Abstract

This essay aims to discuss the issue of the impact of parametric design in
contemporary architecture practice. The world is moving faster than in the past so we need a
constant technological upgrade for build faster, bigger, economic, sustainable and more
precise. Using case studies the essay would analyses the advantages of using parametric
software comparing with the traditional technique and discuss examples of building
constructed using parametric design programs. As Frank Gehry has described, “the computer
demystifies the building to such a degree of accuracy that builders know exactly what they're
building...It leads to fewer mistakes and a better-organized process.”

1
 Introduction

The number population is on a constant growth, the problem of sustain the

population too and we don‟t have time to get bored. The evolution of technology
helps us to do our work faster and easier. The technology of computer aided design
can helps us to analyses and build virtual more exactly, faster and complex. With this
technology we can create now more complex geometry which in the past it was very
difficult or even impossible to design it. More than that, with this kind of programs,
the possibility of human error becomes smaller because you just introduce the
information which you need and you don‟t build each line or shape.
Though parametricism has its roots in the digital animation techniques of the
mid-1990s, it has only fully emerged in recent years with the development of
advanced parametric design systems. The last 20th century is the age called „digital
design age‟. More and more dazzling shaped buildings appear around the world, as
most of them are designed by using parametric software, such as rhinoceros and GC
(Generative Components). Architects intend to apply new cutting-edge design method
instead of applying the traditional ways.
Now, we can see the result of application of parametric design in very complex
projects that couldn‟t be realized without this program. Architects like Zaha Hadid or
Frank Gehry have a portfolio full of example of parametric design. Form-finding is
one of the strategies implemented through propagation-based systems. The idea
behind form-finding is to optimize certain design goals against a set of design
constraints. The resulted shapes are very complex.
Urban design is another domain where parametric design can be applied.
Parametric urbanism is concerned with the study and prediction of settlement patterns.
Parametric applications have inherited two crucial elements: 3d environment and
data+ variables. The three-dimensional environment allow us to understand easier the
shapes and the space and control them and on the other hand we have the underlying
concept of parametric modeling which is based on data, variables, and their
relationship to other entities, which can then respond to variations of input data.
1
 Definition of parametric design

Parametric design is a kind of design method programing, 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.
By changing one single data in the model, architects could easily shape the
appearance of buildings which automatically result in a changing of building structure
programing.
The term parametric originates from mathematics (parametric equation) and
refers to the use of certain parameters or variables that can be edited to manipulate or
alter the end result of an equation or system. While today the term is used in reference
to computational design systems.
With this technology we can design different shapes, but also we can control
some parameters which can affect our building like wind, temperatures, sun control,
higrothermic quality etc.
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. 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.
Grasshopper is a graphical algorithm editor tightly integrated with Rhino‟s 3-D
modeling tools. Unlike RhinoScript, Grasshopper requires no knowledge of
programming or scripting, but still allows designers to build form generators from the
simple to the awe-inspiring.

2. Comparison between Parametric design process and traditional design process

2.1 Parametric modeling process
The parametric modeling process is involving a massive preparation work before
conducting the final test which will significantly shorten the installation time. It
2
generally starts with relevant data collection which included solar data, wind data,
heat data and so on. Allianz Arena will be a case study for explanation of the
parametric design process.

2.2 Design process

In construction, the benefits of using the parametric modeling techniques are
apparent. The digital design model could be refined at any time throughout the design
and construction to accommodate additional onsite conditions, local regulations,
engineering requirements and cost controls. The team was able to have greater control
of the design and details, with much greater precision than a conventional
construction process; giving the client and the contractors a much better
understanding and control of the project.
The first step in creating the arena was to designing a parametric form of the
exterior structure/façade. It was important to take into account the initial design intent
for the arena, such as the overhang of the structure extending far enough to cover the
seating. Other relationships between seating and the height of the stadium were also
developed in order to determine the rows of seating and the length of each tier of
seating. More parameters should be added to determine the amount of rows placed in
each tier of seating. Once the form is created, it is then possible to divide the surfaces
of the form created.

Source: https://sstamu.wordpress.com/2013/03/26/parametric-modeling/

The façade is curved and the panels which cover the facades have different
shapes. Because of the problems of installing enormous numbers of panels for façade
which are different from each other in length and width, architects have to try new
construction method. As teardrop window appears to be multi-dimensional geometry,
3
the traditional design method would not be suitable for this new geometry form. With
the help of parametric software, people can easily calculate the dimension for each
panel. Next, the information that conveys distinct geometries as well as the location
will be input in to parametric design system. This will significantly shorten the
assessment time compared with the traditional design methods and can be made
without error which can appear if you are drawing by yourself each line. And you can
send the model to the producer with the correct number of the panels and the correct
size of each panel and in this manner you can avoid the waste of material.

