PARAMETRIC ARCHITECTURE

TOTAL FLUIDITY
SUBMITTED BY
GUDIYA PANDIT

GUIDED BY

PROF. TANISHA DUTTA

IN FULFILLMENT OF REQURIEMENT FOR THE AWARD OF

THE DEGREE OF

B. ARCH

REPORT SUBMITTED TO

PRIYADARSHINI INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURE AND

DESIGN STUDIES, NAGPUR

PRIYADARSHINI CAMPUS, DIGDOH HILLS, OFF HINGNA ROAD,C.R.P.F.,

NAGPUR-440 019 INDIA

PRIYADARSHINI INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN STUDIES,

NAGPUR (PIADS) 2020-21

DECLARATION
We, hereby declare that the Report titled “Parametric architecture –
total fulidity” submitted here has been carried out by us in the
Priyadarshini Institute of Architecture and Design Studies, Nagpur.
The work is original and has not been submitted earlier as a whole
or in part for the award of any degree /diploma at this or any other
Institution /University.

GUDIYA PANDIT

DATE:

CERTIFICATE

We, hereby declare that the Report titled “Parametric architecture

total fulidity” submitted by Gudiya Pandit for the award of the
degree of B.Arch, has been carried out under here has been carried
out under my graduation at the Priyadarshini Institute of
Architecture and Design Studies, Nagpur. The work is
comprehensive, complete and fit for evaluation.

Prof. Tanisha Dutta

Guide
PIADS, Nagpur.

Forwarded by-
Prof. Nishant Manapure
Principal,
PIADS, Nagpur.

Ar. Habeeb Khan

Director,
PIADS, Nagpur

Date:
ABSTRACT

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1- INTRODUCTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION

1.2 DEFINATION OF THE TERM

1.3 AIM

1.4 OBJECTIVES

1.5 METHODOLOGY

CHAPTER 2- LITERATURE STUDY

2.1 PARAMETRIC ARCHITECTURE

2.2 PARAMETRIC DESIGN TOOL

2.3 BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF FLUID SURFACE

CHAPTER 3- WHAT IS FLUIDITY IN ARCHITECTURE

3.1 FLUID, FLOW AND FLUIDITY

3. 2 FLUIDITY AND ARCHITECTURE

CHAPTER 4- DATA COLLECTION
3. 3 FLUIDITY IN ARCHITECTURE
4.1 CASE STUDY
3. 4 WHERE IS FLUIDITY??

CHAPTER 5- CONCLUSIONS
 REFERENCES

ABSTRACT

This research is entitled on ‘Parametric Architecture Total Fluidity’.

Parametric design is a new approach to architectural design based on

the concept of parameters. It utilises parameters to set relations
between design elements in order to define a range of formal
alternatives. In this sense, parametric design provides great
opportunities for architects to engineer the design process more
efficiently.

As, many practicing architects talk about the challenges of this type of
design approach. Similarly, inside academia parametric tools are quite
popular among students of architecture. Some students like to apply
parametric methods to their design projects using software packages
such as Grasshopper. However, they may not always be aware of the
challenges of these methods because student projects are not real
design situations as experienced by practicing architects.

It is essential to explain two issues here, before introducing the aim

and objectives of this research. Firstly, ‘parametric design’ is a term
employed in this research due to its frequent usage in architectural
practice. It refers to the use of parameters in creation of form in the
design process. Secondly, it is worth referring the CAD since they are
used in this research. Computer-aided design or CAD is simply the
deployment of computer to assist the designer in design. . However, in
this research ‘traditional’ CAD is actually the point of reference. It
echoes the concepts of computer as a drawing tool and a device for
representation rather than computation.

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Parametric architecture is a new and evolved style of architecture. Its

computer and technology aided design which is used as a tool for
various design projects. Its is defined by parametric which are set by
the designer be it in form of a small scale project or a major urban
scale design. Its is a form of computer aided design which helps
designers in optimising and improving their designs. Over the year
various design interfaces have been developed to revolution
paramertic modelling and allowing freedom in design.

Italian architect Luigi Moretti was the one of the first architects to
work on parametric architecture by using mathematics to create new
shapes. In 1957 he founded the Institute for Operations Research and
Applied Mathematics (IRMOU) in orded to find parametric modelling
for new form generations by using mathematical theories in design.

