Parametric Design with Raven
Rhino + Grasshopper workflow — Westin Bonaventure Hotel reference
- Format
- Parametric Study
- Tools
- Raven · Grasshopper · Rhino · Claude
- Course
- AI for Architects — ELVTR
Original Prompt & Initial Raven Output
A Claude-generated text prompt describing the Westin Bonaventure Hotel, handed to Raven to build a first Grasshopper definition and 3D massing.
Updated Raven Prompt from the Research Design
A more detailed Claude-generated description based on the research design. Raven reorganized the definition into structured node groups — but the complexity of the prompt caused the definition to fail.
Updated Raven Prompt with Image Reference
Switching to simpler language plus a direct image input markedly improved Raven’s comprehension — floor slabs and tower massing came through, the closest output yet to the design intent.
Modified Definition & Final Rhino Model
The Grasshopper definition manually refined into its final node arrangement, and the resulting model reviewed across plan and perspective viewports.
Raven was useful for building Grasshopper definitions and following instructions, but it had trouble understanding prompts generated by Claude from design references. It worked much better with simple language and direct image inputs. Getting an accurate model from the image references would have required advanced Grasshopper knowledge, which is not something AI can fully make up for. Despite that, the final model was satisfying and provided a solid foundation to develop further inside Rhino.