A Historical and Critical Assessment of Parametricism as an Architectural Style in the 21st Century
Abstract
:1. Introduction
2. Research Methodology
2.1. Intensive Descriptive Approach
2.2. Critical Review of the Literature
3. What Is a Style?
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- The distinguishing way in which something is done, said, written, made, executed, etc.;
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- The distinctive character of a particular school or type of music, painting, architecture, writing, etc., or the work of a particular person;
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- The way in which literary or musical content is expressed;
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3.1. Values, Definitions, and Understanding of the Style
- Style as Language
- Style as a System of Types
- Style as a Theory
3.2. Architectural Style
3.3. Twenty-First Century Reconsiderations of Architectural Styles
4. Parametricism in Architecture
4.1. Parametricism’s Definition
4.2. Scholars ‘Arguments on Parametricism
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- Procedure automation;
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- Geometry through algorithmic definition;
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- Enormous and quick changes of the innovative geometry;
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- The ability to speedily gain methods of excessive complexity through frequent geometrical mechanisms.
4.3. Bibliometric Analysis
4.4. Architectural Styles
4.5. Heuristics in Parametricism
4.5.1. Functional Heuristics
4.5.2. Formal Heuristics
4.6. Critical Comparison of Parametricism
5. Influence of Parametric Architecture on Architectural Sustainability
5.1. Energy Efficiency through Form Optimization
5.2. Material Efficiency
5.3. Adaptability and Longevity
5.4. Responsive Urban Design
5.5. Parametric Architecture’s Varied Impact on Sustainability
6. Findings and Discussion
- Parametricism reflects a significant evolution in the architectural discourse by incorporating advanced computational tools to create dynamic, responsive, and complex forms that adapt to both environmental and social parameters. This innovative approach demonstrates a clear departure from traditional design methods, suggesting a progressive shift in how architecture is conceptualized and executed;
- While Parametricism introduces new methodologies through the use of algorithms and digital fabrication, its influence extends beyond mere technical advances. It redefines architectural aesthetics, functionality, and the process of design itself, aligning with broader shifts toward sustainability and adaptability in the built environment. This holistic impact suggests that Parametricism is not just a toolset but a transformative movement in architectural thinking;
- The adoption of Parametricism has empowered architects to explore new forms of architectural expression and efficiency, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in terms of form and functionality. The style’s adaptability and precision in design execution have set new standards in the industry, influencing contemporary architectural practices and encouraging a re-evaluation of traditional design philosophies;
- Despite its innovative aspects, Parametricism faces critiques regarding its complexity and the potential disconnection from local cultural and environmental contexts. These critiques highlight the need for a balanced approach in its application, ensuring that technological advancements enhance rather than dominate the architectural intent and relevance.
7. Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Data Availability Statement
Conflicts of Interest
Appendix A. Descriptions of Styles
- Gothic is noted for its verticality and light-filled spaces, characterized by features such as pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. It originated in the High Middle Ages and is particularly associated with cathedral architecture, reflecting an aspiration towards the heavens and the divine;
- Renaissance is characterized by a rebirth of classical antiquity, emphasizing symmetry, proportion, and geometry in architecture, alongside a focus on humanism and realism in the visual arts. This period marked a departure from the more formulaic structures of the medieval period, favoring a return to the study of nature and classical forms;
- Mannerism is characterized by its artificial (as opposed to naturalistic) qualities, with an emphasis on elegance, elongated forms, and a lack of clear perspective.
- Baroque emerged after the Renaissance, known for its exuberance, grandeur, and drama, as well as its use of contrast, movement, vivid details, and deep color to achieve a sense of awe. Architecture and art from this period are characterized by their emotional intensity, opulent decorations, and dynamic scenes;
- Rococo is known for its decorative art and architecture that is elaborate, ornamental, and light-hearted, with themes often centered around love, classical myths, and nature;
- Neo-Classicism was a revival of the classical styles and spirit during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, emphasizing clarity, order, and symmetry. It was inspired by the art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome, and it was a reaction against the excesses of the Baroque and Rococo styles;
- Historicism represents the use of historical forms and decorative styles from different periods in history, often combined in a single building or artwork. It reflects a romantic fascination with the past and was particularly popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, leading to the creation of eclectic architecture that borrows from various historical periods;
- Neo-Gothic revives medieval Gothic architecture with a romantic emphasis on individualism and detailed craftsmanship;
- Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Baroque represent a return to the principles and styles of the Renaissance and Baroque eras, respectively, emphasizing symmetry, proportion, and grandeur in the case of Neo-Renaissance, and dramatic effect, movement, and detailed ornamentation in Neo-Baroque;
- Eclecticism is an architectural style that combines elements from different historical styles and periods, aiming for harmony in diversity;
- Art Nouveau is distinguished by its use of long, sinuous, organic lines and was applied most notably to architecture, interior design, and decorative arts.