The design develops according to the set parameters. The final form is
a result of the parameters selected for the design process. The range
of parameters can vary from natural environment dealing with a
building or the software aiding in designing a structure.

Parametric designing allows easier three- dimensional modelling and

gives the freedom of modifying the design at any stage of design
depending on the convenience of the designer. During the process of
design, one may need to change certain things used in the earlier
stages of the design process.

The introduction of the “Fluid” in the defination of architecture, which

still seems to be helplessly clinging to an old fashioned notion of
techtonics both in functional and economic terms, is new and
innovative. Buildings today no longer be viewed as being merely the
[visible three dimensional result of a linear solution – seeking process.
In our increasingly complex society, solutions as difficulty they are to
find are what we should aim at. Method involves a consistent form-
to-program heuristics, i.e. form-selects-function instead of function-
selects-form. Development of project thus extensively relies on post-
 rationalization. The projects oscillate between play and analysis and
aim at elaborating new form-functions relations.

Hence for my research, I have decided to consider fluidity as a

parameter in the building constructure in India. The main idea is to
understand how a building, in simple terms behave like fluids. What
are the elements that can be modified or manipulated to achieve a
free flowing behaviour and how this behaviour can affect the building
typology and built environment. Parametric architecture helps a
designer to manipulate spaces or forms in ways which are difficult to
imagine visually. And as it is the age of contemporary and digitalised
architecture, the change from linear models to experimental and
innovative forms and expression is inevitable. By using a parametric
approach, I believe that I can have a thorough understanding of the
parameter and in the future can implement this concept.

1.2 DEFINATION OF THE TERMS

Parametric Design – Its is a used for designing structures and buidling
elements based on certain parameters, chosen by the designer, with
the help of Computer Aided Design Technology.Fluidity – Appearance
of a building to be flowing or the flow of people inside a building
RESEARCH OUTLINE
similar to a fluid.
1.3 AIM

The aim of the research is to observe and study how a building can be
free flowing with the help of parametric design approach.

1.4 OBJECTIVES
 1.) To understand the concept of fluidity.
2.) To understand what is parametric architecture.
3.)To understand how fluidity can be depicted I spaces and bulding.

1.5 METHODOLOGY

1.) Understanding parametric architecture

2.) Usage of technology as a design tool

3.) Study of algorithm generation in grasshoper

4.) Creating different kind of geometry and forms using grasshoper

5.) Creating a list of different material that can be used to implement the design

6.) Finally ending the design with an observation on different

possibilities of built environmentt that can be created through the building

CHAPTER 2- LITERATURE STUDY

2.1 PARAMETRIC ARCHITECTURE

The phrase “what’s old is new again” has its place in architecture.
However, today’s groundbreaking designs have bucked tradition.
Parametric design has particularly rebelled against long-standing
guidelines

Parametric architecture is a vast topic and includes all the design

areas such as urban design, street design, fashion design and even
installation art
 2.2 PARAMETRIC DESIGN TOOL
Comtemporary designers are working with various Algorithms as the
model of computation to use it as a tool for design challenges. An
Algorithm is a set of rules and instructions in a step by step procedure
to caculate, process data and do a defined task. For any form of daa
givn as input, an algorithm will perform its predefined operations and
calculate the required result. Similarly, a design algorithm will also
provide a design output if being given relevant data as input. There
are different parameters like Site, Area program, Building type,
Facilities, Beauty, Structure or even Bye Laws which should be
considered while going throught the process of design. In algorithm
processes it is attempted to transfer these parameters into algorithm
to generate design solutions. What is currently known as algorithm,
parametric or Generative design software is the platform to do such
design processes in computers via Computer Aided Design Software.

Parametric designing is possible with the use of software which can

take in data set by thedesigner and process it to form various shapes.
Such flexibility in design is not possible through all design software.
The most important software for parametric design is Grasshopper,
which is a plug in of the 3D modelling software Rhinoceros.
Grasshopper is a visual programming language developed by David
Rutten at Robert McNeel & associates which was released in
September 2007.

Grasshopper 3D was created in a perspective to extend in those area

where Rhino 3D could not! It is a versatile plugin that takes design
complexities to a new-found level by exceeding the limit beyond
Rhino 3D. Although, Rhino 3D is a strong software tool in itself that
has the capability of editing, analysing, and dealing with some of the
most intense of architectural design and detailing

 Architectural software is in a state of constant advancement. They

are always being updated to give designers a smooth and simple
interface in order to bring their concepts to life. Amidst all this
emerging trend in itself, Grasshopper3D has caught on to become one
of the most revolutionizing software tools, that is here to stay.

