PARAMETRIC DESIGN

ARC455 : ARCHITECTURE OF THE FUTURE GROUP 4

CONTENTS
Introduction
History
Evolution – in Stages
Initial challenges faced
Advantages and Disadvantages
Example design
Conclusion
 WHAT IS PARAMETRIC DESIGN?

Term coined by PATRICK SCHUMACHER IN

PARA 2008 (partner of zaha Hadid)

PARAMETER PARAMETRIC PARAMETRICISM

Parametricism is a style within contemporary
avant-garde architecture, promoted as a
METRIC successor to Modern and Postmodern
architecture.

Parametric design is 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.
PATRICK SCHUMACHER'S IDENTIFICATION

Catalyst for complexity Complex order

Rich internal diversity New primitives

No rigid form Artistic process

Envt. Responsive tool Related to context

 HISTORY
When it came to parametric architecture, the concept and use of the term again predated
the feasibility of using actual computational processes, and appears to have originated
from the Italian architect Luigi Moretti in the 1940s when he coined the term ‘Architectura
Parametrica’. 4 Moretti researched the relationship between architectural design and
parametric equations under the banner of ‘Architettura Parametrica’ between 1940 and
1942,5 initially without the bene ts of computers. However, by 1960, with the aid of a 610
IBM computer, he was able to exhibit models of parametrically designed stadia
The parametric computation here should perhaps then be credited to Burry rather than
to Gaudí. Though there are even earlier examples of parametrically described three-
dimensional forms, it would seem that Moretti was probably the rst to create three-
dimensional architectural form using a complex set of parametric relationships
resolved by digital computation.
Moretti uses the design of a stadium as an example, explaining how the
stadium’s form can derive from nineteen parameters concerning things like
viewing angles and the economic cost of concrete (Moretti 1971, 207).
Versions of a parametric stadium designed by Moretti were presented as
part of his Parametric Architecture exhibition at the Twelfth Milan Triennial in
1960 (Bucci and Mulazzani 2000, 114). In the five years following the
exhibition, between 1960 and 1965, Moretti designed the Watergate
Complex, which is “believed to be the first major construction job to make
significant use of computers” (Livingston 2002).

