As we move forward into information-based future, it is important for the architecture practice to utilize the technological advances in industrial design, computational design and rapid fabrication processes. These advances bring with them the tools needed for architects to innovate, analyze and construct new dynamic enclosure systems for the future.
Parametric design and thinking can aid in this problem in two ways. One, it has the potential for establishing architecture as a material and theoretical genesis device – a design tool that makes environments and ideas about nature come to life. Its use can help solve the dilemma of misuse of potential environmental qualities and orientation of particular instances as drivers to orient building systems to their particular context. (Diagram Below – Andrew Newman)
Parametric modeling offers users the ability to develop a hierarchical system of rules, constraints, features that can be driven by an external or internal parameters. External would be data that you are bringing into the design program, such as weather data. Internal would be properties you set up internally such as a point cloud, grid, or something as generic as a point.
‘In a very generic case, parametric form is shaped by values of parameters and mathematical equations are typically used to describe the relationships between the forms.’ The relationships are set up to establish a hierarchy of interdependies, or equations, between forms. This allows designers to backtrack and manipulate values along the series of equations Hence, the forms relational behavior under transformation can be defined as a scripted data tree of information (values, equations). (Diagram Below – Andrew Newman)
Computational tools have heightened the potential of facades to marry functional and formal possibilities. The choreography of surface articulation using scripting and parametric method has evolved appearances of new curtain wall systems that combines traditional tectonic elements and new tectonic phenomena, such as by animation, association and flexibility. The rigid thought process of traditional tectonics has been reformed into something more malleable, and animated, through using this powerful tool. (Below – Cause/Effect Project – Tim Choate)
Digital architectural design has been influenced by parametric design since the early 1990’s. Parametric and generative design techniques differ slightly but have created an digital environment where volatile iteration is at the center of attaining an optimal solution. The process of iteration means the act of repeating a process with the aim of approaching a desired goal, target or result.44 Each iteration is characterized by changing the parameters or the objects relationship to that parameter. It would also mean changing a value in the mathematical algorithm. Each repetition of the process is also called iteration, and the results of one iteration are often used as the starting point for the next iteration. (Below – Huangzou Tennis Arena – NBBJ)
Andrew Newman 