2.3 BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF A FLUID SURFACE

Starting Grasshoppers can be done by typing grasshopper in the Rhino

command line. Grasshopper will open on top of Rhino. You can also
click on the Grasshopper icon in the toolbar.

On the left background is the viewport in rhino and the right side box
is the grasshopper plugin. On the top in the plugin, those are the
different tools with which one can work and the grid in the bottoms is
called the canvas.
 Setting and dividing curve

So this is the first algorithm in which a curve is made in rhino. Then

using grasshopper, the curve can be copied on the z-axis using the
‘Move’ component. Then the curve can be divided using ‘Divide curve’
component to gett a series of point.

Creating the surface out of curve

The next step is to make the surface using the curves. For that the
‘Loft’ component can be used and to make the surface we just need to
join the different lines with the loft.

Creating the geometry

Now we need to extrude some elements for the base and the soffit.
So the ‘Extrude’ component is used here with a number slider to
increase or decrease the extrusions.
 Dividing the surface for window

Now to make a panel on the surface for glazing, we use ‘divide

surface’ component and attach it with ‘isotrim’ which has SubSrf
written on it. This divides the surface in the number of segments and
that can be controlled using the number slide.
 Modelling for final form

Now the segmented surface can be designed using a component

called ‘Culln’ which creates patterns in the segments and that also can
be parametrically controlled using number sliders. All we need to do
now is group all this together and bake it to grt a final rendered image
of what we have created here.

The following series of figure shows the rendered images of the fluid
surface at every stage of creation. Although this is a very small zone
but the idea needs to be cleared before we proceed.

This representation can be manipulated more so flexibility in the

software gives us an upper hand. More we experiment more ideas can
emerge through various geometries.
 Rendered intial stage Rendered computing facade patter

Through commands like twist, scale, move, rotate, loft, extrude, Brep,
Deconstruct, etc. one gets a complete control over the parameters on
which the design is based on. Hence it is termed so evidently as
Parametric Architecture.

Apart from the modelling, Rhino is a excellent software for simulation

of the grasshopper model. Finally a model can be rendered using a lot
of renderers.available for Rhino such V-Ray whichis considered as the
best rendered apart from Maya.

https://bimcorner.com/8-grasshopper-shortcuts-which-you-should-know/

https://parametric-architecture.com/grasshopper-3d-a-modeling-software-redefining-the-design-
process

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7wwqEH9FPw
CHAPTER 3- WHAT IS FLUIDITY IN ARCHITECTURE

3.1 FLUID, FLOW AND FLUIDITY

To understand what fluidity in architecture is, we need to first
understand the term ‘Fluid’.Fluid architecture consists of unique
buildings with curved surfaces. ... The combination of curved surfaces,
unique products and large tolerances makes fluid architecture an
interesting application for flexible moulding. These moulds can be
used to create complex shapes.

Defines flow as an 'irreducible flux of becoming'; a continuous force to

which people and space are subject, and through which they express
themselves and evolve.Rather than a hermetic building, it becomes a
space in-between, a fluid and discontinuous built form that
transforms through time and tide.
Fluidity in Architecture proves to be one of the most ultra-modern
approaches towards design, engineering, and construction. It is
intricate yet clean and minimal to the eye. Challenging the ever-
evolving Architectural design, fluid designs use most technologically
advanced and accurate calculations in building its form on all levels.

While defining fluidity, it is important to understand the zero-edge

patterns on a modular level. For instance, a cloth randomly thrown on
a platform acquires a stable form and it can be arranged in a hundred
different ways to create various fluid patterns.
3.2 FLUIDITY AND ARCHITECTURE
The concept of fluidity was present since the time architecture was
born. Although the idea wasn’t so clear but the early man when
started constructing shelters had a certain understanding of the
concept which could be defined as ‘Fluidity and Architecture’ , where
the building and structures which were designed and constructed had
involved water somewhere or the other. If we look back in history ,
the Egyptain designers while constructing their palaces always made
sure that there was a flow of water in the interiors which would come
from the river Nile so that the water can be used for domestic chores
and also could be used for cooling the interiors.

