PARAMETRIC ARCHITECTURE

TOTAL FLUIDITY
SUBMITTED BY
GUDIYA PANDIT

GUIDED BY

PROF. TANISHA DUTTA

IN FULFILLMENT OF REQURIEMENT FOR THE AWARD OF

THE DEGREE OF

B. ARCH

REPORT SUBMITTED TO

PRIYADARSHINI INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

STUDIES, NAGPUR

PRIYADARSHINI CAMPUS, DIGDOH HILLS, OFF HINGNA ROAD,C.R.P.F.,

NAGPUR-440 019 INDIA

PRIYADARSHINI INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN STUDIES,

NAGPUR (PIADS) 2020-21
 DECLARATION
We, hereby declare that the Report titled “Parametric architecture – total fulidity”
submitted here has been carried out by us in the Priyadarshini Institute of Architecture
and Design Studies, Nagpur. The work is original and has not been submitted earlier as
a whole or in part for the award of any degree /diploma at this or any other Institution
/University.

GUDIYA PANDIT

DATE:
CERTIFICATE

We, hereby declare that the Report titled “Parametric architecture total fulidity”
submitted by Gudiya Pandit for the award of the degree of B.Arch, has been carried out
under here has been carried out under my graduation at the Priyadarshini Institute of
Architecture and Design Studies, Nagpur. The work is comprehensive, complete and fit
for evaluation.

Prof. Tanisha Dutta

Guide
PIADS, Nagpur.

Forwarded by-
Prof. Nishant Manapure
Principal, PIADS, Nagpur.

Ar. Habeeb Khan

Director, PIADS, Nagpur

Date:
 CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1- INTRODUCTION

1. ABSTRACT
2. INTRODUCTION
3. DEFINATION OF THE TERM
4. AIM
5. OBJECTIVES
6. METHODOLOGY

CHAPTER 2- LITERATURE STUDY

• PARAMETRIC ARCHITECTURE
• PARAMETRIC DESIGN TOOL
• BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF FLUID SURFACE

CHAPTER 3- WHAT IS FLUIDITY IN ARCHITECTURE

3.1 FLUID, FLOW AND FLUIDITY

3. 2 FLUIDITY AND ARCHITECTURE
3. 3 FLUIDITY IN ARCHITECTURE
3. 4 WHERE IS FLUIDITY??
CHAPTER 4- DATA COLLECTION

4.1 CASE STUDY

CHAPTER 5- CONCLUSIONS REFERENCES

1.1 ABSTRACT

This research is entitled on ‘Parametric Architecture Total Fluidity’.

Parametric design is a new approach to architectural design based on the concept of

parameters. It utilises parameters to set relations between design elements in order to define
a range of formal alternatives. In this sense, parametric design provides great opportunities
for architects to engineer the design process more efficiently.

As, many practicing architects talk about the challenges of this type of design approach.
Similarly, inside academia parametric tools are quite popular among students of architecture.
Some students like to apply parametric methods to their design projects using software
packages such as Grasshopper. However, they may not always be aware of the challenges of
these methods because student projects are not real design situations as experienced by
practicing architects.

It is essential to explain two issues here, before introducing the aim and objectives of this
research. Firstly, ‘parametric design’ is a term employed in this research due to its frequent
usage in architectural practice. It refers to the use of parameters in creation of form in the
design process. Secondly, it is worth referring the CAD since they are used in this research.
Computer-aided design or CAD is simply the deployment of computer to assist the designer in
design. . However, in this research ‘traditional’ CAD is actually the point of reference. It
echoes the concepts of computer as a drawing tool and a device for representation rather
than computation.
1.2 INTRODUCTION

Parametric architecture is a new and evolved style of architecture. Its computer and technology aided
design which is used as a tool for various design projects. Its is defined by parametric which are set by the
designer be it in form of a small scale project or a major urban scale design. Its is a form of computer
aided design which helps designers in optimizing and improving their designs. Over the year various
design interfaces have been developed to revolution parametric modelling and allowing freedom in
design.

