L126 : From Architecture to Code: How He Built His Own Visual Scripting Platform with Praneet Mathur

The video features an interview with Praneet Mathur, an architect turned technologist, who discusses his journey from architecture to developing computational design plugins and tools. He was inspired to build his own visual scripting platform, after being disappointed with the limitations of Grasshopper. It allows event-driven programming, which empowers users to create scripts intuitively. He demonstrates the logic and capabilities, including interoperability with other software like Rhino. The goal is to provide a flexible platform for people to create their own applications and automations. Overall, the discussion focuses on expanding architectural workflows through accessible computational design tools.

00:00 - Introduction 00:30 - Transition from architecture to technology 01:37 - Current work and starting a consultancy 02:28 - Podcast and panel discussions 03:05 - Event driven programming and new platform 04:00 - Inspiration and need for the initiative 05:03 - Developing a new visual scripting platform 06:13 - Event driven vs functional programming 07:07 - Existing visual scripting options 08:40 - Applications in architecture workflows 10:00 - Interoperability and communicating with other apps 11:18 - How events work under the hood 12:23 - Options for visual programming libraries 13:10 - Limitations of other visual programming tools 14:51 - Goal for the new platform and empowering users 15:22 - Overview of components built so far 16:10 - Example script - countdown timer 18:03 - Event arguments and data types 18:34 - Challenges with UI and data structures 19:40 - Debugging errors in the console 20:01 - Example - bounce function for smoothing data 22:27 - Benefits for automation and UI 23:15 - Use cases in architecture and design workflows 25:09 - Easy interoperability setup 26:43 - Applications in building automation 27:01 - Handling data from sensors and IoT devices 28:39 - Data structure challenges 29:49 - Sharing the development timeline and roadmap 30:35 - File format for saving scripts 31:00 - Tech stack and architecture 32:38 - Approach for visualization and geometry 33:20 - Emergent use cases from experimentation 33:38 - Applications in business automation 34:28 - Open source plans and community feedback 35:20 - Scalable business model 36:00 - Learning resources for software development 36:48 - Tips for freelancing and finding clients 37:29 - Dream team for an AEC software startup 38:46 - Initiatives needed to encourage software developers in India 39:20 - Thoughts on AI and blockchain in AEC 40:41 - Closing rapid fire questions 42:13 - How to get involved and final thoughts