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Importance of Parametric Design in Architecture

Preprint · December 2021

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IMPORTANCE OF PARAMETRIC IN
ARCHITECTURE
10th Decemeber 2021
Yash Jadiya (A/3362/2019)
Guide: Dr. Bandana Jha
PREFACE:

This paper is dedicated to a new change, the shift about understanding and observing
architecture from where it had come to where it’s heading. Shift which was very
significant to the eyes of those who looked at the artist’s work and just filled their minds
with appreciation for their work. A shift which made us believe that 90 and 35 are both
existential in architecture. The study proves, it’s not how you always see and think, the
architecture is supposed to be perceived. It can be its way, the way it wants to be, still
maintaining its very integrity. Architecture, which has an opinion of its own and respects
that of the others. A country made up of infinite states, with infinite understandings and
concepts. But out of all, where does parametric lie?
The study focused on understanding the parametric shift in architecture, its ways of
making a statement to the world; how deep of an understanding do the ones practicing it
have; and what the ones not practicing it, hold an opinion about it; what would it take to
practice it; and how more it would expand; the works of the great and their achievements
and so on. This parametric state of this very architecture country is huge. But, even if we
know the little, good. Move is fast and we ought to be fast with it.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1. ABSTRACT
2. RESEARCH PROPOSAL
3. INTRODUCTION
4. LITERATURE REVIEW
5. STATEMENT OF ENDING
6. CASE STUDY
7. SURVEY
8. INTERPRETATIONS FROM CASE STDY AND
CONCLUSION
ABSTRACT:

OBJECTIVES
1. Birth of parametric design from its roots.
2. Shift intensity of parametric design
3. How important it is to learn parametric design in today’s time
4. Types of materials for its construction.

The parameter design is not an unusual area for architects. From ancient pyramids to
modern centers, buildings are designed and built in accordance with a variety of dynamic
forces, including climate, technology, usage, character, location, culture, and atmosphere.
The computer did not develop a parametric design, nor did it redefine the properties or
function; provided an important tool that has helped architects to design and build
intelligent buildings with extremely high quality standards and values.[1]
An examination of the relationship between humans and the natural world, as well as the
subsequent effects of interaction between them, has deep roots in our understanding of
society and culture. Cities, therefore, are a direct reflection of their citizens, as their
expressions of architecture directly influence the living conditions of their people. The
gap between architectural design ideas and the interpretation of these designs in a real
built environment can be addressed differently by the opposite process and effect.
Parametric design strategies propose manageable and flexible solutions at an early stage
of the process that responds to given conditions and outcomes.[2]
Parametric design gradually emerged as studio designers began to think beyond the set
of limited forms and various tools were developed to give them flexibility to make it
happen.
▪ Genr8 Acquisition Form application creates Genetics. It is based on different
concepts than logic in traditional design as its content is inspired from biology.
▪ Roboto is a design tool created by Braid Art Labs and used for 3D modelling and
animation purposes. The system is used to build a complex form based on
duplication of basic forms [3]

The objectives of the present research are:

1. To understand how the parametric design evolved over time, how did designers
convince their own self that it is fine to design on the road not taken.
2. After understanding the complexity of parametric, how and what kind of programs
were made to put on the paper what was in the mind.
 3. How does parametric change itself according to the environment and other factors
and how difficult it is to do so?

INTRODUCTION
Involvement of Parametric Design in Architecture as generic as it sounds; the more it has
been over the period. Understanding the parametric design, reason behind its very first
use, to its rise over time and the purpose of it being used now. Behind every ‘road not
taken’ there rise lot of complications and tranquilities which need to be understood and
dealt upon. To broaden my perspective about Parametric Design, its complications,
challenges, and at the end does it serve the purpose and how the designers would, I
visited five types of literature which helped me analyse and comprehend this topic in
much greater depth.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Roland Hudson-
I see specifically opportunities that parametric design presents in assisting and developing
knowledge of a design problem, formalising or capturing that knowledge in an external manner,
developing strategies for construction, conducting design investigation and, lastly, implementing
a construction documentation method. All can and should be approached simultaneously and
cyclically throughout the design phase until the process converges on an approach which
embraces all

Most common problem of it all being, in order to create something parametric and to
make the design, the architects need to think out of the box for it, but this common
problem does carry bunch of shortcomings with it as mentioned in “The Challenges of
Parametric Design in Architecture today”[1]. A problematic issue related to parametric
approach being that the design never resolves what parameters needed. Lacks a
methodological framework for design as a result of which architects still need to bend
their minds and understand the design for better. Various computational strategies, such
as grasshopper, to conquer the shortcoming which supplants the role of an architect.

The other one being, connecting the form generation software to form analysis software,
and many parametric packages have tried connecting these two in order to make it easy.

The disadvantages broaden down to 4 mains that why parametric design is still less
known among architects despite it being discussed majorly:
✓ unnecessary complexity with too much information
✓ the problem of authorship
✓ constraining creativity with a reactive structure
✓ learning and training difficulties.

