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.

5 Non-Design Skills Every Freelance Designer Needs

Let me be honest with you. The hours, sweat, tears (and sometimes blood) that went into mastering your design skills and software is not enough for you to make it as a freelance designer. You’d think that with all the expensive software (which I’m sure you paid for) and high tuition fees, we’d at least be fully equipped to deal with whatever the design world throws at us. Unfortunately, that’s a dream and this is business.

I agree with designer, Lance Padgett when he says “Creativity and design skills are only half the battle”. There is a lot more to being a freelance designer than knowing how to design and your overall success is dictated by more than just what is in your portfolio. It is therefore because of this that I’ve come to share knowledge of some essential basic business skills that all freelancers should aim to master.

1. Project Management

As a freelance designer it is inevitable that you’ll be handling numerous projects with different
clients at the same time. It is therefore imperative that you learn how to manage a project well.  Mastering the arts of time management, prioritization and organisation are key factors in achieving this. The more successful you are, the busier you are. The
busier you are, the more organized you need to be.

2. Marketing Yourself

“Marketing is a contest for people’s attention.” – Seth Godin. Marketing skills are undeniably vital for any freelancer. Regardless of your ability and availability, if nobody can find you then you’ll probably be looking for a second job soon. As ‘artists’, we tend to forget that this is business and what matters most is your ability to produce results and close sales. I’m not the most
extroverted person, neither am I the most talkative, charismatic or connected. If this also describes you, I have a little trick that helped me. Make it a task to find those who are extroverted, talkative and connected, who thrive on sharing just about anything, and have them market you. Oh, and how can we forget about social media!
It’s literally become a gold mine for freelance designers. Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn,
Facebook etc. – The list continues. This is a great place to start building a brand presence. Get on as many social media platforms as possible. Do it quickly.

3. Entrepreneurship

You need to have an entrepreneurial mindset. It’s a necessity for any freelance designer. You claim to be creative, right? Then it shouldn’t be difficult for you to find new, innovative ways to do what you do. Get out, take risks, make money! Furthermore, always be ready to identify and capitalize on promising opportunities in your field.

4. Client relations

Being one the most important skills listed here, it’s the most difficult to be specific about. Clients come in all shapes and sizes and unlike with a firm or agency, where there is a particular person whose job it is to interact with clients, as a freelance designer, you’ll be responsible for all
client interaction. Not too long ago, I came across a post on a LinkedIn discussion board titled “Client from Hell”. A graphic designer lamented in distress as she shared her experience with a particular client who treated her as a slave, was never sure about what he wanted and wouldn’t pay her for her work. Her story is a familiar one that so many freelancers experience. Unfortunately, even with all of our
artistic and empathetic powers, we can’t truly know what a client is like until after we know them. That’s why, regardless of who you work
with, you must remain true to yourself, set your standards and keep them. Then make sure your
clients know of these standards. Use contracts and take deposits if you have to (and you have to). Many times we designers rush straight into a project especially if it’s an exciting one and forget that this is business.

However, on a positive note, just because a project has ended, it doesn’t mean your relationship with a client has to. If you’re pleasant to interact with and deliver quality
work, clients are more likely to return and even refer you to others.
Oh, and don’t ever be afraid to say NO .

5. Empathy

This is an interesting word but I believe it sums up why we’re designers and not just artists (If
you don’t know the difference, go hunting). In stark contrast to ‘Clients from Hell’, we also get ‘Designers from Heaven – (who have lost their
way)’. Let’s be honest, as designers, we often get too caught up on designing just for our portfolios or for other designers, with little or no
regard for what the client actually wants or needs to communicate.

I first discovered the existence ofthis skill in an architecture theory class. We learnt that empathy validates you as a designer. Your ability to
empathize with your clients and their struggles, as well as those of the end user/customer, ensures that you are making design decisions with the right intent. Ask yourself these questions at the start, middle and end of every project (and answer honestly):

#Is this work really what my client/user wants? (You’d be surprised that most of the time, you may fail at this one alone).

#Is this work communicating my client’s brand/message or my brand/message? (I love squares (don’t ask), I used to find a way to incorporate them into every logo, graphic and website I produced. Then I met an anti-square client…) Does this work make things easier and smoother for my client/user?

If you can’t answer these questions about your work honestly, find people who can. I think they call it a survey. Your clients will always be happier when they know you want to work with them and that you understand them.

Disclaimer:
This was an article By Philip Sulaiman. Read it Here