Source: https://sstamu.wordpress.com/2013/03/26/parametric-modeling/

2.3 Structure process

After we established the shape and we have the whole information collected in
the design phase, we could build the structure just using parametric algorithms. In
addition, the technical drawing would be automatically generated by plug-in software
with sufficient information within. This would finally benefit the construction phase
and we have the quantity of the material for structure. Compared with the traditional
design method, there would be loads of works from design to construction.

3. Environmental- friendly application

Using this program we can calculate the quantity of the material and the exact
size of the element easier than using traditional method and with less error. In this
manner we can avoid the waste of the material.
Another facility is the control of the parameters of comfort- indoor parameters
and the properties of the exterior walls. We can control how the exterior factors could
influence our interior and how much our building is energy efficiency. Even if the
4
glazing façade has been widely used, the following negative issues have been ignored
totally, for example, the overly heat absorbing, and the excessive energy consumption
for air condition system. At the same time parametric design could interact with the
surroundings to improve the sustainability of the building. Due to the parameter
programing in a digital way, the angle for each shading panel will be settled in the
most proper location. Furthermore, with this technology, architects could easily select
the proper materials for ventilation systems which would perform well under nearly
any circumstances.

4. Expense reduction by using parametric software

Since parametric models help evaluate the bending moment in advance it would
be possible to make the best use of individual truss.
Next, due to the easily rebuilding system architects or engineers do not need to
waste time in rebuilding. Thus the overall period for one project will be significantly
reduced. It is definitely profitable as saving time in complete design and construction.

5. Examples of parametric design

 Guangzhou Opera

Source: https://www.archdaily.com
5
Architects: Zaha Hadid Architects
Location: Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Project Year: 2010

Zaha Hadid is famous for this design based on organic and very complex shapes.
This kind of shapes is creating using the parametric design. Without this program it
was very difficult and the process it was very long to create this form. After you
design a shape like this you should know how you can divide the glass surface and the
solid covers in panels with precise size and you should make a complex structure. The
main auditorium is lined with molded panels made from glass-fiber reinforced
gypsum to create a folded, flowing surface.
Patrick Schumacher, the partner of Zaha Hadid Architects and co-author of many
projects argued that the global convergence in recent avant-garde architecture justify
the enunciation of a new style – Parametricism – poised to succeed.
The shape of Guangzhou Opera House is inspiring from river valleys and is based
on the idea of erosion. The design evolved from the concepts of a natural landscape
and the fascinating interplay between architecture and nature; engaging with the
principles of erosion, geology and topography.
Fold lines in this landscape define territories and zones within the Opera House,
cutting dramatic interior and exterior canyons for circulation, lobbies and cafes, and
allowing natural light to penetrate deep into the building. Smooth transitions between
disparate elements and different levels continue this landscape analogy. Custom
molded glass-fiber reinforced gypsum (GFRC) units have been used for the interior of
the auditorium to continue the architectural language of fluidity and seamlessness.
The 1,800-seat auditorium of the Opera House houses the very latest acoustic
technology, and the smaller 400-seat multifunction hall is designed for performance
art, opera and concerts in the round.

6
Source: https://www.archdaily.com

7
  Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Source: https://www.archdaily.com

Architects: Zaha Hadid Architects

Location: 281 Euljiro-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Project Year: 2014
The Dongdaemun Design Plaza (often shortened to DDP) is a cultural and
exhibition center dedicated to design, technology and art, which construction has
changed an entire city block in the Dongdaemun commercial district of Seoul.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza is the first public project in Korea which is using the
3-Dimensional Building Information Modeling (BIM) and other digital tools in
construction. The building has a fluid and aerodynamic shape which expresses the
movement and more than that it is a shape which wants to be an iconic building of
these contemporary ages.
With parametric building information modeling software and design computation,
the designers were able to modify and adapt the design to the ever-evolving client's
brief as well as integrate engineering and construction requirements. These
technologies helped to maintain the original design aspiration throughout the project‟s
construction. It also streamlined the architectural design process and coordination
8
with consultants. The parametric modeling process not only improved the efficiency
of workflow, but also helped to make the most informed design decisions within a
very compressed project period. This building have very big dimensions and each part
is different from the other; the surface of the façade covers with panels with different
size and shapes is enormous; the structure need to follow the curved lines so to design
this huge project in a traditional without using the programmers for parametric design
it had been very difficult or even impossible.
The completed façade incorporates a field of pixilation and perforation patterns,
which creates dynamic visual effect depending on the lighting conditions and seasonal
changes. It will take on different characters as the external condition changes.
Sometimes, it will look as a singular entity; sometimes, it blends with the surrounding
landscape as part of the complete ensemble of Dongdaemun. At night, the building
will reflect all the LED lights and neon signs of the surrounding buildings. With the
interplay of the built-in façade lighting, the building‟s appearance will be animated
and take on the characteristics of its unique urban settings.