Italian architect Luigi Moretti was the one of the first architects to work on parametric architecture by
using mathematics to create new shapes. In 1957 he founded the Institute for Operations Research and
Applied Mathematics (IRMOU) in order to find parametric modelling for new form generations by using
mathematical theories in design.

The design develops according to the set parameters. The final form is a result of the parameters selected
for the design process. The range of parameters can vary from natural environment dealing with a
building or the software aiding in designing a structure.

Parametric designing allows easier three- dimensional modelling and gives the freedom of modifying the
design at any stage of design depending on the convenience of the designer. During the process of design,
one may need to change certain things used in the earlier stages of the design process.

The introduction of the “Fluid” in the definition of architecture, which still seems to be helplessly clinging
to an old fashioned notion of tectonics both in functional and economic terms, is new and innovative.
Buildings today no longer be viewed as being merely the visible three dimensional result of a linear
solution – seeking process.
In our increasingly complex society, solutions as difficulty they are to find are what we
should aim at. Method involves a consistent form- to-program heuristics, i.e. form-
selects-function instead of function- selects-form. Development of project thus
extensively relies on post- rationalization. The projects oscillate between play and
analysis and aim at elaborating new form-functions relations.

Hence for my research, I have decided to consider fluidity as a parameter in the building
constructure in India. The main idea is to understand how a building, in simple terms
behave like fluids. What are the elements that can be modified or manipulated to achieve
a free flowing behavior and how this behavior can affect the building typology and built
environment. Parametric architecture helps a designer to manipulate spaces or forms in
ways which are difficult to imagine visually. And as it is the age of contemporary and
digitalized architecture, the change from linear models to experimental and innovative
forms and expression is inevitable. By using a parametric approach, I believe that I can
have a thorough understanding of the parameter and in the future can implement this
concept.

1.3 DEFINATION OF THE TERMS

Parametric Design – Its is a used for designing structures and buidling elements based
on certain parameters, chosen by the designer, with the help of Computer Aided Design
Technology.

Fluidity – Appearance of a building to be flowing or the flow of people inside a building

similar to a fluid.
 RESEARCH OUTLINE

4. AIM

The aim of the research is to observe and study how a building can be like free flowing liquids with the help of

parametric design approach.

• OBJECTIVES
1.) To understand thoroughly the concept of fluidity. 2.) To understand what is parametric architecture.
3.) To study and understand how spaces and aesthetics behave with each other.
4.) To understand how fluidity can be depicted I spaces and building.
5.) To experiment and see how different spaces and forms can be manipulated.

• METHODOLOGY

1.) Understanding parametric architecture

2.) Usage of technology as a design tool
3.) Study of algorithm generation in grasshopper
4.) Creating different kind of geometry and forms using grasshopper
5.) Creating a list of different material that can be used to
implement the design 6.) Finally ending the design with an observation
on different
possibilities of built environment that can be created through the building
CHAPTER 2- LITERATURE STUDY

1. PARAMETRIC ARCHITECTURE

The phrase “what’s old is new again” has its place in architecture. However, today’s groundbreaking
designs have bucked tradition. Parametric design has particularly rebelled against long-standing
guidelines

Parametric architecture is a vast topic and includes all the design areas such as urban design, street
design, fashion design and even installation art

• PARAMETRIC DESIGN TOOL

Contemporary designers are working with various Algorithms as the model of computation to use it as
a tool for design challenges. An Algorithm is a set of rules and instructions in a step by step procedure
to calculate, process data and do a defined task. For any form of data given as input, an algorithm will
perform its predefined operations and calculate the required result. Similarly, a design algorithm will
also provide a design output if being given relevant data as input. There are different parameters like
Site, Area program, Building type, Facilities, Beauty, Structure or even Bye Laws which should be
considered while going through the process of design. In algorithm processes it is attempted to
transfer these parameters into algorithm to generate design solutions. What is currently known as
algorithm, parametric or Generative design software is the platform to do such design processes in
computers via Computer Aided Design Software.

