Dragonfly3D

Dragonfly3D is a Grasshopper plugin for generating structural models in static equilibrium beyond predefined types, topologies, or geometries. It offers interactive exploration and form-finding of structural concepts, with real-time feedback and an intuitive interface. Designed to support open-ended design processes, it encourages experimentation and fast iteration. Rather than functioning as a closed system, Dragonfly3D integrates seamlessly with other Grasshopper components, enabling a flexible and efficient workflow tailored to diverse design challenges.

Banner Dragonfly3D

Download

The tool is a plugin for Grasshopper3D, the interactive parametric environment within Rhino3D, a 3D modelling software widely used in architecture and structural design firms. The plugin is available via the PackageManager of Rhino3D.

Installation

  1. In Rhino, run the “_PackageManager” command.
  2. Look for “Dragonfly3D”.
  3. Click Install.
  4. Restart Rhino.
  5. You’re ready to go.

Tutorials

2D layout exploration

3D form-finding

How to reference the tool

“Dragonfly3D”, J. Warmuth, C. Fivet, EPFL, 2025 (https://sxl.epfl.ch/Dragonfly3D)

About the authors

The plugin is a product of the Structural Xploration Lab, EPFL. It is developed and coded by Jonas Warmuth following research results from his PhD thesis, co-supervised by Corentin Fivet and Pierluigi D’Acunto.

About the name

The name Dragonfly3D draws inspiration from the dragonfly’s unique structural efficiency, agility, and adaptability. With its lightweight yet resilient frame and ability to maneuver freely in all directions, the dragonfly reflects the core principles of the plugin: structural elegance, real-time interactivity, and freedom from fixed geometries or topologies in design exploration.

Related publications

  • Computational Conceptual Design – Typological Exploration Of Spatial Truss Systems Through Optimization, 2023, IASS Journal (detailed record)
  • Equilibrium-based exploration of structures towards circular design strategies, 2025, PhD Thesis, EPFL (detailed record)