Definition & Meaning of "parametric design"

Parametric design

an approach in design and architecture where the parameters and relationships between various design elements are defined and controlled, allowing for efficient and flexible design iterations based on specific criteria or constraints

What is "parametric design"?

Parametric design is an approach in architecture and construction where the design elements are defined by a set of rules or parameters that can be adjusted to create different variations of a structure. In this approach, designers use software to input parameters such as size, shape, and material properties, and the system automatically adjusts the design based on these factors. This allows for more flexible, efficient, and complex designs that can easily be modified to meet specific requirements or conditions.

Example

The architect used parametric design to create a building with unique, flowing shapes that would be impossible with traditional methods.

Parametric design allowed the team to optimize the building's energy efficiency by adjusting the window sizes and placement based on sunlight exposure.

The use of parametric design in the project helped reduce material waste, as the system could automatically calculate the most efficient use of resources.