Parametric designing is possible with the use of software which can take in data set by the designer
and process it to form various shapes.
Such flexibility in design is not possible through all design software. The most important software for
parametric design is Grasshopper, which is a plug in of the 3D modelling software Rhinoceros.
Grasshopper is a visual programming language developed by David Rutten at Robert McNeil & associates
which was released in September 2007.

Grasshopper 3D was created in a perspective to extend in those area where Rhino 3D could not! It is a
versatile plugin that takes design complexities to a new-found level by exceeding the limit beyond Rhino
3D. Although, Rhino 3D is a strong software tool in itself that has the capability of editing, analyzing, and
dealing with some of the most intense of architectural design and detailing

Architectural software is in a state of constant advancement. They are always being updated to give
designers a smooth and simple interface in order to bring their concepts to life. Amidst all this emerging
trend in itself, Grasshopper3D has caught on to become one of the most revolutionizing software tools, that
is here to stay.
 2.3 BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF A FLUID SURFACE

Starting Grashopper can be done by typing grasshopper in the Rhino command line.
Grasshopper will open on top of Rhino. You can also click on the Grasshopper icon in the
toolbar.

The grasshopper canvas

On the left background is the viewport in rhino and the right side box is the
grasshopper plugin. On the top in the plugin, those are the different tools with
which one can work and the grid in the bottoms is called the canvas.
Setting and dividing curve

So this is the first algorithm in which a curve is made in rhino. Then using grasshopper, the curve
can be copied on the z-axis using the ‘Move’ component. Then the curve can be divided using
‘Divide curve’ component to get a series of point.

Creating the surface out of curve

The next step is to make the surface using the curves. For that the ‘Loft’ component can be
used and to make the surface we just need to join the different lines with the loft.

Creating the geometry

Now we need to extrude some elements for the base and the soffit. So
the ‘Extrude’ component is used here with a number slider to increase or
decrease the extrusions.
Dividing the surface for window

Now to make a panel on the surface for glazing, we use ‘divide surface’
component and attach it with ‘isogram’ which has SubSrf written on it. This
divides the surface in the number of segments and that can be controlled using
the number slide.
Modelling for final form

Now the segmented surface can be designed using a component called ‘Culln’ which
creates patterns in the segments and that also can be parametrically controlled using
number sliders. All we need to do now is group all this together and bake it to grt a final
rendered image of what we have created here.

The following series of figure shows the rendered images of the fluid surface at every stage of
creation. Although this is a very small zone but the idea needs to be cleared before we proceed.

This representation can be manipulated more so flexibility in the software gives us an upper hand.
More we experiment more ideas can emerge through various geometries.
 Rendered intial stage Rendered computing facade patter

Through commands like twist, scale, move, rotate, loft, extrude, Brep, Deconstruct, etc. one gets a
complete control over the parameters on which the design is based on. Hence it is termed so evidently as
Parametric Architecture.

Apart from the modelling, Rhino is a excellent software for simulation of the grasshopper model. Finally a
model can be rendered using a lot of renderers . available for Rhino such V-Ray which is considered as the
best rendered apart from Maya.

https://bimcorner.com/8-grasshopper-shortcuts-which-you-should-know/

https://parametric-architecture.com/grasshopper-3d-a-modeling-software-redefining-the-design- process

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7wwqEH9FPw
CHAPTER 3- WHAT IS FLUIDITY IN ARCHITECTURE

3.1 FLUID, FLOW AND FLUIDITY

To understand what fluidity in architecture is, we need to first understand the term ‘Fluid’.Fluid
architecture consists of unique buildings with curved surfaces. ... The combination of curved surfaces,
unique products and large tolerances makes fluid architecture an interesting application for flexible
moulding. These moulds can be used to create complex shapes.

Defines flow as an 'irreducible flux of becoming'; a continuous force to which people and space
are subject, and through which they express themselves and evolve. Rather than a hermetic
building, it becomes a space in-between, a fluid and discontinuous built form that transforms
through time and tide.
Fluidity in Architecture proves to be one of the most ultra-modern approaches towards
design, engineering, and construction. It is intricate yet clean and minimal to the eye.
Challenging the ever- evolving Architectural design, fluid designs use most technologically
advanced and accurate calculations in building its form on all levels.

