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.