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As technology progresses, all industries will have to adapt and evolve. New tools
are emerging all the time, and some of them can flip the landscape upside down.
If you’re a part of that landscape, you don’t have a choice. You can either embrace
the wave of change or get left behind.
And what is the so-called parametric design they’re keeping an eye on?
In simple terms, it’s a process that uses parametric models at its base. With the
help of a computer algorithm, it sets up the structural geometry of a particular
project.
Basically, it proposes various geometric options that the user (in this case, most
likely the designer) can use to alter and adjust the structure.
But is parametric design inevitable in the future of the industry? Keep reading to
find out more.
First, you enter the geometrical parameters into a design tool. Then, the tool uses
computer processing to design relations between these parameters, hence the
name.
This complex process creates a hierarchy of possible variables. And it’s all thanks
to geometrical and mathematical relations.
You don’t have to waste time (and money) on trial and error.
Since you’ll be doing everything with the tool, you can take human error out of the
equation and minimise manual repetitions.
He tied hundreds of strings and weighed them down with birdshot. This left the
model of the building hanging upside down. A mirror at the bottom displayed how
the church would look from the top-down.
But what’s the point of this design? Well, he could adjust each string to change the
shape of the building’s various details (e.g. arches or ceilings). That one change
impacted all of the other arches connected to it. It was a proper analogue
parametric modelling.
You may have seen a lot of examples of parametric design in real life. Today, most
of the world’s oddly-shaped structures that went up fairly recently are at least
partly parametric.
It’s particularly common in the design of sports venues, or at least parts of them. If
you’re not aware, Aviva Stadium in Dublin is the first stadium to be completely
designed with parametric modelling.
You’ll find plenty of examples of parametric structures online. But is this concept a
step in the right direction?
Parametric tools are taking over a number of aspects in design. For example, the
gaming and movie industry has been using parametric modelling for a while. It
really has uses in various industries.
So, let’s find out some of the key benefits of this designing concept.
Take a look at some of the most famous parametric structures in the world. The
Metropol Parasol in Seville, Spain, the Canton Tower in Guangzhou, China, are just
a few of them.
There’s beauty in the asymmetry and structural chaos of these buildings. On the
other hand, they don’t give off any air of dysfunction. That’s the beauty of
parametric modelling.
It gives you flexibility while still putting you in the realm of natural laws.
First, it allows you to start with simple objects and minimal details. You can
visualise the final product and make adjustments as you move along.
This way you don’t limit yourself with the end result. There are no clearly defined
shapes, lines, and lengths. So, you’re free to move as you please.
The final design could look drastically different but the core structure will remain
intact.
On top of that, all models have a solid 3D structure. You can view every corner
and every angle of your model with ease. This allows you to spot any mistakes you
might have missed otherwise.
#3 It’s Cloud-Based
Most models today require the input of several team members. It becomes an
issue when you have to transfer the project from user to user.
But with parametric tools, the entire project gets stored on the Cloud.
Everyone who has access to the project can make adjustments, reshape it,
comment on it, or add something new. This significantly reduces the required time
and increases efficiency.
#4 It’s Reusable
All of the data for your parametric project remains saved in the tool unless
removed. This means you can use parts of your previous project in designing a
new one.
And if the client demands a last-ditch change to certain details, there’s an easy
way to do so. That’s going to make you look omnipotent and your client super
happy.
Additionally, some tools allow you to create separate parts of your model. This
enables you to break one part of your model into multiple components and try out
various possibilities.
Despite the obvious upsides of parametricism, some experts argue that this
concept is far from perfect.
The loudest case against parametric design comes from Rowan Moore, Guardian’s
architecture critic. He argued that despite the promised visual splendour, the
intended use of parametric design is questionable.
Moore noted that the building looks like an isolated and expensive monument
where the primary use is neglected. Instead of solving spatial headaches, it made
structures awkward and hard to navigate.
“It should be adaptable, fluid, responsive and connective with its surroundings.
But most parametric buildings so far tend to be the opposite,” said Moore.
Artificial intelligence can aid the solving of geometrical issues, but is it practical?
Most industries have accepted and embraced tech tools to solve systematic
issues. It was only natural that architecture followed suit.
In fact, architecture is only one of the many industries that have utilised this
concept.
It’s an undeniable fact that we’re approaching the age where AI takes over.
Moreover, the boundaries between private and personal space are starting to
fade.
The headquarters of massive companies like Google and Facebook are becoming
micro-cities. A place where one building serves various roles, not just entirely for
office work.
All of these have opened up an entirely new field of design. It’s one where AI and
architects work together to perpetuate an ever-changing world.
Parametric design has existed for some time. Contemporary technologies and
needs have only accelerated its development.
It’s not easy to predict the future, but the recent happenings signal that
parametricism is here to stay.
Not only that, you can use Archistar to find suitable development sites in
Australian and all the way up to finalising the design. Sign up for a demo and you
can take it out for a test drive.
Get started
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