Parametric Design

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- The use of algorithms and software to generate complex geometries based on specific parameters or constraints.

Computational design: The use of algorithms and computer programs to create architecture.
Generative design: Using algorithms to create a large number of different design options.
Parametric modeling: Creating complex geometries that can be easily changed through changing parameters.
Grasshopper: A visual programming language for creating parametric models.
Rhino: A 3D modeling software commonly used in parametric design.
Digital fabrication: Using computer-controlled machines to produce physical models or buildings.
Additive manufacturing: Building 3D models layer by layer from a digital file.
Digital sculpting: Creating complex geometries using software that mimics traditional sculpting tools.
Computational fluid dynamics: Using models to simulate fluid flow and optimize building designs.
Structural analysis: Analyzing the structural performance of a building or component using computer models.
Material performance analysis: Analyzing the performance of building materials using digital models and simulations.
Building information modeling: Using digital models to simulate the lifecycle of a building from design to construction to maintenance and eventual demolition.
Integrative design: A design approach that takes into consideration multiple aspects of a building, such as environmental impact, energy efficiency, structural performance, and aesthetics, in a holistic manner.
Kinetic architecture: Buildings or components that can move or change shape in response to different conditions, such as temperature or wind.
Parametric urbanism: Applying parametric design principles to urban planning and creating complex urban geometries.
Algorithmic design: Algorithmic design involves using mathematical algorithms to generate design solutions. It can create intricate and complex geometries that are difficult to design manually.
Generative design: Generative design involves using algorithms to explore and generate various design options. It takes into account design constraints and objectives and can lead to optimized and efficient designs.
Computational design: Computational design uses computer software and algorithms to create designs that are optimized for performance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
Responsive design: Responsive design involves using sensors and other inputs to create designs that respond to their environment. For example, a building's facade might change based on the angle of the sun or the time of day.
Evolutionary design: Evolutionary design involves using genetic algorithms to "evolve" designs over time. The algorithm evaluates each design and selects the best ones to pass on to the next generation, eventually arriving at an optimal solution.
Distributed design: Distributed design involves breaking down the design process into smaller, discrete modules that can be designed independently and then combined to create a final design. This approach is particularly useful for designing large, complex systems.
Interactive design: Interactive design involves creating designs that respond to user input. For example, a building might change its shape or interior layout based on the preferences of its occupants.
Parametric optimization: Parametric optimization involves using computational tools to optimize design parameters such as cost, weight, or energy consumption. This can lead to more efficient and sustainable designs.
Data-driven design: Data-driven design involves using big data and analytics to inform the design process. For example, a building's design might be optimized based on data about how people use similar buildings.
"Parametric design is a design method in which features, such as building elements and engineering components, are shaped based on algorithmic processes rather than direct manipulation."
"Parameters and rules establish the relationship between design intent and design response."
"The term parametric refers to the input parameters that are fed into the algorithms."
"Early precedents can be found in the work of architects such as Antoni Gaudí."
"Gaudí used a mechanical model for architectural design by attaching weights to a system of strings to determine shapes for building features like arches."
"Parametric modeling can be classified into two main categories: propagation-based systems and constraint systems."
"Propagation-based systems generate final shapes that are not predetermined based on initial parametric inputs, while constraint systems set final constraints and utilize algorithms to define fundamental aspects that satisfy these constraints."
"Form-finding processes are often implemented through propagation-based systems."
"These processes optimize certain design objectives against a set of design constraints."
"Design constraints allow the final form of the designed object to be 'found' based on these constraints."
"Features... are shaped based on algorithmic processes rather than direct manipulation."
"Parameters and rules establish the relationship between design intent and design response."
"Attaching weights to a system of strings to determine shapes for building features like arches."
"Propagation-based systems and constraint systems."
"Final shapes are not predetermined, but generated based on initial parametric inputs."
"Constraint systems utilize algorithms to define fundamental aspects that satisfy these constraints."
"Form-finding processes are often implemented through propagation-based systems."
"Form-finding processes optimize certain design objectives against a set of design constraints."
"The final form of the designed object 'emerges' based on the constraints set."
"Building elements and engineering components are shaped based on algorithmic processes."