As time went by and architecture bloomed, this concept of including

the use of water in building took different forms by different
designers and builders all over the world. And even now, when the
world has developed to such a great extent, the original idea of using
water in the building for cooling is still retained which can be seen in
projects like B.V. Doshi’s office in Ahmadabad.

Sangath by B.V.Doshi
Contemporary architecture suggests that fluidity is something which
can be used beyond the aspects of functionality part of a building. Till
now only the physical effects of the water was used inside the
buildings but what happens if we design a building to behave like
water. What happens if a building gets designed in such a way that
functionlity, aesthetics, landscaping, etc. resembles the behaviour of
water or any other fluids?
 3.2 FLUIDITY IN ARCHITECTURE

With all the questions that started this style, more questions emerged
as in how will this concept be applied, how can buildings be designed
to resemble fluidity, how will those buildings be constructed, how will
it affect the building psychology but the most important question that
still needed to be answered was why we needed fluidity in
architecture.

Queen of the curve by Zaha Hadid

The main challenge with concept was how to design function with the
form. Traditional architecture involve a process in which the
functionality of the design was understood before the worked out.
But the form was first developed, so arrangement of spaces so that
the function requirement of building is met becomes the fun part.

To work out unpredicate conditions with form and spaces that

normally would be difficult to visualize. So through software one can
create 3d models efficiently.
3.3 WHERE IS FLUIDITY

3.3 a) URBAN DESIGN AND URBAN PLANNING

Zany Beko, Downtown in Belgrade (Zaha Hadid)

Marine Park Design of Urban Architecture

 3.3 b) FORM AND BUILDING PROFILE

 
The Unity of Vilnius Museum form, (Zaha Hadid)

The Seamlessness and Fluidity of Regium Waterfront Reggio

Organic Form, Italy (Zaha Hadid)

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/The-seamlessness-and-fluidity-of-Regium-Waterfront-Reggio-organic-form-Italy-
2007_fig63_283347344
3.3 c) LANDSCAPE DESIGN

National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Mecanoo)

Infinitus Plaza in Guangzhou blurs the line between outside

and in (Zaha Hadid)
3.3 d) INTERIOR DESIGN
 3.3 e) PRODUCT DESIGN AND FASHION DESIGN

https://www.dezeen.com/2010/02/19/fluidity-design-by-zaha-hadid/
 4.1 CASE STUDY

ACHIEVING COMPLETE FLUIDITY

1) Heydar Aliyer Cultural Center ( Zaha Hadid )

 Architects: Zaha Hadid Architects

 Area: 101801 m²

 Year: 2013

Zaha Hadid Architects was appointed as design architects of the Heydar Aliyev
Center following a competition in 2007. The Center, designed to become the
primary building for the nation’s cultural programs, breaks from the rigid and
often monumental Soviet architecture that is so prevalent in Baku, aspiring
instead to express the sensibilities of Azeri culture and the optimism of a nation
that looks to the future

The very famous Cultural Center in Baku has officially established itself as the
ideal example of fluidity, form, and engineering in Architectural design and
technology. It is bold but merges with the lines of natural geometry, giving form
to the one-piece huge mass of the Centerspread across the span of the project .
The design of the Heydar Aliyev Center establishes a continuous, fluid
relationship between its surrounding plaza and the building’s interior. The
plaza, as the ground surface; accessible to all as part of Baku’s urban fabric, rises
to envelop an equally public interior space and define a sequence of event
spaces dedicated to the collective celebration of contemporary and traditional
Azeri culture

Fluidity in architecture is not new to this region. In historical Islamic

architecture, rows, grids, or sequences of columns flow to infinity like trees in a
forest, establishing non-hierarchical space. Continuous calligraphic and
ornamental patterns flow from carpets to walls, walls to ceilings, ceilings to
domes, establishing seamless relationships and blurring distinctions between
architectural elements and the ground they inhabit
 FLUIDITY IN DIRECTION
https://www.archdaily.com/448774/heydar-aliyev-center-zaha-hadid-architects

2) Lucky Knot Bridge ( NEXT Architect )

The 185 m long and 24 m high pedestrian truss bridge, which is bright red in
colour, was designed by NEXT architects based in Amsterdam and Beijing and
completed in October 2016

NEXT architects are working on a unique series of bridges all over the world.
This time, their latest design isn’t an intriguing bat bridge (nominated for the
2016 Dutch Design Awards), but an iconic bridge in China: the Lucky Knot. The
new steel pedestrian bridge in the Chinese mega city Changsha is 185 metres
long and 24 metres high and fits perfectly in the sequence of extraordinary
bridges that characterise NEXT’s practice; by explicitly engaging with the local
context, the bridge designs offer new perspectives.

