scholarly journals Parametric Architectural Design Solutions – Some Observed  Difficulties of Application

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Matthew Fraser

<p>It is generally accepted that the restrictions of digital parametric design tools (DPDT’s) are currently shifting. Technology and interface can be engineered to overcome many complex problems within architectural processes, yet this does not necessarily mean solutions are easier to obtain; quite the opposite can occur. As architectural practitioners lean more towards the ubiquitous use of digital processes the decisions made by the designer can be overshadowed by the advantages of time saving technologies and heuristic rules of thumb. The various inherent interfaces of digital processes tend to conceal the real complexity and nuance of the set of possible solutions and analyses. The awareness of the workings of the tools and processes from a ‘base principle’ point of view could be a weak point in regards to the uptake by a new generation of architects who experience a growing simplification of interfaces within new digital design processes. This poses a problem for a profession which seeks to integrate technical skills knowledge into wider, sometimes loosely structured, set of processes. This research highlights the problems faced by architects, students, and specialists who aspire to apply innovative digital processes in a strategic manner. The concern which arises is this lack of understanding of how tools could be used reduces the ability to integrate them within design process. Theoretical literature falls short in providing robust guidance to the application of illunderstood design tools, further compounding the sincere integration of practical solutions. There are ways forward for developers to create new and updated tools, such as form modellers, design aids, and optimisation helpers, but these do not necessarily meet their full potential in providing integrated solutions. It is possible to improve our understanding of these potentials by looking at how these tools can be used in both practical and theoretical terms. In this thesis this is done by framing and answering the following research question: What are the characteristics of some of the observed issues and obstacles revealed in the practical application of digital parametric design tools in architecture? This question is adopted so that the obstacles of DPDT’s may be better understood and allow for better integration, better design outcomes, and better future use of powerful latent potential. This research defines the process of parametric design through analysis of literature and applies this to participantobserver case studies. It finds that a clarification of particular issues and obstacles can be useful to improved understanding of DPDT’s and that certain qualitative characteristics of these obstacles can constrain applications and avenues of exploration.</p>

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Matthew Fraser

<p>It is generally accepted that the restrictions of digital parametric design tools (DPDT’s) are currently shifting. Technology and interface can be engineered to overcome many complex problems within architectural processes, yet this does not necessarily mean solutions are easier to obtain; quite the opposite can occur. As architectural practitioners lean more towards the ubiquitous use of digital processes the decisions made by the designer can be overshadowed by the advantages of time saving technologies and heuristic rules of thumb. The various inherent interfaces of digital processes tend to conceal the real complexity and nuance of the set of possible solutions and analyses. The awareness of the workings of the tools and processes from a ‘base principle’ point of view could be a weak point in regards to the uptake by a new generation of architects who experience a growing simplification of interfaces within new digital design processes. This poses a problem for a profession which seeks to integrate technical skills knowledge into wider, sometimes loosely structured, set of processes. This research highlights the problems faced by architects, students, and specialists who aspire to apply innovative digital processes in a strategic manner. The concern which arises is this lack of understanding of how tools could be used reduces the ability to integrate them within design process. Theoretical literature falls short in providing robust guidance to the application of illunderstood design tools, further compounding the sincere integration of practical solutions. There are ways forward for developers to create new and updated tools, such as form modellers, design aids, and optimisation helpers, but these do not necessarily meet their full potential in providing integrated solutions. It is possible to improve our understanding of these potentials by looking at how these tools can be used in both practical and theoretical terms. In this thesis this is done by framing and answering the following research question: What are the characteristics of some of the observed issues and obstacles revealed in the practical application of digital parametric design tools in architecture? This question is adopted so that the obstacles of DPDT’s may be better understood and allow for better integration, better design outcomes, and better future use of powerful latent potential. This research defines the process of parametric design through analysis of literature and applies this to participantobserver case studies. It finds that a clarification of particular issues and obstacles can be useful to improved understanding of DPDT’s and that certain qualitative characteristics of these obstacles can constrain applications and avenues of exploration.</p>


Author(s):  
Adeline Stals ◽  
Sylvie Jancart ◽  
Catherine Elsen

Digital design tools and notably parametric ones have generated profound modifications of the architectural practice. In line with this evolution, technological and formal changes at the scale of architectural artifacts are underway, leading to a shift especially in regard of how architects deal on an everyday basis with CAD and morphological complexities. Big offices, thanks to their human and financial resources, have faced these difficulties and pushed the limits of their architectural projects. Little is known, however, about how smaller offices, accounting for the largest part of the European market, did adapt to these profound evolutions. Going through the results of a large-scale online survey, this paper analyzes the Belgian case regrouping mostly small and medium offices. The contribution discusses the meaning of parametric design for architects and reflects particularly on how architects do or do not implement these new digital tools in their everyday workflows. The results eventually shed light on the fact that parametric tools have the potential to free the creativity of SME’s and moreover unveil how these tools might overcome some of the current complexities of the daily architectural practice.