- Expressionism manifests through the depiction of subjective emotions and experiences over objective reality, often using bold colors and dynamic compositions;
- Modernism is a broad movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, advocating for new approaches to art, architecture, and literature. It rejects historical precedents and traditional styles, emphasizing innovation, functionality, and simplicity instead. In architecture, it is characterized by minimalism, the use of industrial materials, and the idea that form should follow function;
- Neue Sachlichkeit (New Objectivity) refers to a German movement in art, literature, and music of the 1920s that was characterized by a realistic style combined with a cynical, socially critical philosophical stance;
- Organicism celebrates harmony between human habitation and the natural world through design principles inspired by nature and organic forms;
- Rationalism in architecture emphasizes reason and order, favoring a reductionist approach and often employing geometric forms and the repetition of modular elements;
- Brutalism is known for its straightforward, honest approach to form and material, often using raw concrete or other materials in their natural, unfinished state;
- Metabolism is a post-war Japanese architectural movement that explores ideas of megastructures and prefabricated modular elements to accommodate growing populations and changing urban needs;
- High-tech architecture incorporates technology and industrial systems into building design, often showcasing structural elements, mechanical systems, and innovative materials;
- Postmodernism breaks away from modernist principles by embracing complexity and contradiction, often incorporating elements of historical styles in a new context or with a sense of irony;
- Parametricism represents a style within contemporary architecture and design characterized by the use of computer-aided design software to generate geometries based on algorithmic rules that relate to various parameters. This approach allows for complex, fluid forms and patterns that can adapt dynamically to their context and programmatic requirements;
- Blobism (also known as Blob architecture) is identified by its organic, amoeba-shaped forms that appear to be blob-like or droplet-like in shape. These forms are often created through digital design techniques, allowing for smooth, seamless surfaces and curvilinear shapes that challenge traditional architectural geometry and structure;
- Flodism could potentially refer to a design philosophy influenced by fluid dynamics and the aesthetics of fluid movement. If this is an intended style, it would likely emphasize seamless, flowing forms that mimic the properties and behavior of liquids. However, without more context or standard recognition of the term, it is difficult to provide a detailed description;
- Swarmism might involve design principles inspired by swarm intelligence observed in nature, such as in flocks of birds or schools of fish. This approach could utilize algorithms to simulate the decentralized, self-organized patterns of behavior found in nature, resulting in dynamic, adaptable design systems or structures that mimic these natural processes;
- Tectonism refers to an architectural style or approach that emphasizes the expression and exploration of construction and structure. It focuses on the articulation of tectonic elements and how parts of a building are assembled and connected. Designs in this style show the materials, structural logic, and craftsmanship, often revealing the construction process as an integral part of the aesthetic experience.
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Styles | Epochal Style | Subsidiary Style | Transitional Style |
---|---|---|---|
Passive Style | Gothic | ||
Active Style | Renaissance | Mannerism | |
Baroque | Rococo | ||
Active Reflective Style | Neo-Classicism | ||
Historicism | Neo-Gothic | ||
Neo-Renaissance | |||
Neo-Baroque | |||
Eclecticism | |||
Art Nouveau | |||
Expressionism | |||
Modernism | Neue Sachlichkeit | ||
Organicism | |||
Rationalism | |||
Brutalism | |||
Metabolism | |||
High-Tech | |||
Postmodernism |
Aspect | Parametricism | Parametric Architecture | Parametric Design |
---|---|---|---|
Definition | A theoretical framework that defines a specific architectural style embracing parametric modeling and computational design. | The application of parametric design principles, specifically within the architectural field, to create forms and designs controlled by parameters and algorithms. | A broad methodological approach utilizing variables and parameters to build and modify digital models, applicable across various design disciplines beyond architecture. |
Key Features | Emphasis on algorithmic design processes. Non-linear geometries. Differentiation and variation. Adaptive responsiveness. Digital fabrication. Dynamic formalism. Interdisciplinary collaboration. | Use of digital fabrication technology. Integration of programming languages. Application of parametric modeling approaches for architectural solutions. | Scripting and algorithm writing. Design experimentation and refinement. Cross-disciplinary application (product, industrial, urban planning design). |
Focus | Defines a style and movement within architecture and beyond, characterized by the use of parametric modeling tools. | Focuses on the specific application of parametric design concepts to create innovative architectural solutions. | Emphasizes the process of design through the manipulation of parameters applicable in a wide range of design fields. |
Technological Integration | Utilizes advanced computational tools and algorithms for creating complex, adaptive designs. | Involves the creation of architectural forms using specific parametric modeling software like Grasshopper for Rhino or Dynamo for Autodesk Revit. | Involves the use of computational tools to explore design possibilities, optimize performance, and generate complex forms across different design areas. |
