International Journal for Research in Engineering Application & Management (IJREAM)

ISSN : 2454-9150 Special Issue – NCITTATME’21

Role of Parametric Design in Converting Concept

into Reality through Fluid Architecture
Ar. Priyanka Barge
Assistant Professor at Vidya Pratishthan’s School of Architecture, Baramati, Pune, India
[email protected]

ABSTRACT - This paper explains how parametric architecture has evolved through contemporary architectural style
and how the change from Euclidean to non-Euclidean geometries has helped to develop fluid forms and complex
geometries in Architecture. It also explains what fluid architecture is, and how it has evolved from history. In history
important forms used during Egyptian, Greek and roman architecture were cylinder, pyramid, prism, cube, sphere.
But as we observe today these are common geometries used in solid modeling software. Starting from basic geometries,
intricate and complicated structures are designed. There are different parameters which can be considered in
parametric design. In this research, FLUIDITY is one of the parameter consider in this study. Parametric tools or
generative tools helped to visualize these forms and its transformation. The main idea or aim is to understand how a
building behaves like fluids and what are the Elements or Fluid Characters that can be used to achieve a free flowing
behavior. This behavior can affect the building typology and build environment, which is achieved through software
tools.

Keywords: Fluidity, History, Parameter, Parametric, Software, Tools

I. INTRODUCTION relationship between design intent and design response.

The design that is governed by certain logic which
Parametric architecture has helped to develop a new style includes algorithm (to device the logic) and these
in architecture i.e. fluidity in architecture. Thus due to this algorithm further includes certain parameters which can be
new concept irregular n intricate forms are now possible to varied to see multiple outcome.
design, manipulate and implement very easily in
Architecture. Fluidity is something that is already present Parametric architecture runs on parametric software’s
in architectural history and is now emerging with new which works on parametric modelling, which can be easily
trends with the help of new technologies. Parametric manipulated to generate various options of designs and
design tools help to create fluid designs. In this research multiples solutions of 3D. There are various modelling
paper, Fluidity in architecture is explained with the help of software which can create complex geometries by feeding
examples and its comparisons. Finally a conclusion is a specific statistics. Number of possibilities is generated in
made that fluid inspired buildings are possible due to parametric modelling software’s of one design. Feature
advance digital computation through parametric tools and based design tools, surface and solid modelling are used to
digital technologies. control structure characteristics. Parametric architecture
plays very important role in designing intricate and
II. OBJECTIVES difficult curvilinear forms. In parametric architecture,
1. To understand what is Parametric architecture and its interesting, eye catching and distinctive forms are created
design tools used for Fluid Designs. by using same components in the design. They are possible
2. To understand the concept of fluidity and how it has due to various parametric tools.There are different
evolved from history. variables and constant parameters used for designing
3. To study how an architect or a designer implement complex geometries. And by changing these parameters
this concept in his building. (by comparative study of number of design solutions are obtained, from which we
different projects). can choose the best possible option according to site
context, need of designer etc. Traditionally designing of
III. PARAMETRIC DESIGN building structure was like “Function-Follows-Forms” but
due to parametric architecture building structure can be
Parametric design is a process based on algorithmic
designed as “Form Follows Functions”.so parametric
thinking that enables the expression of parameters and
rules that, together, define, encode and clarify the

44 | NCIT202110 DOI : 10.35291/2454-9150.2021.0475 © 2021, IJREAM All Rights Reserved.

 National Conference on Innovative Technology Trends in Art, Design, Technology, Management and Education,
MIT – ADT UNIVERSITY, Loni Kalbhor, Pune., Maharashtra, India.