While defining fluidity, it is important to understand the zero-edge patterns on a modular

level. For instance, a cloth randomly thrown on a platform acquires a stable form and it
can be arranged in a hundred different ways to create various fluid patterns.
3.2 FLUIDITY AND ARCHITECTURE
The concept of fluidity was present since the time architecture was born. Although the idea wasn’t so
clear but the early man when started constructing shelters had a certain understanding of the concept
which could be defined as ‘Fluidity and Architecture’ , where the building and structures which were
designed and constructed had involved water somewhere or the other. If we look back in history , the
Egyptain designers while constructing their palaces always made sure that there was a flow of water in
the interiors which would come from the river Nile so that the water can be used for domestic chores
and also could be used for cooling the interiors.

As time went by and architecture bloomed, this concept of including the use of water in building took
different forms by different designers and builders all over the world. And even now, when the world
has developed to such a great extent, the original idea of using water in the building for cooling is still
retained which can be seen in projects like B.V. Doshi’s office in Ahmadabad.

Sangath by B.V.Doshi
Contemporary architecture suggeststhat fluidity is smething which can be used beyond
the aspects of functionality part of a building. Till now only the physical effects of the
water was used inside the buildings but what happens if we design a building to behave
like water. What happens if a building gets designed in such a way that functionlity,
aesthetics, landscaping, etc. resembles the behaviour of water or any other fluids?
3.2 FLUIDITY IN ARCHITECTURE

With all the questions that started this style, more questions emerged as in how will this
concept be applied, how can buildings be designed to resemble fluidity, how will those buildings
be constructed, how will it affect the building psychology but the most important question that
still needed to be answered was why we needed fluidity in architecture.

Queen of the curve by Zaha Hadid

The main challenge with concept was how to design function with the form. Traditional
architecture involve a process in which the functionality of the design was understood
before the worked out.
But the form was first developed, so arrangement of spaces so that the function
requirement of building is met becomes the fun part.
To work out unpredicted conditions with form and spaces that normally would be difficult
to visualize. So through software one can create 3d models efficiently.
3.3 WHERE IS FLUIDITY

3.3 a) URBAN DESIGN AND URBAN PLANNING

Zany Beko, Downtown in Belgrade (Zaha Hadid)

Marine Park Design of Urban Architecture

3.3 b) FORM AND BUILDING PROFILE

The Unity of Vilnius Museum form, (Zaha Hadid)

The Seamlessness and Fluidity of Regium Waterfront Reggio Organic Form, Italy (Zaha
Hadid)

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/The-seamlessness-and-fluidity-of-Regium-Waterfront-Reggio-organic-form-Italy- 2007_fig63_283347344
3.3 c) LANDSCAPE DESIGN

National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Mecanoo)

Infinitus Plaza in Guangzhou blurs the line between outside and in (Zaha Hadid)
3.3 d) INTERIOR DESIGN
 3.3 e) PRODUCT DESIGN AND FASHION DESIGN

https://www.dezeen.com/2010/02/19/fluidity-design-by-zaha-hadid/
YEAR OF NAME OF TITLE OF PAPER AIM OF THE STUDY METHOD OF DATA SAMPLE CONCLUSIONS KEY FINDING S
SIZ E
PUBLIC ATION AUTHOR COLLECTIO N

2014 Mriganka Parametric The aim of the Case study - The parametric design presented in this paper -
Nath Architecture- research is to Achieving addressed computational concepts of Parametric
Total Fluidity observe and complete fluidity – architectural designing that influence the recent
Architecture
study how a development of architectural production.
Heydar Aliyev -
building can be
Cultural Centre by In this fluid architecture has been introduced and Parametric
like free flowing
(Zaha Hadid the concept took sometime for people to design tool
liquids with the
help of architect) understand. Now more and more people are -Fluidity
parametric adopting fluidity in their designs due to its -Fluidity in
design approach Fluidity in direction advantages features. Architecture
– Lucky Knot Bridge, Due to software, designers can easily visualize -Product
China (NEXT complex in a design and also get better design
Architect) understanding of their own design. The software
-Interior
now allows a designer to design a structure while
it automatically does the calculation for that
design
Vertical fluidity in -Case study
urban area – Aqua structure. This gives a advantage on control of the
Tower, Chicago designer on control of the design parameters.
USA (Studio Gang
Architects) The use of digital parametric tools allowed the
participants to design within an environment
based on rules and generative descriptions. This
Repetition in amplified their design understanding and learning
fluidity – Mayfair outcomes. The students connected their
Residential Tower knowledge with their ambition to create their
( Zaha Hadid ) own design proposals.