In “Strategies for Parametric Design in Architecture”[2] by Roland Hudson focuses on

roles of parametric designers. Research written in order to share the geometric
information among the designers and engage them. “Parametric design involves the
exploration of multiple solutions to architectural design problems using parametric
models”. Models mentioned are various programming software which have come in to
resolve various shortcomings being faced by the designers. Thesis mentions,
understanding of applied parametric can only be developed with practice. Firstly, reading
and understanding strategies mentioned in various case studies written by few and
mastering of the software needed to source out your mind. Secondly, reading the
published case studies of researchers who have not only written but were also involved
in the practice of parametric design. It is anticipated, once the understanding is clear.
Emergence of parametric designers will spread deep.

“Implication of Parametric thinking on the Design process”[3] a paper written by Kareem

El Sayeed, mentions transition from todays’ conventional design to parametric design. A
shift which beholds on mastering computational designing and rope walking over strings
of mathematical and logical algorithms. An open invitation to architects to form a new
mode of thinking from basic computer skills to more advanced, deepened knowledge and
complex computational thinking. How a bunch of possible answers can be woven, and
the architect can select the one they prefer. Major drawback being management of the
complexity while intertwining large modules. Ones who haven’t been known to
parametric, the ones with basic computer skills. How long will they fit into this world of
complexity? For sure they wouldn’t want to be left behind.

“Parametric Design Solving Problems”[4] mentions various algorithmic codes to come

down to various conclusions while designing. A paper based on simply decoding
parametric for everyone’s understanding. Focuses by highlighting an analogy, of “buying
a new car, once you prefer the red and then you prefer blue, could be based on its design
or functions” Parametric designing puts forth the flexibility of both. Lacing yourself in
world of infinite solutions just by shifting few codes. (Input-Process-Output). A process
that coders follow and even parametric designers. Could there ever be a scenario when
architects stop visualizing beyond their specific requirements? Since, this software are
made highly code specific, it processes the inputs and arrives at very specific outcomes.

STATEMENT OF FINDINGS:

In conclusion, the evolvement of parametric designing hasn’t made a difference, matter

being not many are known to it yet. The ones who do, are on their ongoing trail of
understanding the concept deeper.
Parametric packages are a major actor in understanding the complexities and there would
hardly be any kind of drawback to it. Only drawback would be the shift.

Architects know, parametric is the new mind opening world filled with range of
possibilities with no domains. But, how fast and how many adapt to this complex world
is the real question.

CASE STUDY
 1. TOPIC: Hayder Aliyev Center
METHOD: Observation

Zaha Hadid was born on 31st October 1950 in Baghdad, Iraq. She was an artist, designer
and an Iraqi architect recognized for her works all over world. She was the first woman
architect to break the “starchitect” among other prominent names of the time such as
Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier. She wanted to exploit architecture more than just
as it was in its traditional style, a mass of steel and concrete. She wanted design and
brought out the best of architecture using latest technologies and new radical ways to
create highly intensive designs. Her crisp talent in art, painting and designing background
gave her immense freedom to explore beyond the reach of then human understanding.

“Architecture is no longer a man’s world. These ideas that women can’t think three
dimensional is ridiculous” Coined as the “queen of the curve” went ahead to break the
very notion of the society ‘man can do all.”
Zaha Hadid Architects were asked to design a center which would be the hub to nation’s
cultural program after a competition that was held in 2007 and they wrote one of the most
beautiful examples of Parametricist style in architecture history.
After Azerbaijan’s Independence in year 1991, it highly invested itself and focused on
modernising the country and developing its architecture and infrastructure.
The museum consists of 1000 seat-auditorium, multi-purpose hall, exhibition halls and
conference rooms each of these faculties have been distributed or distinct themselves by
been given a small fold in the surface but they are a part of the structure.
Use of technology have been successfully used in terms of understanding the structure’s
complexity, seismic activity, environment and temperature fluctuations.
In terms of concept, Hadid mentions, “The sweeping surfaces were appropriate to this
project, since key part of regeneration of Baku was moving away from Monumental style
of Soviet Architecture towards more flowing forms” but what do these curves represent?
Inferences of these curve is that it has been derived from the style of Hadid’s practice,
that it recalls Islamic architecture which holds continuous calligraphy and ornamental
patterns has a major entity that connect interior, exterior and landscape.
The remarkable was also described “as pure as Marilyn’s blown skirt” while The Guardian
Magazine adds, “Like sinious whirls of whipped cream, buffeted into a mountain range of
peaks and spilling out to form a zigzagging landscape.”

Clearing spoken the ambition, to a new and free, independent Azerbaijan.

2. TOPIC: Excellensea 126 by Sanjay Puri Architects
METHOD: Observation
Sanjay Puri Architects was founded by Ar. Sanjay Puri in 1992. The firm does architectural
and interior design projects in fields like hospitality, commercial, retail, educational, and
entertainment facilities as well as large urban planning projects including town planning.

