Former architectural styles thrived on straight lines, sharp corners, and acute angles. However, Parametric Design, in particular, has defied long-held conventions. Free-form architectural notions are at the heart of parametricism, and each structure has its own personality, defined by swooping lines, curves, and complex geometries. Parametric architecture rejects monotonous utilitarianism in favour of combining complexity and heterogeneity. Designers often unearth their inspirations from nature’s cradle.
Parametric design is an algorithmic thinking technique that allows you to describe parameters and rules that characterise, codify, and understand the connection between design goals and design responses. Because of this use of algorithms, creating complex and advanced patterns becomes much easier.
Following is a list of books all Parametric Designers must read:
1. Parametric Design for Architecture by Wassim Jabi
Wassim Jabi’s book is a step-by-step guide to creating geometric and topological solutions for a variety of scenarios, with comprehensive, sequential lessons to help the reader grasp both broad principles and specific computational procedures. This book contains a full overview of numerous parametric, generative, and algorithmic techniques.
While the methods and algorithms can be applied to any parametric context, the book uses one of the most advanced 3D visualisation and animation design software systems (Autodesk 3ds Max MAXScript) to showcase its concepts.
Link to buy:
https://www.amazon.in/Parametric-Design-Architecture-Wassim-Jabi/dp/1780673140
2. Digital and Parametric Architecture by Carlo Aiello
Digital & Parametric Architecture looks at how the latest digital tools, such as advanced modelling software and computer-aided design, are being used to create architecture. It’s a voyage through the most remarkable digitally planned and manufactured creations from the second decade of the twenty-first century.
The book focuses on how these methods can be used to investigate tectonic activities such as sectioning, folding, contouring, and tessellating. A diverse selection of projects, ranging in scale and location, provides a foretaste of the architecture of the future..
Link to Buy:
https://www.amazon.in/Evolo-Issue-06-Parametric-Architecture/dp/1938740068
3. Parametric Building Design Using Autodesk Maya by Ming Tang
More and more architectural and interior design businesses are adopting Autodesk Maya and incorporating it into their practice due to its complete toolset and significant potential for 3D modelling. Until now, there has been no book addressed to architects and designers who want to take advantage of the software’s capabilities. The book encourages the use of parametric design. It combines theoretical computational design research with Maya non-linear modelling techniques for visualization, animations, digital manufacturing, and form-finding in 2D and 3D design.
Link to Buy:
https://www.amazon.in/Parametric-Building-Design-Using-Autodesk/dp/041564447X
4. Impact of Parametric Design on Young Architects by Mohamad Reza Talebi, Nasim Tabrizi, and Niloofar Amel
The book includes broad descriptions of museum design aspects as well as a synopsis of the project design process, which was taken from the students’ M.A. thesis. It includes explanations of methodologies and design aspects used in museums, cultural centres, and initiatives with subjects such as digital museums, children’s museums, art museums, and music museums.
One of the book’s most notable aspects is that it contains new facade design ideas and prototypes based on Iranian and Islamic motifs for museums and exhibit spaces.
Link to Buy:
https://www.amazon.in/Impact-parametric-design-young-Architects-ebook/dp/B017SW2KI2
5. Post-Parametric Automation in Design and Construction by Thomas Spiegelhalter
This book examines how technologically superior architectural and engineering practises are semi-automating their design processes by using sophisticated algorithms to reshape their workflows, focusing on the use of new and emerging technologies, particularly parametric automation for design and construction in the construction industry.
The book also features a group of companies that are leveraging robotics to advance automation by using pre-fabrication, modularisation, and custom designs.
Link to Buy:
https://www.amazon.com/Post-parametric-Automation-Design-Construction-Alfredo/dp/1608076938
6. Elements of Parametric Design by Robert Francis Woodbury
This book explains what new information and skills designers will need to grasp parametric design, as well as how they can acquire and use it. It highlights how thinking about and working with parametric modelling using patterns can help designers grasp the architectural complexity posed by parametric modelling systems.
Link to Buy:
https://www.amazon.in/Elements-Parametric-Design-Robert-Woodbury/dp/0415779871
7. Codify: Parametric and Computational Design in Landscape Architecture by Editors: Adam Mekies, Bradley Cantrell
This book contains a collection of essays that look at what it means to use, adapt, and build computational tools in today’s design world. In the domains of computation and media, landscape architecture has a long reputation for innovation, notably in how the discipline displays, analyses, and develops complex processes.
This edited collection brings together academics and professional work to create a snapshot of digital activities that demonstrates how computation may be used in ways other than representation and media.
Link to Buy:
https://www.amazon.in/Codify-Parametric-Computational-Landscape-Architecture/dp/1138125032
8. From Control to Design: Parametric/ Algorithmic Architecture by Editor: Tomoko Sakamoto
Parametric and algorithmic design are two of the most revolutionary technologies influencing architecture right now. This book examines six distinct practises that look at how parametric and algorithmic design tools are being used in architectural production today. This collection includes initiatives from notable practitioners in the disciplines of parametric and algorithmic design—a fascinating, multi-perspective discussion about the future of design!
Link to Buy:
https://www.amazon.com/Control-Design-Tomoko-Sakamoto/dp/8496540790
9. The Alphabet and the Algorithm by Mario Carpo
In his book The Alphabet and the Algorithm, Mario Carpo discusses one of modernity’s most important practises: producing identical duplicates. Carpo also brings forth two examples of similarities that are important in the development of architectural modernity. Carpo examines the evolution of digitally-driven design and construction from the early 1990s to the present, proposing a new architectural agenda in an era of flexible objects and collaborative authorship.
Link to Buy:
https://www.amazon.in/Alphabet-Algorithm-Writing-Architecture/dp/0262515806
10. Computational Design: From Promise to Practice by Nicole Gardner
This is a cutting-edge conversation about the theory and practice of a revolutionary and emergent technology. Case examples from top academics in BIM modelling, digital fabrication, smart cities, responsive environments, and gaming are included. Algorithmic design is a growing field that straddles the lines between computer science, engineering, and design.
Link to Buy:
https://www.amazon.in/Computational-Design-Practice-Hank-Haeusler/dp/3899862996
References
- Fusion 360 Blog. (2020). What Is Parametric Design in Architecture? How Is It Shaping the Industry? [online] Available at: https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/blog/parametric-design-architecture-shaping-industry/.
- ParametricArchitecture. (2018). Parametric Design for Architecture By Wassim Jabi. [online] Available at: https://parametric-architecture.com/parametric-design-for-architecture-by-wassim-jabi/ [Accessed 5 Sep. 2021].