When in the mid-20th century computing absorbed the language of variables

and parameters from mathematics, it adopted the terminology for
programmable algorithms and procedures. The rst documented computer
programs were written by Ada Lovelace in 1843 for Charles Babbage's
proposed analytical engine and were based on his algorithms. These
algorithms were based on varying parameters in a series of loops that Ada
called ‘backing’ but were in fact the rst uses of loops and conditional jumps.1
The pioneers of digital design, such as Ivan Sutherland with his 1963
Sketchpad system, developed an essentially parametric system for
architectural design
 EVOLUTION OF PARAMETRICS IN ARCHITECTURE
➢ ANALOGUE PARAMETRIC DESIGN BY ANTONIO GAUDI:
One of the earliest examples of parametric design was the
upside down model of churches by Antonio Gaudi. In his design
for the Church of Colònia Güell he created a model of strings
weighted down with birdshot to create complex vaulted ceilings
and arches. By adjusting the position of the weights or the length
of the strings he could alter the shape of each arch and also see
how this change influenced the arches connected to it. He placed
a mirror on the bottom of the model to see how it should look
upside-down.
 EVOLUTION OF PARAMETRICS IN ARCHITECTURE
➢SKETCPAD BY IVAN SUTHERLAND:
Where Gaudi used physical laws to speed up his calculation
of parametric equations, Ivan Sutherland looked to the
processing power of digital computers.
Sutherland created an interactive computer-aided design
program called Sketchpad. Using a light pen, users could
draw lines and arcs that could be related to each other using
constraints. These constraints contained all the essential
properties of parametric equations. Users could experiment
and explore different designs by altering the parameters of
an entity and let Sketchpad do the calculations and redraw
the geometry according to the constraints imposed upon it.
 EVOLUTION OF PARAMETRICS IN ARCHITECTURE
➢PARAMETRIC DESIGN INFUENCE IN ARCHITECTURE:
One of the first architects and theorists that used
computers to generate architecture was Greg Lynn. His
blob and fold architecture is some of the early
examples of computer generated architecture. Shenzhen
Bao'an International Airport's new Terminal 3, finished in
2013, designed by Italian architect Massimiliano Fuksas,
with parametric design support by the engineering firm
Knippers Helbig, is an example for the use of
parametric design and production technologies in a
large scale building.
 EVOLUTION OF PARAMETRICS IN ARCHITECTURE
➢PARAMETRIC DESIGN INFUENCE IN URBAN
DESIGN:
Parametric urbanism is concerned with the study and
prediction of settlement patterns. Architect Frei Otto
distinguishes occupying and connecting as the two
fundamental processes that are involved with all
urbanization. Studies look at producing solutions that
reduce overall path length in systems while
maintaining low average detour factor or facade
differentiation
 CHALLENGES OF PARAMETRIC DESIGN:
Laser Cutting
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) dictates the automated
response of machine tools from pre-programmed software.
Costs can be predicted consistently if straightforward
construction system is used in façade panels.Most fabrication
workshops employ the use of CNC techniques such as laser
cutting or plasma cutting for extruded profiles and planar
materials.
These CNC techniques are the most accessible and
economical as they only require minimal set-up with
conventional machines.
Reusable Moulds
Other processes such as moulding and extruding are
more expensive and labour-intensive.
The geometric complexities in parametric architecture
can be segmented through surface patches or panels.
These single or double-curved modules serve as the
exterior or interior skin of the building.
They are usually made casting materials on moulds,
so a separate mould is required for each panel.
. This same mould will then be used to fabricate
multiple similar panels.
3D Printing
Through diverse additive systems, 3D printing transforms a
digital file into a solid three-dimensional physical object.
3D printers can be used for rapid prototyping and
manufacturing in any industry with no moulds required.
In parametric design, 3D printers can generate façade
panels which are assembled at a later point.
While there are scale limits and constraints, 3D printing still
poses a technological advancement that’s hard to ignore for
the AEC industry.
Robot Welding
Traditionally materials fused through heat and filler joint
were welded manually. However, automation with robots
has achieved extreme levels of efficiency in controlled
industrial environments.
Parametric architecture collaborates with robotic
fabrication to optimise workflow and increase
interoperability.
This method conserves material and saves on direct
labour costs. As joints of different pieces are welded,
CNC techniques are implemented in robot welding to
control its movement and optimize the process.
 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
More design control and ability to achieve conceptual integrity on all
surfaces
More accurate results for all design parameters
Lower costs, less material waste, less transportation of unnecessary
products, and efficient use of labor
Ease of client approvals
Early reviews of constructability
No long lead times for the production of a customized product
The ability to exceed codes in every location of the building, as all
areas are modeled to achieve performance criteria
Higher acoustic privacy goals through geometric modeling and sound-
reduction panels and ceilings with unique shapes and curves
High fire ratings along with larger or unique ceiling perforation
patterns
Parametric 3D Modeling can become heavy-handed during
concept design; especially when designers are still exploring ideas.
Updates take more time in parametric models in case of last-
stage design changes.
The way that these constraints work is that they often have
references that can work against each other. While this can
empower a lot of intelligence in a design and in a model, it can
also prove to be restrictive.
These constraints can slow down the innovation process and even
force engineers to have to recreate parts of a model because of a
failure.
• measurements not normal – categorical traits: counts (e.g.
number of tumors) • use methods specific for counts • binomial,
Poisson, negative binomial – traits measured over time and/or
space
• false positives due to miss-specified model – how to check
model assumptions? • want more robust estimates of effects
 ADVANTAGES OF PARAMETRIC DESIGN
With the advancement in technology, the parametric design has become a game-changer in the establishment of structural building.
But why are most architects embracing this technology?
• It is a flexible designing tool when constructing new buildings and reconstructing old structures without altering the original
functionality. This technology has been used to easily modify the dimensions of shapes and sizes of different walls in the
housing sector.
• For instance, it is applied in modeling the elements of a glass window and its shapes automatically by changing the variable
sets.
• The advocates of parametric models’ attribute flexibility and making aesthetics in structures such as stadiums,
museums and bridges. Although it is based on the cloud it provides a clear view of the intended structure in simple steps
to enable the stakeholders to visualize the appearance of the final product.
• When the design is complete, it allows the viewership of every wall, corner, glass dimensions without a struggle. Where they
require some changes, they are implemented early and reduce delays and losses that could incur as a result of deviations on
the final model.

