you bring any other associated equipment you might have. You may also bring prototypes you might be working on.
 
Where will the workshop be held?
- The workshop will be held at Variate Labs centrally located at 8451 Beverly Boulevard. It is convenient to the 405, 101 and 10 Freeways in Beverly Hills.
 
What are the workshop hours?
- The workshop will run from 9:00AM to 5PM. Please arrive at 8:45 to get registered, setup and enjoy a coffee.

Will coffee, snacks and lunch be provided?
- Yes, coffee, beverages and snacks will be provided. A box lunch is also included in the registration fee. 

How much is the workshop fee?
- Registration pricing is $225 Students; $275 Academics; $325 Professionals (Limited to 16 participants)

What is the basic organization of the workshop?(This is subject to change)
- 8:45am Registration, Setup and Workshop and Attendee Introductions
- 9:30am Responsive Surfaces Overview by Jason Kelly Johnson
- 10:00am Arduino Programming and Hardware
- 11:00am Sensing, Actuation and Feedback
++ 10 minute Break +++
- 12pm Grasshopper + Firefly Introduction
- 1:00pm Lunch and 30min Interactive Architecture Lecture by Miles Kemp
++ 10 minute Break +++  
- 2:00pm Firefly Intermediate
++ 10 minute Break +++
- 3:30pm Firefly Advanced
- 5pm Closing Remarks, Q&A with Beer and Wine served