architecture consists of different parameters but in this different means. The ambience that is created by water or a
research the parameter is FLUIDITY. flow of water is very pleasing and visually attractive;
hence this concept of fluidity is started developing in
IV. PARAMETRIC DESIGN TOOLS USED FOR Architecture. Initially “function where following the form”
FLUID DESIGNS for example in charles correa building Kanchan ganga is a
Modern designers and architects use certain logic which very good example of Function follows form, where
includes algorithm and this algorithm further includes sections were derived first and form was eventually
certain parameters which can be changed, manipulated, derived according to function and now, “ Form follows
controlled. This can be achieved through different tools functions” were form is derived first and functions are
from different software’s. An Algorithm is a set of rules incorporated into it. Form play vital role in development of
and directions given in a step by step method to calculate, fluidic structure so the concept automatically became
manipulate data and to get a desire solution for design. focused on the form experimentation and manipulation.
When an input is given in a form of data, these algorithms VI. HISTORY OF FLUIDITY
determines its result and provides a design output. If the
inputs given are appropriate, required results are obtained. Fluid concept was existing ever since the architecture
came into existence. If we observe the History of
Traditionally during the process of design, parameters used architecture, the designers who constructed the great
were Site, its location, historical background, site context, pyramids of Egypt, they always use the movement of
Area program, building type, building heights, water in their interior parts of pyramids and their palaces,
neighbourhood etc. while in algorithmic design these same so that the water can be used for domestic purpose and
parameters (input info) are feeded in the software in the also for keeping the inside of the building cool. Eventually
form of algorithms to obtained design solution. By as time passed, this form of water was taken inside the
changing these parameters different design options are building in different ways as per the need of designers or
generated which can manipulate easily. This is something users. One can use this concept in planning, facades,
called as parametric or generative or Algorithmic interiors, urban planning, and landscape. Creative idea of
architecture. Software’s plays very important role in using water in structure for chilling was observed in B.V
designing irregular and complex geometries. Software take Doshi office in Ahmadabad. Second very good example is
in data set by the designer and process it to form various Fallingwater by Frank LIoyd Wright were architecture is
shapes. Such flexibility is not possible through all design connected with man and nature, here water is an integral
software. part of house.
Rhinoceros is the 3D modelling software used in Modern Architecture recommends that Fluidity in building
parametric designs, with the help of grasshopper plug-in. architecture can be used beyond its functional aspects of
Grasshopper contains different components that contain the building. So up till now in case of fluidity, only the
information. First component contains input information visual outcome of water or its physical effect was taken
which is connected to second component via connecting into a building. But what if the structure is designed in
wires. And this process continues till a desire output is such a way that it acts like water or performs like water.
obtained. (Fig.1) 3D modelling in grasshopper is based on What if we design the building according to its aesthetics,
algorithms, which allows the freedom of changing features functions, planning, landscape etc which behaves like
of any design by modifying the data in any given water or different fluids? Due to all these questions this
parameter. new style of architecture came into focus that was:
Fluidity in architecture
Input 1
GIVEN VII. HOW FLUIDITY DEVELOPED IN
INSTRUCTIO RESULT
Input 2 N FOR DATA AS ARCHITECTURE
MANIPULAT OUTPUT
ION Various questions came into existence about this style and
Input 3 how this concept can be applied in architecture, How a
building can look like a fluid, and how they can be
Fig.1 Basic illustration of an algorithm
constructed. This style started developing in field of
V. WHAT IS FLUIDITY, FLOW AND FLUID? architecture in search of uniqueness in designs which
created individuality in plan, form, and aesthetics etc. A
Anything that flow is a fluid. Or which simply depicts the thought was to get inspire by something advanced and to
behavior of fluids is fluidity. It is different in different be original, creative, and inventive. A key experiment of
ways. Whirlpools which are formed in sea give us circular this concept was how the functions be integrated in the
pattern and if we observe on other hand, sand dunes give form. Traditionally for designers, functions plays very
us straight pattern. Both are fluidic in manner but through important role than comes form, so thought was given to

45 | NCIT202110 DOI : 10.35291/2454-9150.2021.0475 © 2021, IJREAM All Rights Reserved.

 International Journal for Research in Engineering Application & Management (IJREAM)
ISSN : 2454-9150 Special Issue – NCITTATME’21
function first. i.e. organisation of spaces (Function follows Concept:- It was to appear the Structure like wave which
Form). But in case of fluidity, form is established fades as it moves away from building. Concept was also to
first.(Form follows Functions) after that planning of all develop a continuous and fluid relationship between
spaces. So functional requirement changed as form structure, interior and its surroundings landscape.
changes. So building in this case should consider as one
Building Typology:- Mixed used structure. It has culture
combined block with all spaces placed inside it. And to
centre featuring a conference hall, library, and museum.
design such kind of structures, software’s are the perfect
Front space of the center was Cultural Plaza, a space open
tools. Because of software’s one can create irregular forms
for public use.
and spaces, and also help to visualize its 3D model
efficiently and modify them before implementing. This Fluid character:- Fluid character can be seen in entire site
new concept helped architects to jump from concept along with structure. Landscape looks like it has emerged
into reality through parametric modelling tools. from ground and merge with the building. No right
angles in the structure landscape and interiors (Fig.2)
VIII. WHERE IS FLUIDITY?
Material:- Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete(GFRC) and
When thought of fluidity started evolving, architects and Glass Fibre Reinforced Polyester (GFRP) used for
designers thought how this concept can be applied in cladding the steel frame structure that allow flexibility in
building structure other than form. So that different designing building.
parameters can be used in this concept apart from just
FORM. From that time onwards designers looked into Software used:- Modelling software was Revit and Rhino
more fields and done various trials and experiments to grasshopper. Rendering done in 3d max,V-Ray,Photoshop.
integrate this style. Fluidity is used in various fields like in Structure:- Internal structure of the Heydar Aliyev Cultural
urban design, planning, landscaping, interiors, product Centre is of reinforced concrete . Outer structure is
designs, fashion design and more. Fluid architects who composed of steel space frame .
work on the principle of fluidity are Feri otta, Antoni
Gaudi, Zaha hadid, Frank Ghery, Psatrik Schumacher, 2. AQUA TOWER, CHICAGO
Santiago Calatrava. Architect: Loewenberg & Associates (Studio Gang)
Antoni Gaudi’s Casa Mila in barcelona is one of the Location: Chicago, USA
example from our history which show fluidity in building
profile and its planning.While in Zaha Hadid’s Heydar
Aliyev Centre, fluidity can be observed in Form and
building Profile. Fluidity can also be seen in urban design,
urban planning and product design.

