Parametricism

Written by: Dr. Hardi Barzanji, Professor in the Department of Architecture, Salahaddin University and co-founder of AVA architects.

Parametricism is a cutting-edge architectural style, positioned as the next step beyond Modern and Postmodern architecture. Coined in 2008 by Patrik Schumacher, a collaborator of the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, this approach finds its roots in parametric design, leveraging algorithms and computational tools to create dynamic and adaptable forms.

This style has made its mark not just in architecture, but across various design disciplines, including urban planning,interiors, and furniture. Parametricism is characterized by the interconnectedness and flexibility of its design elements,where altering one aspect can trigger a ripple effect throughout the entire composition. This creates a self-referential system that embraces complexity while striving to maintain clarity and coherence.

Distinguishing itself from both monotonous repetition and chaotic randomness, parametricism celebrates differentiation and correlation. The goal is to enrich spatial complexity while ensuring legibility, fostering connections between spaces and responding to diverse contexts. This adaptability allows architecture to mirror the intricacies of modern life in our interconnected global society.

History:Parametricism, a theory-driven avant-garde design movement, emerged in the early 1990s. Early adopters like Greg Lynn,Jesse Reiser, Lars Spuybroek, and Kas Oosterhuis leveraged emerging digital animation software and computational processes, building upon the pioneering work of figures like John Frazer and Paul Coates. Schumacher recognizes Frei Otto as a precursor, emphasizing Otto's use of physical processes to "find" form, resulting in complex yet elegant designs.

Early experiments in Deconstructivism and Folding, championed by prominent architects like Peter Eisenman, Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, and others, paved the way for younger practitioners to radicalize and stabilize the discipline through ongoing research and digital technologies, culminating in the emergence of Parametricism.

Co-evolving with the global shift from Fordism to Post-Fordism, Parametricism thrives in the complex and fluid networks of contemporary society. It offers advantages over styles that cannot resonate with today's rapid pace of change. Despite the persistence of various architectural styles, a core of continuous innovation has solidified around Parametricism,fostering its proliferation in academic and professional spheres worldwide.

Heuristics of Parametricism provide both functional and formal guidelines based on a set of general abstract rules. These rules stem from over twenty-five years of avant-garde design research, creating an intricate ecosystem of ongoing creative communication. Parametricism achieves elegance in every sense and measure, uniting beauty and functionality.

Functional Heuristics

Functional heuristics of parametricism encompass both negative and positive principles developed since the mid-1990s across numerous global projects, forming an integrated set of guidelines. Negative principles include avoiding functional stereotypes, such as prescriptive program types, and rejecting segregative functional zoning, like closed spaces and individual task assignments. Positive principles focus on networking activity/event scenarios and parametric developments, connecting all spaces, activities, and events.

Formal Heuristics

Formal heuristics in parametricism, similar to functional heuristics, provide integrated guidelines that differentiate it from other architectural methods. Negative principles include avoiding rigid forms lacking fluidity, avoiding simple repetitions lacking variety, and steering clear of collages of isolated, unrelated elements that disrupt regularity. Positive principles emphasize the intelligent deformation of soft forms, the differentiation of systems through gradients, levels, and individualization, and the creation of interdependent relationships among all systems.