GEORGE KATODRYTIS / STUDIONOVA ARCHITECTS :: article :: PROJECTS :: Texts on DIGITAL FORM :: Parametric Modeling

Parametric Modeling: new work with GC GenerativeComponents (Bentley) is an advanced parametric feature based modeling system to support both the “designer’s” (intuitive) and the “programmer’s” (formal) views. Recent processes in the digital and formal research point at new architectural models and language

The morphology of material systems is defined as a set of dynamic relations. Form, no longer produced by extrusion or projection, now is fabricated by dynamic values and hierarchical systems of both actions and modules. The geometry of each component is manipulated by various systems set up by the designer. This is similar to the relation between program and space. Two “worlds” are interrelated: the adjoining (local) and the distant “parent” (global). This hybrid condition of scale interiority and exteriority allows for maximum evolution and adaptation. Changes have an impact on the overall structure.

(image above) A 3D model of a surface constructed using cross-sectional control curves, which in turn have been created on planes defined on a primary ‘spine’ curve. Overlaid on the surface are 2D arrays of points uniformly spaced in the parameter space of the surface, and then overlaid on the points are a series of quadrilaterals. This configuration might represent the design of the ‘ideal’ surface that must be panelized into sub-components that can be fabricated. In this model the following variations are possible:
1 – The poles of the spine curve can be moved in Cartesian space. 2 – The position of the planes on the spine curve can be moved along its length. 3 – The poles of the cross-sectional curves can be moved in the 2D planar space. 4 – The number and spacing of the points on the surface can be defined in the surface 2D parameter space. 5 – Various alternative ‘lacing’ option are available to use the points on the surface to populate either planar or non-planar quadrilaterals panels or triangular panels. 6 – The order of the spine curves and cross sectional curves can be varied.

This is a complex system of relationships. It is unlikely that the designer can define and manage these relationships without some computational support to externalize and record this design intent in an editable and re-executable form.

The digital models above were constructed in GenerativeComponents

Filed under: PROJECTS+ Texts-DIGITAL-FORM