Parametric Design and Parametricism

For decades now architects have using CAD either 2D or 3D. CAD has enable architects and related professionals to communicates their designs. With CAD architects are able to visualize their designs. Today,  a new trend is sweeping the architectural world, it is a form of CAD base design called Parametric Design or Parametric modelling. Parametric design is a fast developing CAD method around the world, in Nigeria we are yet to dive into the trend.  Most firms in Nigeria are yet to adapt this approach to design. This is the paradigm in architecture though it is yet to go main stream globally, I make bold to say that this is the future of design. From these methods an architect can achieve parametricism. There is a clear difference between Parametric Design and Parametricism albeit they are very related.

What is Parametric design? Let's Wikipedia help here. Parametric design is a process based on algorithmic thinking that enables the expression of parameters and rules that, together, define, encode and clarify the relationship between design intent and design response.

With this approach architects and designers are able to specify the key parameters of their model and make changes interactively. Whenever changes are made the rest of the model updates
automatically.

What is Parametricism? Once again let me consult Wikipedia. Parametricism is a style within contemporary avant-garde architecture. The style addresses urban design ,architectural design , interior design, and furniture design. Its impact can also be noted in product design and
fashion design . Parametricism implies that all elements of the design become parametrically variable and mutually
adaptive.

Parametricism is a style of architecture while parametric design is a means to achieving such a distinct style. Parametricism has it formative years from the 1960's. Frei Otto( I wrote about him here)is a proponent of this style. His work is a precursor to parametricism. In designing Munich Olympic Stadium in 1972, Frei Otto in collaboration with Günther Behnisch, experimented with light weight and tensile material, during this period rather than draw his desired shape he allow physical design process and simulation to determine his form. That was tantamount to applying parametric design method without the use of CAD.

Let me talk again about parametric design. The ground of parametric design is the generation of geometry from the definition of a family of initial parameters and the design of the formal relations they keep with each other. Parametric modelling is not just about create shapes but creating relationships between points, lines, shapes and plane. It is about the use of variables and algorithms to generate a hierarchy of mathematical and geometric relations that allow you to generate a certain design, but to explore the whole range of possible solutions that the variability of the initial parameters may allow. In my relative exploration of parametric design with REVIT, I have come to realize that a little knowledge of mathematics(most especially trigonometry) is important.

What are the benefits? The benefits are enormous and instantaneous. Let me state a few. Parametric modelling allow you to make changes at late stage of design without remodeling, a simple change is seamlessly effected through out the model. There are few or no constraints if you know the values or formula to apply. It is a huge leap in the quality of our process, since we are not bound by our tools anymore; now it will be us who design our own tools. On the other hand, parametric design is fundamental when minimizing the effort needed to create and test design variants. Because it is automated it reduce repetitive work. It can be use to test model response to sunlight, it help keep cost of building low since you can test your models within some parameters. Human error is eliminated. There is seemingly endless benefit of using parametric design.

Parametricism as a style continues to evolve in an increasingly complex and fluid network of global communications. Parametricism evolves with the advancing computational design and fabrication technologies. e.g. multi-agent computational systems, genetic algorithms and robotic fabrication. However, it is imperative to state that the emergence of a new style does not occur solely as the outcome of innovation in the technological arena. Classical buildings were base on parametric relationship and proportionality.

Proponents of parametricism are
Peter Eisenman , Frank Gehry , Zaha Hadid , Rem Koolhaas, Wolf D. Prix,
Bernard Tschumi , Daniel Libeskind (Frei Otto, Günther Behnisch and many more.

Zaha Hadid's work: Beethoven's concert hall.

List of Software that supports Parametric modelling.
#Grasshopper for Rhinoceros. (No laugh)
# Autodesk Revit (conceptual modelling)
# Autodesk Maya
# Catia
#RhinoScript
# Generative Component.
#Sketchup
# Autodesk Dynamo( visual programming.

Ways to making Parametric modelling.

Typical environment of a RhinoScript

#Scripting - This is a powerful way that use computer codes e.g RhinoScript and
Scriptographer which is a scripting plugin for Adobe Illustrator™.

Grasshopper for Rhino environment

#Visual Programing- The allow u to put in for on nodes, that are interpreted for your model. Autodesk Dynamo and Grasshopper for Rhinoceros uses this pattern.

Revit conceptual drawing( using adaptive component).

# Sketching - This is the good old drawing method. It involves the use of adaptive components. Autodesk Revit and Sketchup uses this pattern.

Before I wrap up this post, I will implore all architects in Nigeria to embrace the moving train(not literally) and start leaning parametric design,personally am self teaching my self at the moment, aside parametric design improving your design skills, the knowledge could give you a competitive edge in the ever competitive architectural market.

Chelsea have submitted a planning application to rebuildStamford Bridge into a 60,000-seat stadium.

Chelsea have submitted a planning application to rebuild
Stamford Bridge into a 60,000-seat stadium.

The Premier League champions have consulted over the redevelopment of their West London home, which currently has a capacity of 41,600. And a statement on the club's official website on Tuesday confirmed plans would be submitted to Hammersmith and
Fulham council. Chelsea submit planning application to rebuild Stamford
Bridge into a 60,000-seat stadium. https://t.co/IZhuZmIhDV pic.twitter.com/mCSyTW8DR4
- ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 1, 2015

"A planning application for a new stadium at Stamford Bridge with an expanded seating capacity has been submitted," the statement read. "This follows a successful consultation process during which we received very helpful feedback.

"The main details of the application are: stadium seating capacity to expand from 41,600 to 60,000 spectators; an outstanding view of the stadium from every seat; an arena designed to create an exciting atmosphere; direct access to and from Fulham Broadway Station, making travel more efficient; stadium facilities improved for every area.

"The planning process will last beyond the end of the season; if the application is granted planning permission there will still be a lot of work to do before redevelopment can start, including obtaining various other consents." Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who bought the club in 2003, would finance the work, which has an estimated cost of £500 million. The planning application was submitted by Abramovich's Fordstam company on Nov. 19, Hammersmith and Fulham council said.

It is confirmation of Abramovich's commitment to the club, despite a woeful start to the season which sees Chelsea 14th after 14 games. There is plenty to do before a new stadium becomes a reality, not least finding a temporary home for around three seasons. The build would be complicated and more lengthy in duration if Chelsea were to remain on site, adding to the cost. Both Chelsea and Tottenham, who are building a new stadium at White Hart Lane, have reportedly been in discussions with the Football Association to play games at Wembley.The build would be complex and involve excavation, with the plan to lower the arena into the ground to achieve the capacity on a 12-acre site. The site is bordered by two train lines which must be built over.

A statement on the council's website read: "The application
comprises the demolition of the existing football stadiumwhich has a capacity of 41,600 seats and other buildings
within the ground, and the construction of a new larger football stadium with a 60,000-seat capacity.
"Other features include ancillary stadium-related uses including a club shop and museum, plus a separate restaurant/cafe use."

Chelsea's plans to redevelop the stadium -- their home since 1905 -- had been initially accepted by the localauthority in September, with the Blues keen to rival thecapacity of Premier League clubs such as Arsenal (60,260)and Manchester United (75,653).

In 2013, Chelsea's hopes of building a new super-stadiumon the site of the Earls Court Exhibition Centre were dashed,after the local council granted planning permission for more than 7,500 new homes on the site.
Chelsea also had plans to develop Battersea Power Stationa year earlier, but the Malaysian consortium given preferred
bidder status announced the completion of a £400 million deal for the site.

Information from the Press Association was used in this
report.