Fluidity is a style of architecture and not a

method. The design process always had critical
stages which every designer must follow. Now
architects and designers are exploring more into
this concept attempting to discover new methods
and techniques. Fluidity is a broad and wide
subject which can be candidly explored, studied
and implemented.
 1. CASE STUDY

ACHIEVING COMPLETE FLUIDITY

1) Heydar Aliyer Cultural Center ( Zaha Hadid )
Architects : Zaha Hadid Architects

Area : 101801 m²

Year : 2013

Zaha Hadid Architects was appointed as design architects of the Heydar Aliyev Center following a competition in 2007. The
Center, designed to become the primary building for the nation’s cultural programs, breaks from the rigid and often
monumental Soviet architecture that is so prevalent in Baku, aspiring instead to express the sensibilities of Azeri culture
and the optimism of a nation that looks to the future

The very famous Cultural Center in Baku has officially established itself as the ideal example of fluidity, form, and
engineering in Architectural design and technology. It is bold but merges with the lines of natural geometry, giving form to
the one-piece huge mass of the Centerspread across the span of the project.

The design of the Heydar Aliyev Center establishes a continuous, fluid relationship between its surrounding
plaza and the building’s interior. The plaza, as the ground surface; accessible to all as part of Baku’s urban fabric, rises to
envelop an equally public interior space and define a sequence of event
spaces dedicated to the collective celebration of contemporary and traditional Azeri culture

Fluidity in architecture is not new to this region. In historical Islamic architecture, rows, grids, or
sequences of columns flow to infinity like trees in a forest, establishing non-hierarchical space.
Continuous calligraphic and ornamental patterns flow from carpets to walls, walls to ceilings, ceilings
to domes, establishing seamless relationships and blurring distinctions between architectural elements
and the ground they inhabit

https://www.archdaily.com/448774/heydar-aliyev-center-zaha-hadid-architects
 FLUIDITY IN DIRECTION
2) Lucky Knot Bridge ( NEXT Architect )

The 185 m long and 24 m high pedestrian truss bridge, which is bright red in color, was designed by NEXT architects
based in Amsterdam and Beijing and completed in October 2016

NEXT architects are working on a unique series of bridges all over the world. This time, their latest design isn’t an
intriguing bat bridge (nominated for the 2016 Dutch Design Awards), but an iconic bridge in China: the Lucky Knot. The
new steel pedestrian bridge in the Chinese mega city Changsha is 185 meters long and 24 meters high and fits perfectly
in the sequence of extraordinary bridges that characterize NEXT’s practice; by explicitly engaging with the local context,
the bridge designs offer new perspectives.

The bridge built to cross the Dragon King Harbor River emerges effortlessly from the bank to reach the opposite edge of
the basin. It is designed on the principles of traditional Chinese knotting art which merges multiple bridges into one
single strand. It is built in steel and allows people to interact and experience the beauty in the region than just passing
by!
 VERTICAL FLUIDITY IN URBAN AREA
3) Aqua Tower Chicago

Although the first glance at the structure does not give away the classic Fluid vibe, the detail in the external
facade reflects a natural flow of lines across its 82 floors. Standing tall since 2009, this building remains the
exceptional work of Architect Jeanne Gang, making it the tallest skyscraper by a female Designer.
The lines flow from each edge into a continuous rhythm making it look like clay wrapped around the glass
building block.

This concept does not stop at the building level but extends its branches into interior design, furniture design
and sculptural art. There are numerous possibilities for designing in free-flowing lines.