Author(s):  
Mary Spyropoulos ◽  
Alisa Andrasek

AbstractThis paper examines the role of computational simulation of material processes with robotics fabrication, with the intent of examining its implications for architectural design and construction. Simulation techniques have been adopted in the automotive industry amongst others, advancing their design and manufacturing outputs. At present, architecture is yet to explore the full potential of this technology and their techniques. The need for simulation is evident in exploring the behaviours of materials and their relative properties. Currently, there is a distinct disconnect between the virtual model and its fabricated counterpart. Through research in simulation, we can begin to understand and clearly visualize the relationship between material behaviours and properties that can lead to a closer correlation between the digital design and its fabricated outcome. As the first phase of investigation, the material of clay is used due to its volatile qualities embedded within the material behaviour. The input geometry is constrained to rudimentary extruded forms in order to not obscure the behaviour of the material, but rather allow for it to drive the machine-making process.


Author(s):  
Andrea Vanossi

Parametric modeling, usually considered modeling tools, has been analyzed in this chapter in a different way: as design tools for architect. First the use of parametric design has been considered from different approaches. Starting from the approach of Kas Oosterhuis Architect, in the Saltwater pavilion (1997), or Peter Cook Architect in the Kunsthaus (2003), in which the parametric tools have been used as shapes generation tools. Until the approach of the Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, in the Sunny Hills building (2013), where the parametric tools have been used to rethink traditional construction techniques in a parametric way, known as chidori. After the analysis of the different parametric approaches, a new perception on the architectural design will be provided. In particular, the analytic way and the creative way, are usually separated in the architectural design, and it will enhance their interaction, in some cases, they become the same thing. This approach makes explicit and evaluable parts of the design process, reducing the gap between concept and goal in the design.


Author(s):  
Steinar Hillersøy Dyvik ◽  
Marcin Luczkowski ◽  
John Haddal Mork ◽  
Anders Nils Rønnquist ◽  
Bendik Manum

<p>Freeform structures can provide both aesthetically interesting and material efficient solutions but are considered a demanding task for both structural design, manufacturing and architectural design. A free form surface is therefore rationalized into something more buildable like the gridshell. However, a digital design process with freeform geometry can be a complex and confusing task. By defining a gridshell as <i>nodes</i>(joints) and <i>elements</i>(members), we can set up a parametric workflow that handles the complexity in design and analysis. Optimization and rationalization of shape, topology, and cross-section are studied real-time, giving the designer confidence and design- freedom. This paper explains a parametric workflow for designing freeform gridshells. Through the design and construction of a timber gridshell pavilion with 3D printed nylon nodes, we discovered important elements of the parametric design process of freeform gridshells.</p>


2012 ◽  
Vol 446-449 ◽  
pp. 3381-3384
Author(s):  
Rui Wang ◽  
Hang He

As a new approach of the sustainable design, parametric design, which is also known as computational design, has become the new focus in architecture digital design. Parametric design which mostly applied in architectural design of landmark building is a special architectural type. Instead of ignoring social attribute and environmental characteristics of building, more architects are attracted to the amazing form of building from the result of parametric design. We should pay more attention to context, environmental factors and social influence in parametric design process, and give landmark building more social significance.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 2138
Author(s):  
Semra Arslan Selçuk ◽  
Güneş Mutlu Avinç

The bio-informed concept, which means “designing by learning from nature’s best ideas” as an approach, method, tool, discipline or strategy, is one of the most important research areas of today. It does not only shape designs, but also is based on collaborative/interactive/creative methods in education and can be integrated with contemporary educational approaches. This paper questions how to translate the bio-knowledge, which can be an effective and useful method for developing designers’ skills such as system-thinking, innovative thinking and problem-based learning, to design education in an easy and understandable way. In this context, the method of determining and applying biological phenomena/systems into architectural design process through the “natural language approach” is investigated. With this research, it is aimed to open the way to reach more innovative and sustainable solutions by establishing a bridge between architectural and biological terminology while creating architectural structures. It has been shown how to increase the biodiversity utilized for bio-informed solutions in the architectural field by proposing a systematic approach to search for biological systems. From this point of view, this study emphasizes the importance of promoting the bio-informed design approach, increasing interdisciplinary relationships and orienting individuals to nature for creativity and sustainability.


Author(s):  
Marzia Morena ◽  
Gian Battista Bischetti ◽  
Maria Luisa Del Gatto ◽  
Anna Gornati

Purpose This study forms part of a larger project funded by Cariplo Foundation. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the scope to exploit the full potential and upgrade the functions of abandoned or under-utilized typical highland Alpine pasture systems (made by a complex of grazing fields, buildings for temporal animal and human recovery and dairy production, identified as Malga system or Alpeggio), by adopting the property investor’s point of view. Design/methodology/approach This study has adapted the traditional property development processes to rural buildings, thus generating an analysis model that proves able to define a new destination of use whenever the project considers the reuse of existing facilities. Findings The proposed model analyzes the technological, functional and territory features of the building to be upgraded, to assess the technical feasibility of the changeover project and identify the highest and best use of Malga-systems. The model has been applied to all the Malga-systems in the Orobie Bergamasche Park; it performed a comprehensive assessment of the development potential of the Malga-systems in the same Park. Research limitations/implications The design of the model took into consideration the specificities of the Orobie Bergamasche Park; nevertheless, the method can be taken as an example to be applied to any grazing land in the Alps. Originality/value This research provides the real estate market with a new analysis tool that is specific for the rural buildings, and suitable to streamline the procedures designed to upgrade these properties and to infuse new life into the territories that are experiencing a period of hardship and/or decay.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document