Though the term ‘parametric’ was first coined in 1988 by a researcher named Maurice Ruiter in his paper titled ‘Parametric Design’, the origins of this practice and approach in architects trace further back in the history of architecture. This can be backed by the works of Frei Otto, a German Architect. Otto's experiences during World War II are the source of his fascination with tensile structures and low-resource design. To list a few-

This work brought his innovations in tensile structures to the attention of a global audience and illustrated the growing significance of technology, prefabrication, and mass production in architecture. The pavilion's topographic complexity, a sweeping landscape of hyperparabolic curves, encapsulated the innate beauty of mathematical and physical relationships found in nature.

It was intended to portray a different, more sympathetic image of Germany than the rigid, authoritarian stadium that preceded it. The sprawling and flowing structure stood in stark contrast to that. The tent-like structure is still standing and continues to inspire tourists almost 40 years after it was finished for the 1972 Olympics. By symbolizing openness and airiness, the transparent roof was intended to set itself apart from the Nazi regime's and Germany's 1936 Olympic architecture. The Munich Olympic Stadium's transparent roof also allowed for the first-ever color television broadcast of the 1972 Summer Olympics, a technological marvel at the time.

Furthermore, considering the work of Antoni Gaudi whose creations could be spotted throughout Barcelona at the close of the 19th century, it can be proved that parametric design in architecture existed before the digital revolution surfaced.    

Parametric Architecture is a field that looks to nature for inspiration. The planet's ecological systems are complex, with certain biomes exhibiting regular patterns. Numerous different kinds of animals are supported by those distinctive habitats. Specific marine organisms and plants are related because elements of nature don't exist in a vacuum. Likewise, our cities bear this out. Advocates of this approach contend that future urban planning must incorporate a systemic approach that emphasizes form and function while adapting to the vast urban jungles of the metropolis. Therefore, it is organic to state that this field of design has existed in history for a longer period from the time it was identified as a separate field in architecture. 

As an effect of the digital revolution, by the 1980s, architects in the European region could now project their imagination using software like PRO-Engineer. The advancements in computer technology further enabled the architects to analyze and get inspired by the complexity found in nature and apply it to structural building forms and urban organizing patterns.

Today, parametric architecture is a paradigm change that empowers architects to break free of conventional obstacles, explore limitless possibilities, and create magnificent structures. It has become a dominant force in architecture, giving architects the ability to integrate changes seamlessly, optimize structures, and iterate rapidly. It's growing to become a field about planning with purpose, making the most use of available resources, and building environmentally inspired friendly, sustainable environments. Adding value to the exploration, software like Grasshopper, Rhino, and Dynamo, aid the process as architects continue to exploit their imagination through parametric designs.

One of the most well-known instances of an architecture firm that actualizes large structures that were conceptualized using parametric design to date is Zaha Hadid Architects. For instance, the exterior plaza and the interior of the Heydar Aliyev Centre are connected continuously and fluidly by the building's architecture. Another example of successful parametric architecture is the extraterrestrial design by Santiago Calatrava for the World Trade Centre Transportation Hub in New York City, also referred to as the Oculus. Both the interior and the façade push the boundaries of what is conceivable in terms of architecture.

With a few projects and architects mentioned above and many more, it could be rightly stated that through endless creativity and exploiting advanced technology, designers today are continuously redefining architecture’s future. 

Modern tools are making parametric architecture more accessible, but they also run the risk of bringing in less skilled designers and further decentralizing a process that ought to be focused on the community. Even so, by transforming design processes and providing architects with cutting-edge software tools to explore complex forms, maximize sustainability, and collaborate easily, parametric architecture shapes the dynamism of the future. It is crucial for architects to adopt parametric design to remain relative and creative in their work.

Furthermore, it is indisputable that parametric architecture subverts our preconceived notions about what kinds of structures ought to be. It remains to be seen if parametric architecture can significantly alter cities in the future. One thing is for sure: the democratization of the architectural design process will not stop with the availability of parametric design and the capacity to explore these ideas in virtual environments.

For more such insights and tips about the architectural world, subscribe to Volume Zero newsletter and get the latest articles delivered to your inbox.

Text provided by Kimaya Tendulkar-

Kimaya Tendulkar is an architect who graduated from the L.S. Raheja School of Architecture in Mumbai and is interested in working as a researcher in the subject of urban development and planning. Her interests lie in contributing to social justice and making cities more habitable. Her research interests include public and urban policy, urban inequities, and mobility. She believes that tackling a problem from an empathetic lens will lead to an authentic solution. She enjoys observing and writing about cities and their complexities. Her graphic and visual interests, which include illustrating and photography, assist her in better articulating her observations.