Modular installations and sculptures are also taking the limelight with their material palette and its
properties. The portable structures for waiting areas, public seating, and small vehicular stations make it easy for
the multi-purpose use of these light-weight fluid designs.
 REPETITION IN FLUIDITY
1) Mayfair Residential Tower

The structure, named Mayfair Residential Tower, will house 158 one-to-five bedroom residences that range in size from about
753-square-feet to
about 5,985-square-feet, ZHA says in a statement. The tower will boast a roof terrace, swimming pools and communal areas. A
restaurant cafe with double-
height civic spaces will also be located on the street level.

Mayfair Tower is a 22-storey residential building in Business Bay, Dubai.

Construction began in 2008 and was completed by 2011.
The project was developed by Deyaar Development PJSC.
The architect of the project was Archdome Consulting Engineers.
The project is located on plot BB.A06.049.
From Mayfair Tower it takes roughly 12 minutes to drive to Dubai Mall, 21 minutes to Palm Jumeirah, 19 minutes to Burj Al
Arab and 24 minutes to The Walk JBR.
DubaiInternational Airport (DXB) is roughly 21 minutes' drive and the new Al Maktoum International Airport is roughly 41
minutes' drive. All durations are calculated by Google Maps and assume the fastest route in typical traffic conditions.
A 22-storey residential building in Business Bay developed by Deyaar Development PJSC and designed by Arch dome Consulting
Engineers.
The 80-metre tower contains 218 one- and two-bedroom apartments.
Construction began in 2008 and was completed in 2011.
 Facilities include a swimming pool, sauna and steam rooms, Jacuzzi, gymnasium, terrace garden and 24-
hour security.
"Located within the established streetscape of St Kilda Road, the design enables residents to make full
advantage of its excellent location within Melbourne," ZHA says in a statement. "The fluid forms of the
façade define large balconies for each apartment and spectacular views of the Royal Botanic Gardens,
Port Phillip Bay, Albert Park and skyline of the Central Business District."

https://blarrow.tech/fluidity-in-architecture/

https://propsearch.ae/dubai/mayfair-tower
CHAPTER 5- CONCLUSIONS

The parametric design presented in this paper addressed Computational concepts of

architectural designing that influence the recent development of architectural
production.

In this fluid architecture has been introduced and the concept took sometime for people
to understand. Now more and more people are adopting fluidity in their designs due to
its advantages features.
Due to software, designers can easily visualize complex in a design
and also get better understanding of their own design. The software now allows a
designer to design a structure while it automatically does the calculation for that
structure. This gives a advantage on control of the designer on control of the design
parameters.

The use of digital parametric tools allowed the participants to design within an
environment based on rules and generative descriptions.
This amplified their design understanding and learning outcomes. The students
connected their knowledge with their ambition to create their own design proposals.

Fluidity is a style of architecture and not a method. The design process always had
critical stages which every designer must follow. Now architects and designers are
exploring more into this concept attempting to discover new methods and techniques.
Fluidity is a broad and wide subject which can be candidly explored, studied and
implemented.
REFERENCES
https://parametric-architecture.com/wp- content/uploads/2018/11/The-Challenges-of-
Parametric-Design-in- Architecture-Today.pdf

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/30874784_Parametric_De
signing_in_Architecture

https://parametric-architecture.com/wp- content/uploads/2018/11/The-Challenges-of-
Parametric-Design-in- Architecture-Today.pdf

https://core.ac.uk/download/48547606.pdf

http://lacunae.io/downloads/publications/RHudsonEThesis.pdf

https://www.forbes.com/sites/julianvigo/2019/06/16/parametric- architectures-
embrace-of-new-technology/?sh=4f0ab433187e

https://purehost.bath.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/187941972/RHuds onEThesis.pdf

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S20952635120007 4X

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/parametric- design

https://issuu.com/mriganknath/docs/parametric_architecture_-
_total_flu

https://library.sutd.edu.sg/sulb/weeklydiscovery/Parametic%20Desig n.pdf

http://cumincad.scix.net/data/works/att/ecaade2008_012.content.p df