DArts Lab

8/13/2013

I think the view of parametric architecture that Eric expressed is very interesting, “make the most complicated form possible”. Complicated forms are what a lot of parametric design turns into, simple exercises in creating expressive forms within the parameters of a material. In this way the parameters of the project serve as physical limits that constrain computer models that are translated into the physical realm. In these projects, the idea of parametric design is not so much about the parameters of the project or the materials, but creating computer models that can actually be built.

Chris, however, I think is looking at parametrics in a much more interesting way. Instead of using the parameters design guidelines, the limits of the parameters are explored. The project is not about creating computer models that can then be translated into physical forms, but creating models of the limits of the system, and trying to maximize, or expand upon those limits. In these projects that explore the limits of the material, and not just the expressive forms that it can create, the project actually explores the parameters, and not just the form. In these, the parameters or material limits are the forms.

A good example of expressive forms is certainly the skate shelters. In these the plywood is used to create the walls and a roof with one continuous plane. In this way, the plywood expresses its ability to bend in multiple directions, and becomes a means to an end. The plywood worked as an expression of the form because the curves were within the limits of the material. In this project, parametrics helped decide the material that was used, but it did not maximize the limits of the material through the shelter form.

On the other hand, I would say that the catenary arch project really about exploring the limits of the material and the forms that it could create. The initial forms were tested and proved to be within the limits of the system, and so the artificial limits place on the test models were expanded for the final project. While many teams exceeded the limits on the system, resulting in multiple failures, and a lot of frustration, the project was truly about the parameters, and not the form. In this case the parameters dictated the final forms of the project (which might be comparable to natural selection) and the project really centered on finding those limits instead of trying to create a specific form. The parameters dictated the form, instead of the form dictating the materials.