Design Patterns 1/24/18, 3:10 PM

Elements of Parametric Design

Design patterns for parametric modeling -- Robert Woodbury
Design is change. Parametric modeling represents change. It is an old idea, indeed one of the very first ideas in
computer-aided design. I believe that, today, the key to both using and making parametric modelers lies in
another, older idea.

People do design. Planning and implementing change in the world around us is one of the key things that make
us human. To the human enterprise of design, parametric systems bring fresh and needed new capabilities to
explore the possibilities inherent in an design idea. But these new systems are complex and hard to master.
What is the new knowledge and skill designers need to master the parametric? How can we learn and use it?

This website provides design patterns to help you develop your personal craft of parametric design. It is
companion to the book Elements of Parametric Design by Robert Woodbury.

I gratefully acknowledge the support of the Canadian Natural Science and Engineering Research Council;
Bentley Systems, Incorporated; MITACS Accelerate; the Networks of Centres of Excellence program through the
Canadian Design Research Network and the Graphics, Animation and New Media Network; and the BCcampus
Online Program Development Fund.
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ClearNames uploading/editing files in this
archieve. You can still see the content
Use clear, meaningful, short and memorable names for objects. without password.
Controller
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Control (a part of) a model through a simple separate model.
GoalSeeker
Change an input until a chosen output meets a threshold. Related Links
Increment Design Patterns (Grasshopper)
Drive change through a series of closely related values.
SmartGeometry
Jig
Build simple abstract frameworks to isolate structure and location from geometric detail. GenerativeComponents

Mapping CERVER design studio

Use a function in a new domain and range.
PlaceHolder
Use proxy objects to organize complex inputs when making collections.
PointCollection
Organize collections of point-like objects to locate repeating elements.
Projection
Produce a transformation of an object in another geometric context.
Reactor
Make an object respond to the proximity of another object.
Recursion
Create a pattern by recursively replicating a motif.
Reporter
Re-present (abstract or transform) information from a model.
Selector
Select members of a collection that have specified properties.
Transformer
Change an object's form by translating and/or rotating its rigid components.

Examples

Four Curves by Scripts

Punch Hole Solid

Select and Report Points

Copyright © 2010 by Robert Woodbury 2010. All rights reserved.

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