The bridge built to cross the Dragon King Harbour River emerges effortlessly
from the bank to reach the opposite edge of the basin. It is designed on the
principles of traditional Chinese knotting art which merges multiple bridges into
one single strand. It is built in steel and allows people to interact and experience
the beauty in the region than just passing by!
 VERTICAL FLUIDITY IN URBAN AREA
3) Aqua Tower Chicago

Although the first glance at the structure does not give away the classic Fluid
vibe, the detail in the external facade reflects a natural flow of lines across its 82
floors. Standing tall since 2009, this building remains the exceptional work of
Architect Jeanne Gang, making it the tallest skyscraper by a female Designer.
The lines flow from each edge into a continuous rhythm making it look like clay
wrapped around the glass building block.

This concept does not stop at the building level but extends its branches into
interior design, furniture design and sculptural art. There are numerous
possibilities for designing in free-flowing lines.

Modular installations and sculptures are also taking the limelight with their
material palette and its properties. The portable structures for waiting areas,
public seating, and small vehicular stations make it easy for the multi-purpose
use of these light-weight fluid designs.
 REPETITION IN FLUIDITY
1) Mayfair Residential Tower
The structure, named Mayfair Residential Tower, will house 158 one-to-five
bedroom residences that range in size from about 753-square-feet to
about 5,985-square-feet, ZHA says in a statement. The tower will boast a roof
terrace, swimming pools and communal areas. A restaurant cafe with double-
height civic spaces will also be located on the street level. 

 Mayfair Tower is a 22-storey residential building in Business Bay, Dubai.

 Construction began in 2008 and was completed by 2011.
 The project was developed by Deyaar Development PJSC.
 The architect of the project was Archdome Consulting Engineers.
 The project is located on plot BB.A06.049.
 From Mayfair Tower it takes roughly 12 minutes to drive to Dubai Mall, 21
minutes to Palm Jumeirah, 19 minutes to Burj Al Arab and 24 minutes to
The Walk JBR.
 Dubai International Airport (DXB) is roughly 21 minutes' drive and the
new Al Maktoum International Airport is roughly 41 minutes' drive. All
durations are calculated by Google Maps and assume the fastest route in
typical traffic conditions.

 A 22-storey residential building in Business Bay developed by Deyaar

Development PJSC and designed by Archdome Consulting Engineers.

 The 80-metre tower contains 218 one- and two-bedroom apartments.

 Construction began in 2008 and was completed in 2011.

  Facilities include a swimming pool, sauna and steam rooms, Jacuzzi,
gymnasium, terrace garden and 24-hour security.

"Located within the established streetscape of St Kilda Road, the design enables
residents to make full advantage of its excellent location within Melbourne,"
ZHA says in a statement. "The fluid forms of the façade define large balconies
for each apartment and spectacular views of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Port
Phillip Bay, Albert Park and skyline of the Central Business District."

https://blarrow.tech/fluidity-in-architecture/

https://propsearch.ae/dubai/mayfair-tower
 CHAPTER 5- CONCLUSIONS

The parametric design presented in this paper addressed

Computational concepts of architectural designing that influence the
recent development of architectural production.

In this fluid architecture has been introduced and the concept took
sometime for people to understand. Now more and more people are
adopting fluidity in their designs due to its advantages features.
Due to software, designers can easily visualise complex in a design
and also get better understanding of their own design. The software
now allows a designer to design a structure while it automatically
does the calculation for that structure. This gives a advantage on
control of the designer on control of the design parameters.

The use of digital parametric tools allowed the participants to design

within an environment based on rules and generative descriptions.
This amplified their design understanding and learning outcomes. The
students connected their knowledge with their ambition to create
their own design proposals.

Fluidity is a style of architecture and not a method. The design

process always had critical stages which every designer must follow.
Now architects and designers are exploring more into this concept
attempting to discover new methods and techniques. Fluidity is a
broad and wide subject which can be candidly explored, studied and
implemented.