Parametric Design Trolobe Dome Spaceframe Structure Tutorial using Grasshopper for Rhino 8 3D
- David Copete
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
How to Create a Trilobe Dome in Grasshopper
In this tutorial, I’ll walk you step by step through the process of creating a Trilob Dome using Rhino and Grasshopper. The design is based on the geometry of a triangle combined with a dome shape, and by the end of the lesson, you’ll know how to model, subdivide, and array it into a repeating structure.
Along the way, I’ll also share helpful tips and tricks for working with components such as polygons, discontinuities, boundary surfaces, projections, and contours. If you get stuck or want to follow along in detail, the complete Grasshopper script is available for download on my website.
Why This Tutorial is Useful
This exercise is more than just a single design — it’s a framework for learning parametric modeling techniques that can be applied to domes, trellises, and other architectural structures. By the end, you’ll have:
A clean, parametric workflow you can adjust and reuse.
A finished 3D model with multiple variations.
Rendered visuals that place your design in realistic environments.
And best of all, you can download the full Grasshopper script for free (if you’re subscribed) so you can study the workflow directly.
What You’ll Learn
Building the Base Geometry
Start with a triangle polygon.
Extract corner points and fit a sphere through them.
Scale and split the geometry to form a dome.
Projecting and Offsetting
Project curves onto the dome surface to define the design.
Offset and scale shapes for cleaner development.
Control density and subdivisions using custom sliders.
Creating Subdivisions & Pipes
Use contouring techniques along multiple directions.
Organize curves with list management.
Apply pipes with different radii for the outer frame and inner lattice.
Mirroring & Arraying the Dome
Mirror geometry to create symmetrical assemblies.
Use arrays to generate continuous trellis structures.
Explore how geometry connects across repetitions for unique patterns.
Rendering & Visualization
Export and bake geometry into Rhino for final presentation.
Add a base foundation and prepare views for rendering.
Use ReRenderAI to quickly visualize the design in real-world contexts such as shopping malls or public spaces.
👉 Website: Rerenderai.com
👉 Use Code: dcoparametric.2025 for 20% off + a 7-day Pro trial
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to Grasshopper or looking to sharpen your skills, this tutorial will give you practical experience in building complex geometry step by step. If you learned something new, make sure to subscribe for future tutorials — and don’t forget to grab the script from my site while it’s available for free.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and see what variations you create. Leave a comment, reach out via my website, or tag me if you share your own designs.
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