Scope | A broader design movement that impacts architecture and other design fields. | Specifically tailored to the architectural domain, with a focus on creating personalized and inventive designs. | A versatile and methodological approach that transcends architecture, being applicable in product, industrial, and urban design. |
Origins and Proponents | Popularized by Patrik Schumacher, emphasizing a new architectural movement via computational design. | Recognized within architectural practice for its innovative approach to design and fabrication. | Broadly applicable across design disciplines, not limited to or defined by a specific movement or style. |
Aspect | Critique of Parametricism | Key Benefits of Alternative |
---|---|---|
Design Flexibility | Over-reliance on complex algorithms can limit spontaneity and adaptability in design. | Allows for adaptable designs that can evolve over time with changing user needs. |
Sustainability | Highly complex designs can detract from environmental goals. | Emphasizes efficiency and sustainability through designs inspired by nature, potentially reducing environmental impact. |
Cultural Sensitivity | Designs may lack context, failing to integrate or respect local culture and heritage. | Incorporates local materials, techniques, and forms, enhancing cultural relevance and community acceptance. |
Human Scale | Some parametric designs can feel alienating or impersonal due to their scale and form. | Prioritizes human needs, comfort, and scale, making spaces more accessible and enjoyable. |
Economic Accessibility | The cost and complexity of parametric designs can limit their accessibility to high-budget projects. | Focuses on affordable, low-tech solutions that promote sustainability without the need for expensive technology. |
Criticism Engagement | Limited engagement with critical feedback regarding the practicality and livability of designs. | Engages community members and stakeholders in the design process, ensuring that projects meet actual needs and preferences. |
Realism and Feasibility | Assumes perfect ease in designing intricate forms with CAD, overlooking software limitations and the rough discretization of surfaces. This idealization can lead to unfeasible designs due to the practical challenges of construction and material suitability. | Prioritizes designs that are realistic and feasible within current construction techniques and materials, ensuring that projects are not only innovative but also practical and executable within reasonable budgets, thus bridging the gap between concept and reality. |
Authors | Year | Phase | Contribution | Explanation |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sutherland | 1963 | Graphic Interface | Applying changes parametrically with a computer | The first use of parametric design concepts through a graphic user interface system occurred in Sutherland’s Ph.D. research, which allowed him to draw with the computer and apply changes parametrically at the same time [121]. |
Morretti | 1971 | Interconnected Design | Relationships between the dimensions | Parametric Architecture is the examination of how the dimensions of a design are interconnected and dependent on specific parameters [82]. |
Kalay | 1989 | Automated geometric computation | Computational geometric relations | When parameters are altered, the geometric relationships determined by computation are automatically adjusted [82]. |
Schumacher | 2008 | Parametricism Manifesto | Certain Principles, “Dogmas”, and “Taboos”, | The concept of “Parametricism” as a design style was first introduced in the “Parametricism Manifesto” and further explored in subsequent papers and a book titled The Autopoiesis of Architecture in 2011. The author outlined certain principles, known as “Dogmas”, that must be adhered to in order to create a parametric design, as well as other principles, referred to as “Taboos”, that should be avoided [68]. |
Woodbury | 2011 | Associative geometry | Exploring connections of geometric concepts | The process of investigating the links between geometric concepts is known as parametric design [122]. |
Frazer | 2016 | Evolving process | Adapting itself with newest technology | Parametric architecture is evolving and re-positioning itself as a dynamic process that takes into account the latest technologies, as well as environmental and societal considerations [110]. |
Oxman | 2017 | New paradigm, topological thinking | Paradigm of design thinking | Parametric design is considered a novel approach to design thinking. It brings innovative ideas and shifts the focus from typological thinking to topological design thinking in the creative design process, which is considered a significant transformation in the way of design thinking [108]. |
Styles | Epochal Style | Subsidiary Style | Transitional Style |
---|---|---|---|
Active reflective Style | Parametricism | Blobism | |
Flodism | |||
Swarmism | |||
Tectonism |
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Youns, A.M.; Grchev, K. A Historical and Critical Assessment of Parametricism as an Architectural Style in the 21st Century. Buildings 2024, 14, 2656. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092656
Youns AM, Grchev K. A Historical and Critical Assessment of Parametricism as an Architectural Style in the 21st Century. Buildings. 2024; 14(9):2656. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092656
Chicago/Turabian StyleYouns, Ameen Mokhles, and Kokan Grchev. 2024. "A Historical and Critical Assessment of Parametricism as an Architectural Style in the 21st Century" Buildings 14, no. 9: 2656. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092656