Impact of parametrics in architecture

Parametricism is the next epochal architectural style that is supposed to be the successor of modernism and the postmodernist era. The term “Parametricism” was coined by Patrick Schumacher in 2008 to define the contemporary movement in architecture which uses calculations as the basis of architectural design. Parametricism introduces the formal transformation achieved through various computational methods and aesthetic principles. The communication of ideas and the design approach of the 21st century results in the spread of parametricism, which can also be observed among the younger generation who successfully apply a parametric approach to design. Various critical or characteristic factors such as climatic conditions and national tradition and culture can also merge with parametricism to explore various design possibilities, which again leads to the basis of parametricism, namely design explorations.

Patrik Schumacher. Image courtesy of Wikipedia.org

Architecture is a huge industry where a large percentage of people around the world are involved and associated and it plays a key role in the global economy. Due to its vastness and diversity, the influence of technology is a bit slower than other industries. Looking back in time, in 60s Sketchpad was developed by Ivan Sutherland which was first used in the automotive industry, then with CAD it was applied in the field of architecture after 10 years of breakthroughs. A similar situation can be observed when 3D modeling was introduced and now in the times of parametric application, it will take longer to spread due to its steep learning curve with high manufacturing costs which is hard to afford for a developing country.

In the post-Fordist era, where technology is the result of cycles of innovative adaptations that are occurring due to the need for reorganization and adaptation of this socio-economic situation through which parametricism evolves as a style. Parametricism with the use of continuous differentiations that includes versioning, iteration and mass customization allows to organize and articulate the greater complexity of the post-Fordist society. The taboo related to parametricism is that this style avoids working with simple geometries, repetitions and juxtapositions of elements while the dogmas are all parametrically malleable, differentiative and open to exploration forms. Therefore, parametricism evolves from the creative exploration of parametric design systems that becomes more refined with the advanced versions of parametricism. We are in the era of Parametricism 2.0 that is based on the parameters that interest us, and this is the fully mature version of the Parametricism style.

Zaha Hadid Architects, Kartal-Pendik Masterplan, Istanbul, Turkey, 2006. Image courtesy of patrikschumacher.com

There are 5 agendas through which Parametricism can be applied in architecture:

1. Parametric inter-articulation of subsystems: for example, on the facade of building envelopes, structural systems, etc. They can be applied with script-based automation technology that could be sensitive to light, human movement, etc.

2. Parametric accentuation: with the ambition to integrate the articulation of the entire building, it is possible to achieve a richer and more integrated architecture.

3. Parametric figuration: Parameters can be included in the architecture from many dimensions such as object parameters, environmental parameters, observer parameter, etc. They can be integrated into the whole parameter system.

4. Parametric reactivity: our response to the built environment is quite parametric and architecture can be made kinetically active in response to our parametric nature, which will add more value.

5. Parametric urban planning – Deep relationality: the integration of the building morphology can be achieved with parametric accentuation, parametric figuration and parametric reactivity.

So, it is quite understandable how we can introduce parametricism in its true form in architecture and its path in our daily life. Now, let's talk about its impact on architecture, and will it soon be a boon or a bane?

1. The fastest approach to introducing new technologies into architecture

Most of the latest technologies are based on computation or use computation as a basic tool. Even in the field of architecture, computation has been used for many decades but there was a lack of a means or approach to a new level. So, using algorithms directly in design opens up the vast world of computation to be applied directly in the field of architecture. Some of the latest developments are the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Building Information Modeling (BIM), simulations, etc. They are based on computer programming languages ​​and the application of these in the required section falls under the umbrella of Parametricism.

Example: Lunchbox: It is a software in Rhino's Grasshopper plugin. It allows the user to use machine learning (ML) technique in the field of architecture to achieve the desired results. Artwork by Refik Anadol- Refik Anadol is a multimedia artist who uses data from various sources and programs in such a way to obtain amazing works of art. He has received many prestigious awards around the world and has exhibited his works in various national and internationally recognized museums.

2. The parameters are all around us

Parameters are the entity that has some influence on the work system that is to be done. Based on the parameters that are important or most important for the system we work and based on them we get the desired result. For example, while designing a skyscraper, the height from floor to floor, the total height, the number of floors, the rotation on each floor, etc. are the factors or parameters based on which the desired skyscraper design is achieved. Again, while designing a bedroom, the ambience of the room could be the parameter or while designing a workspace, the number of people working in that area could be the parameter.

A grasshopper is a tool that allows the user to execute visual scripts, prepare projects with parameters with ease. Although it seems difficult to learn and various prejudices are attached to this architecture workflow, it exponentially increases the productivity and quality of the user's work, if used in the proper sense.

3. Easy fabrication and quick construction solutions

We often associate parametric design with complex shapes and forms that seem impossible to build or require high manufacturing costs. But with the proper use of manufacturing techniques and tools available for parametric designs, the process becomes easy.

Using grasshopper in parametric design and fabrication with some techniques like waffle fabrication, mesh construction, etc. can be easily done without the use of expensive tools. 3D printing a structure part by part or all at once provides easy fabrication and a process that requires less time and labor.

Robot constructing shell structure at ICD/ITKE University of Stuttgart. Image courtesy of dezeen.com

4. Quickly optimize the solution as per the requirement

Although parametricism is all the important parameters that are taken into consideration in the design process, within these parameters, it is necessary to select the best performing design to work on and improve the design as per the requirements. Parametric tools and algorithmic design give the users the advantage of optimizing the required parameter and making the best out of it.

For example, the Galapagos in Grasshopper 3D behaves similarly to what was discussed, in the grasshopper platform. These optimizations could be used to achieve design efficiency, optimize heat, optimize the structural system, find the best performing design, etc.

Octopus in Grasshopper 3D allows the user to search for many targets at once and produces a range of solutions between the extremes of each target.

Other tools that work similarly are Design Space Exploration, Wallacei, Biomorpher, Opossum, Optimus, etc.

Structural optimization using Grasshopper. Image courtesy of build-opt.org

5. Flexible, beautiful and reusable tool

The main problem of parametric design is its flexibility and changes with the changes in parameters. And hence design optimization is also possible. Aesthetics is always a crucial factor that we need to consider while designing and often the result is optimized by us thus making it beautiful. We tend to reuse many design solutions from our experience, similarly in parametric design workflow to reuse our previous code rather than building it from scratch. Hence, time consumption is also reduced and best results can be achieved.

User can also create his own code library from which codes can be used for future needs. Many websites like GitHub, Stack overflow, etc. have a similar type of library for programmers all over the world and it is used by students all over the world to solve problems.

We cannot say where the Parametricism movement will take us, but a major impact will happen in our daily life, workflows and our environment through these. In the golden age of technology, where every day technology is advancing, it is quite obvious that its impact will be long lasting in every aspect of our life. In the last great movement like the modernist movement, its impact has spread all over the world due to several important inventions like photography, steam engine, mass printing and the most important one is the industrial revolution. Likewise, architecture exposed to such technological advancements will give architecture an edge to produce efficient design, innovative high performance structural systems, new advancements in materials and easy construction with project management. Since parametricism also considers the critical factors of the region within it, repetition of a similar style will reduce to a large extent and every building in the future will be iconic and will carry its purpose, statement and solution within it. It is time for us to understand its impact and give architecture more exposure to technology if needed.