• Subsequently, the parametric design improves efficiency while saving time. Since it is embedded with artificial
intelligence and saved as data, architects and engineers share information and make the desired modifications. This implies
that an old design process can be reused in future developments related to structure, reconstruction and renovations. It is
equally crucial to store digital data properly to enable reference by future generations.
• Additionally, this computer-aided design supports linear workflow in which everything is done a step by step as the
design reshapes into the right form. However, the design can be further edited until everything becomes precise. What is
more, is the fact that the parametric model permits teamwork where the project is complex.
• The different sections of projects are assigned to different groups who work on their part while sending data to the central
place for evaluation. The team is coordinated by the project managers who ascertain every lot performs as per set standards.
Therefore, it improves the speed at which the project will be completed. The use of a parametric approach has become a
defining moment for architects in the construction industry.
DISADVANTAGES OF PARAMETRIC
DESIGN
• Such an approach, on which the CAD Part design is guided by some external high level
publications, seems to be intuitive because it follows a top down cascading of the design
specifications. In fact, it is not obvious seen from the designer position working on the CAD
tool. During the building of the CAD parts, designers have to be extremely rigorous as they
import the publications from the ‘‘functional skeleton’’ in order to drive design features. The
help of the ‘‘Design Architect’’ is often mandatory.
• As the CAD tools have become incredibly rich, some simple series of holes on a given
diameter can be done in several ways. The experience has shown that depending on the
designer background, the propagations of parameters will work perfectly even with some
significant modifications in the complex CAT Parts like housing.
• The experience has also shown that using specific CAD features can easily jeopardize some
parametric links when the CAD part under modification. The recovery of the links with design
parameters will be later a difficult task that could lead to the complete redesign of the CAT
Part. It’s still difficult to fix a complete methodology down to the lowest level of CAD design
because the topology of the MGB housing is always different.
• The interfaces and the gear trains axes are driven by external publications, but all other
features which need to define bearing locations, fixation holes or wall thickness are managed
locally by the designers. The parametric modeling of complex housings is still a field on which
the design methodology has to be improved in order to easily generate a full 3D solid model.
EVIDENCE OF PARAMETRICISM IN ANCIENT ART
AND ARCHITECTURE.

Islamic art and architecture:

For centuries, Islamic geometrical patterns (IGPs) have been used as
decorative elements on walls, ceilings, doors, domes, and minarets.
Simple geometric shapes are oriented, offseted and repeated in a
constantly evolving rhythmic patterns.
1 2

3 5

4
Tower of Kharaqan in Qazvin, 12-point, 6-point, abstract 6-point, and 8-point geometrical
patterns.

Ali-Qapu Palace; Chehel-Sutun Palace; Hakim Mosque of Isfahan; Friday Mosque

of Isfahan.

Alhambra Palace in Spain, showing details of 6-, 8-, 12-, and 16-point geometrical
patterns.
 INTRODUCTION ABOUT CHALUKYA TEMPLES
➢Kalyani Chalukya dynasty often know by its other names as
western Chalukyas or later Chalukyas were major rulers
during the period of 9th to 12th century ACE. During this
period a vast number of temples (according to Gerard
Foekema approximately 240 temples) were built in northern
parts of Karnataka and parts of present Maharashtra states;
majority of them were in the present Haveri and Gadag
districts and are dedicated to Shaiva, vaishnava, jaina faiths.
➢ Many distinctly different typologies (classified as karnataka
dravida typology by current scholars) exhibiting a great deal
of vesara features that is mixed combination of Nagara and
Dravida features.
 PATH AND PROFILE
Using these two parameters the entire geometry of elements like columns, sikharas, plinths
and the entire temple geometry is generated by making the profile to move in horizontal
direction following a path as explained in the following graphics.The parametric design
development is restricted to the overall geometry only and not applicable to the various
sculptural, figurative, surface treatments. Many of such surface details or the sculptural
embellishments are finished in-situ and during the assembly of the stone blocks that are left
as blobs and fine finishing done at a later stage.

profile

path
 PATH AND PROFILE APPROACH IN COLUMNS
➢ To test the parametric design detailing few
columns of circular , square based, Stellate and
few hybrid configuration were taken for
investigation. A detailed 3 dimensional meshes
were extracted from 3d scanned point cloud data
using 3D scanners.
➢The profiles ( vertical sections) and paths
(horizontal sections) were deciphered from these
3D mesh models. The column was recreated
virtually by moving the profile along the path. The
geometry of original virtual mesh model and the
generated Path- profile model is then compared
especially the sections.
 PATH AND PROFILE APPROACH IN COLUMNS
path profile
3d models for comparison between generated model
with scanned 3d model in isometric view and
orthographic drawings.
image of 3Dscan of a orthogeometric
visual comparison of acquired 3D mesh
column with it's path and profile of
Galgaganatha temple of Haveri District. with parametric generated model by
superimposing part mesh, part model in
orthographic mode screenshot.
 PATH AND PROFILE APPROACH IN COLUMNS

Derivation of profiles through vertical slicing og the 3D models 3D models of columns of Lakkundi kasi visveswara temple
through derived geometry of the path profile parametric method

From the above examples its very clear that the two distinctly different columns were created through subtle change
in paths . The geometry of acquired 3D Mesh and generated path and profile models completely match. Note that
by following path and profile method simulation of many other geometrical configurations were achieved as shown
in the examples of temple of Lakkundi.It is reasonable to think that parametric form generation with only two
parameters can be imagined by gifted sthapathis even with out a computer. Only during execution, they might have
resorted to scale models and perhaps detailed oral codes to deal with specific problems and resolve them in
ingenious ways.