FAQ

Why use Partonomy?

While Rhino holds a large share of usage among designers and design firms, it lacks a comprehensive library of models that are built natively in Rhino. And when models are found, they tend to be miscellaneous visualization assets instead of integral architectural elements. Partonomy is an ongoing effort to supply native Rhino models of architectural elements in the most convenient and streamlined way.
Why are there 3 versions of each model?

Due to the freedom of Rhino's plugin capabilities, there are numerous visual styles that the models need to be built for. The Partonomy models are separated into 3 different types. Viewport - A simplified model made for a clean, low-weight Rhino viewport display. These models are free and will include the simplified Grasshopper scrip when applicable. Enscape - A detailed model built with native Enscape materials. Vray - A detailed model built with native Vray materials and Vray specific assets (when applicable).
What do the icons over the product images mean?

The icons overlaid in the bottom corner of the model preview denote the special feature that comes with that element. They are broken into 2 types: 4 Cubes = Modular Assembly - The models are modular and are meant to be arrayed/copied to create a larger set such as different types of sidewalk curbs creating a full city block. Grasshopper = Parametric Assembly - The models are built entirely in grasshopper before being baked into Rhino. The Grasshopper file included in the download will allow for complete customization of the model such as change a stairs floor to floor height or stringer style and size.
What Display Mode settings do you use for the viewport models?

While the Partonomy viewport models are fit for almost any viewport mode, it's reccomended you use a simple texture-less display mode with ambient occulusion shading. You can download and import the standard Partonomy display mode here.
I hate the materials in the preview, am I stuck with them?

The materials in the preview are simply to illustrate what they could look like. The blocks are built so that all common elements are layered by their material name, so they can be quickly swapped out for any of your own materials, Partonomy recommends visiting ambientCG or Poly Haven for great public domain materials.
What version of Rhino are the Partonomy models?

The Partonomy models are all built in Rhino 6 SR30, assuming that anyone who has upgraded to Rhino 7 will be able to open them as well. If you are using Rhino 5, you can still download the models and have someone save it down for you or contact us and we will send you the Rhino 5 version. If there is significant interest in version 4/5, we may add that as an option in the future.
What do I do if one of the models is wrong/not working?

While Partonomy hopes this is never the case it might happen from time to time. If this happens to you, please reach out to Partonomy through our contact page, the email at the bottom of the site or even on Instagram and we will get the situation fixed as quickly as possible.
Do I need any plugins for the models?

Nope! In an effort to make Partonomy models as universal and easy to use as possible, all models are built without plugins (aside from Enscape/Vray) and using only vanilla grasshopper nodes.
Do you have any tutorials on how to use Partonomy models?

(COMING SOON) Please check out the Partonomy Youtube channel. We post tutorials and overviews of our different models there.