PARAMETRIC MODELLING
WHAT IS PARAMETRIC MODELLING?
It has created some architectural discourse within the design environment in the past few decades. As the name suggests, Parametric Modelling responds to a design being created within a designated parameter. The influential Patrik Schumacher denotes that to design via Parametric Modelling or Parametricism is a style. However, I personally see Parametric Modelling as a revolutionary tool to 3D computational modelling. It is not a “style� that someone applies but rather an approach that one takes. Parametric Modelling opposes the conventional way of designing as it is often considered as the bottom-up approach as the important aspects are set to create a form(parameter) followed by fitting in the smaller details while traditionally the form is created then having the essential parameters worked into it.
ADVANTAGES
This powerful tool enables designers with great flexibility as changes can be made to the individual part without having to alter the whole system. As parametric modelling bases functions as relationships within the elements, it makes it possible to alter these connections. Given that, it is very tedious to make changes to each of this connections as there may be thousands of them. However, Parametric Modelling enables the designers with more possible solutions through generating more iterations with variations to them easily in a short period of time. This is highly benefitial to designers who are often, if not always, under stressful time constraints.
DISADVANTAGES
Given its great benefitial properties, like many other technology, Parametric Modelling too has its limitations. As the technological economy is always progressing, so will this approach. The thought process of the designer may be argued to be limited by this approach and the role of the designer may be questioned; Who is doing the designing? The computer or the man?
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
MERCEDES BENZ MUSEUM UN Studio, 2006 Stuttgart, Germany
When I think of Parametric Architecture, the Mercedes Benz Museum is the first to spring to mind. It is considered to be one of the most revolutionary building. Its obvious parametric form that evolved through layering trefoil knots vertically makes it almost impossible to be described and understand through traditional 2D drawings. The use of parametric modelling here is examplary as it enables the architects to create a unique spatial experiece for the users. By applying parametric constraints to the elements of this building, it enabled them to focus on the design and found easy solutions in construction. For example, having applied a parameter on the repeated concrete formwork, the structure is formed and the architects are able to accomodate other constraints to it. The architects are also able to control the amount of light that enters into this building, diverting the focus of the users where need be. I personally do not think that parametric modelling is neccessary for this, but I think that it would have saved the designers a lot of time and enabled them to make adjustments to it much more easily. Having used this modelling tool, the architects are also able to keep the budget under control as the elements are made to fit into the structure.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
REFUGIA HOTEL Mobil Arquitectos, 2011 Dalcahue, Chile
This design may look simple and the use of parametric modelling may not seem present but there is more to it than meets the eye. This building is located in the Southern Hemisphere and the views are mostly faces southwards. This means that it is hard to capture the heat coming from the North. Here is where the design challenge comes in, to utilise passive design approach to maximise the absorption of heat through the use of materiality and the parametric modelling tool. I concluded that the use of parametric modelling is not to find the form of this building, as it is mostly geometrical. However, it is used extensively in the roof whereby the shape of each individual shingle is calculated and positioned. This amazes me as I’m really interested in sustainable designs and the fact that parametric modelling can aid in this way has opened my mind and encouraged me to use it.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
AAMI PARK Cox Architects, 2010 Melbourne, Australia
This is an example that is closer to home. The form of the roof is generated through many iterations made through parametric modelling. This is neccessary as the many iterations explored the structural efficiency of the roof. The form here is designed to maximise the structural capacity and not done the other way around where the form is created then altered to maximise its performance like the conventional way of designing works. Through designing with parametric modelling, it is clear that it is highly benefitial as it is able to come up with iterations rather quickly, generate a structure that is buildable and maximising the use of materials while keeping the budget under control.