Parametric architecture software materials and examples,
Have you ever come across a parametric form and wondered
how the architect developed the streamlined and complex geometry?
Let’s take a look at how to think about and implement these designs using different software and materials.
What is parametric architecture?
The term “parametric architecture” was first coined by Antoni Gaudí’s inverted model of the Sagrada Familia.
Each piece of the model was a catenary arch, suspended by strings to create the shape of the church.
In order to manipulate shape in a given set of parameters, parametric architecture involved exploring a complex set of shapes – a combination of geometry and mathematical equations.
The “parameters”, which are the design dimensions, are fed into an algorithm to shape different elements in the building design.
These parameters indicate the specific boundaries to define the shape or form of the design.
Why is parametric design applied in architecture?
It implements both efficiency and complexity in design
Parametric design is considered an effective design,
because different building elements can be designed to accommodate both active and passive design strategies.
For example, exterior facades can be designed according to the sun path of a particular
location to avoid direct sunlight and improve thermal comfort and daylighting of the building.
Helps explore and improve design ideas
While exploring parametric software, one comes across various options for manipulating the model and converting it into a complex form.
It is difficult to replicate designs exactly in a concept like parametric geometry,
but they can be redesigned, because modifications to the algorithms will lead to changes in the final product.
Implementing complex and unique designs
Different input parameters give rise to different designs – each design is original due to its specific limitations.
Parametric engineering allows detailed development of the structure – whereas direct modeling has limitations in terms of exploring liquid and organic forms.
Software used for parametric design in architecture
Rhinoceros with grasshopper
Grasshopper works with Rhino as a pre-installed plugin,
and uses “NURBS” (Non-Uniform Rational B Lines) to process models and create designs.
Grasshopper requires no prior programming knowledge and is fairly easy to learn.
The combination of Rhino + Grasshopper is not limited to architectural modeling – it can be applied to a wide range of professionals.
solidworks
Solidworks, one of the most well-known programs among engineers,
is a parametric modeling program that can be used to manufacture models of automotive components.
Solidworks has an easy-to-use interface, which makes learning easy for beginners.
A popular feature of Solidworks is its CAD viewport – which is known to be convenient for its users.
Katya
This software is most commonly used for product design – in the automotive
and aircraft model industries and is known as 3D product life cycle management software.
Frank Gehry used CATIA to design some of his most famous buildings – and later used Gehry Technologies to develop digital models.
It also delves into virtual reality and allows detailed development of models including electrical,
mechanical and piping components.
Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is a software known among product designers as a 3D modeling software,
developed by Autodesk.
It consists of parametric and non-parametric design development tools,
and also offers several rendering, simulation and animation options within the software.
3D models can also be extracted as 2D drawings, allowing different specialists to work on one central file.
Materials used to build parametric designs in architecture
· Labneh
· Fiberglass reinforced concrete
· the wood
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