'Evolving innovative design solutions that are contextual, contributing to sustainability

and creating spaces that revolutionize the way they are experienced,’ is the essence of
Sanjay Puri’s Philosophy. The book ‘Fountainhead’ was a huge influence in Sanjay Puri’s
career in deciding between becoming an advertising or fine arts when he ultimately chose
the stream of architecture.
Exteriors as well as interiors have been designed using parametric principles. These
individual forms of the balcony lead to every apartment becoming a unique space and
adding interest in the facade as well.
All the vehicular roads run around the boundary and hence the parametric form in the
landscaped community spaces helps in creating interest in the views from the apartments
into the central courtyard.

The placement of the buildings and the spaces between the parametric decks and central
landscaping allow for cross ventilation throughout the building and the form of the
balconies allows natural sunlight to enter each space as well.
The interior lobbies also have various parametric elements used for lighting and aesthetic
purposes. The double-height lobbies allow space for such features to look bold and
extravagant.
The club is situated between the lowered landscaping feature and allows the parametric
form of the landscaping to be followed underneath it as well for a sense of continuity and
flow. Due to the multiple angles and openness of the space, daylight enters into the lower
ground levels as well.
SURVEY CONDUCTED:
LINK TO THE FORMS: https://forms.gle/PgTwmk94WhjsSahq7
The survey was conducted in order to understand how aware people about parametric
design in architecture are. Form was made for fixed number of participants which had
equal number of architects, non-architects and architects practicing parametric design.
Architecture is something which can be perceived in many ways but how one does was
something important to understand.

Q. What is their understanding about parametric architecture?

A. Everyone is familiar in terms of its form and shape, but many don’t practice or don’t
take it up due to their lack of understanding in the field and its complexity. Many repel
from it due to their lack of skill in particular software and few question, why is it even
needed?
Q. Which forms of parametric excites or interests them more?
A. When asked to choose between the two different parametric design, many chose the
one which seemed more harmonious and calmer to eyes, which had a better continuous
flow in terms of its structure than the more bold and rigid parametric designs.
Q. How much of the shift has been in other fields as compared to architecture
and how fast has it been?
A. The shift in every field has been fast and smooth, there’s no field that hasn’t progressed
over the years, but the major issues that everyone in every field face is to match it. To
progress ourselves with progress.

Q. When asked everyone, who were within the architecture community and
outside how major of a shift have they observed in architecture?
A. Many believe the shift in architecture over the past decades have been major, due to
its relevance, architecture is better relevant and will be for the coming years. The change
in it will be visible for many years to come.

INTERPRETATIONS OF THE CASE STUDY

The two case studies, architects with complete different architectural backgrounds and
places. Hayder Aliyev, a statement. A structure which stands for very much what its
supposed to. A strong concept, with everything made in it to have a meaning, the
flexibility in terms of technology and an expertise in it does help in developing great
innovating designs. Whereas, Sanjay Puri, an architect with a lesser experience in terms
of parametric and a complete contradicting style of architecture to Zaha Hadid has as
well marked history, in Indian architecture. The Form doesn’t have a story to tell, it
doesn’t make a statement, it doesn’t have a concept that strong but what it has is for
whom it is made. A completely functional design, a design which serves function more
than story. That is what an understanding in parametric would do, different designs,
different ways, and different story.

CONCLUSION
To conclude, I would like to say the shift is fast and we need to move with it. Architects
in today’s world have started loving to be in their comfort zone, where they can design
calmly and peacefully. We need to broaden our point of view towards our profession. We
need to understand if something is in the making, why is it in the making and how can we
do better in it. More architects, need to engage into parametric, might be complex for
some and might be easier for some. But at the end, we all perceive differently, architects
or not. We learn the same, but we will build it different, we will have a different story
because our experiences separate us. Therefore, the importance of parametric design in
architecture should be as much it is needed but we all must be aware of what it is.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Abstract
[1]P. Stephen, “Parametric Design: a Brief History,” arcCA J. Am. Inst.
Archit. Calif. Counc., no. 10.1, pp. 24–28, 2010, [Online].
[2] M. A. Schnabel, Computer-Aided Architectural Design Futures
(CAADFutures) 2007, no. March. 2007.
[3] V. Kourkoutas, “Parametric Form Finding in Contemporary
Architecture Vassilis Kourkoutas,” no. June, p. 82, 2007.

Literature Review
[1] Design Practice,” MSc Thesis, 2012,
[2] R. Hudson, “Strategies for parametric design in architecture.,” Civ.
Eng., p. 274, 2010.
[3] K. El and S. Mohammad, “Studies-PhD Preliminary Course,” pp. 1–11,
2011.
[4] E. Motta and Z. Zdrahal, “Parametric Design Problem Solving,” 10th
Banff Knowl. Acquis. Knowledge-Based Syst. Work., no. May 2013, 1996.
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