Source: https://www.inexhibit.com

9
Source: https://www.archdaily.com

 Walt Disney Concert Hall

10
Source: https://www.archdaily.com

Architects: Frank Gehry

Location: 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Project Year: 2003
Frank Gehry makes this architectural model by tearing scraps of paper, gluing
and taping them together, crinkling cardboard and adding apples and Perrier bottles.
The problem is that this complex shape is difficult to put in practice. It also tend to be
very expensive to build. For sheet materials such as glass or metal, a unit with double
curvature can cost up to ten times as much as the flat material. Gehry tried to draw
this building in 2D program but he failed.
Meanwhile, he started building fish-shaped lamps for a pavilion in Barcelona, a
50 meter mesh sculpture. The team had to figure out how to cut the sheets into shapes
that, when curved, would assume the correct dimensions without buckling. Working
from the firm‟s 2D construction drawings, a contractor tried and failed six times to
create a mock-up. Jim Glymph helped Gerhy using a program called CATIA, a C++
software package developed by an aerospace manufacturer. CATIA described digital
models using parametric Bézier curves (or vectors) and 3D surface algorithms. The
model is defined by a set of control points and the mathematical functions, or surfaces
11
that stretch between them. With the succes of fish structure Gehry used a CATIA
model for Walt Disney Opera Hall to minimize the number of stone panels (redraw
after in 2D) with custom but the result was over the budget. Meanwhile he won the
competition for Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, a building with similar shape. As
usual, Gehry designed the Guggenheim Bilbao using physical models. Then, instead
of recreating the models on the computer by hand, the team scanned the models‟ x, y,
and z coordinates with a digitizing wand. Once imported into CATIA, this data was
resolved into parametric surfaces that Gehry‟s designers could digitally manipulate to
optimize for design and constructability.
Gehry returned again to the Disney Hall project with this new techniques and
renewed confidence. As he has described, “the computer demystifies the building to
such a degree of accuracy that builders know exactly what they're building...It leads to
fewer mistakes and a better-organized process.” When Disney Hall opened in 2003, it
was lauded as a triumph and save 10% of the cost of building.
These services helped drive Gehry Technologies‟ growth and become famous and
in both 2010 and 2011--while also informing their software development. One of their
biggest recent innovations has been to develop tools to help architecture and building
teams organize themselves and communicate about a project.

Source: https://www.archdaily.com

12
Source: https://priceonomics.com

Conclusion

In conclusion, the advantages for applying parametric design system have been
discussed thoroughly in different aspects. It has been proved to be an efficient
technology in both design phase and construction phase.
As it has been argued in this essay, parametric design has not only programing
advantages but also economic profits. With more and more architects and creative
groups get to conduct this technology, it will make a difference in the architectural
industry. Fortunately, there are a gradually increasing number of universities that
taught digital design classes now, which means more and more professional workers
would get involved in this industry in the future. It is clear that parametric design
would be an inevitable trend in the 21 century. We would embrace the new digital age.
The parametric design can be also use for urban design, for design the cars, planes
and other vehicles or robots.

13
Bibliography

https://www.archdaily.com

http://www.patrikschumacher.com/Texts/Parametricism

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parametric_design

https://www.academia.edu/8155551/Of_parametric_design_in_contemporary_archite
cture_practice

https://sstamu.wordpress.com/2013/03/26/parametric-modeling/

https://priceonomics.com/the-software-behind-frank-gehrys-geometrically/

https://www.inexhibit.com/case-studies/seoul-dongdaemun-design-plaza-by-zaha-had
id-architects/

Patrik Schumacher, Parametricism 2.0: Rethinking Architecture's Agenda for the 21st
Century AD

14