Parametric Evolution

In this chapter, Branko Kolarevic offers a contextualisation and explanation of some of the key parametric projects that have influenced and inspired this generation of architectural designers. The projects are the Olympic 'Fish' in Barcelona and the International Terminal at Waterloo Station in London. These projects were the harbingers of the parametric revolution that followed. Parametric design is now commonly understood and broadly used in practice to vary and dynamically explore the geometry and spatial articulation of building designs. Parametric design places value on explicit formulation - its use requires 'discipline' and an understanding of the relation-based approach to design as a method. Once the approach to the project's topology is understood, it can be used effectively to 'program' the 'behaviour' of a design object. It is on facilitating this process of topological modelling and structuring that much of the development of parametric design tools is currently focused.