IX. FLUIDITY EXAMPLES

Different examples of fluidity are explained further and
how fluidity is incorporated in building structure and
building forms. Main aim is to study the building and
Fig.3 Undulating slabs
observe how Fluid concept is applied in the structure.
Concept:- Concept was to create a ripple in façade which
1. HEYDAR ALIYEV CENTER is coming out of glass in vertical direction. Architect also
Architect: Zaha Hadid got inspired by limestone outcroppings found in lake area.

Location: Baku, Azerbaijan Building Typology:- Mixed used high rise tower. It
includes hotel, apartments, parking and offices.

Fluid character:- In Aqua tower, fluidity is incorporated in

the façade of building. It is in the linear fashion all around
the tower. Here its observed that designed is evolved
from continues lines. (Fig 3)
Material and Environmental factor:- They have used
concrete material for creating ripple like effect to all the
balconies of the apartment.
Apart from good aesthetics, a thought is also given on
environmental factors, like green design and energy-
Fig.2 Heydar Aliyev Center showing landscape and structure
efficient features. Part of façade which was shaded due to

46 | NCIT202110 DOI : 10.35291/2454-9150.2021.0475 © 2021, IJREAM All Rights Reserved.

 National Conference on Innovative Technology Trends in Art, Design, Technology, Management and Education,
MIT – ADT UNIVERSITY, Loni Kalbhor, Pune., Maharashtra, India.

slab was fitted with low thermal emissivity glass and part Fig.4 Entrance of terminal
which was not shaded was covered with higher performing Fluid character:- Fluid character is observed in roof
glass, because of which series of pools were created on and façade of building. Both the elements merge with
façade. each other to form one integrated block. This is very
Software used:- Rhino software with grasshopper plug-in important feature of fluid architecture were two different
was used to obtained fluidity in the building façade . designs becomes one at the end.
Number of solutions are achieved by changing the Material: - FRP was used in roof structure with steel
parameters. framework and glass panels
Structure:- Construction of Aqua tower is concrete Software used:-Lattice structure consisting of small shells
structure. was designed in Rhino + geometry gym+ grasshopper.
3. AIRPORT - DESIGNED BY THOMAS BUSECK, Maya software was also used for form findings.

Architect: Thomas buseck, Structure:- Roof of the terminal contains three layers, first
shell cladding, second shell structure and third glazing
Location: Innsbruck, Austria. shell. These 3 layers were arranged in such a manner that
Concept:- Concept was to design a roof structure very the gaps formed due to grid provides natural light inside
interestingly which will give the fluidic effect. So concept the building. In this project roof and the façade are two
was to give a wave effect to the roof structure. Plan was different elements which finally becomes one at the end.
kept very simple and focus was given to outer structural
part to create a fluidic appearance

X. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Comparative study of three projects are done to understand the building dynamics as these projects are designed by different
architects by using various softwares.

PARAMETER HEYDAR ALIYEV CENTER AQUA TOWER AIRPORT

BUILDING Baku, Azerbaijan Chicago, U.S.A InnsBruck, Austria

LOCATION

BUILDING Mixed used Residential building + commercial Expo Building

TYPOLOGY

IDEA/CONCEPT To develop a continuous and fluid To make ripple in effect on façade Concept was to give a wave
relationship between structure, interior and and Incorporate fluidity in high effect to the roof structure with
its surroundings landscape rise building. merges with facades.

SOFTWARE USED Modelling software Revit and Rhino Mathematica, Excel sheet Grasshopper, Geometrygym
grasshopper. Rendering in 3dmax,V- Stimulation, Grasshopper
ray,Photoshop Scripting

BUILDING AREA BuiltupArea :57,500 m2 Builtup Area : 184,936 sq.mts -

(619,000 sq ft) Height : 261.8 mts

47 | NCIT202110 DOI : 10.35291/2454-9150.2021.0475 © 2021, IJREAM All Rights Reserved.

 International Journal for Research in Engineering Application & Management (IJREAM)
ISSN : 2454-9150 Special Issue – NCITTATME’21

FLUIDITY Fluidity observed in structure as well as Fluidity can be observed in the Fluid character is observed in
OBSERVED landscape. Structure appears like wave façade of building, in the linear roof and façade of building.
which fades as it moves away from fashion all around the tower.
building.

FLUID No right angles in the structure, Here its observed that designed Both the elements merge with
CHARACTERISTICS landscape and interior. is evolved from continues lines . each other to form one
integrated block.

MATERIAL USED GFRC and GFRP, also concrete and steel R.C.C for structure FRP for roof structure with steel
framework and glass panels

Table. No. 1

XI. FINDINGS Thus fluid inspired buildings are possible due to advance
digital computation through parametric tools and digital
From the above comparative study, its been observed that, technologies.
there are different fluid elements or characteristics present
in different fluidic buildings. Fluid Characer/Element will Fluid characteristics derived are : -
play very important role in designing irregular geometries.  Geometry should be an integrated block.
These types of buildings are visually prominent and  There should be no right angles in the design.
exceptional to observe. By using simple lines and curves,
 Designed should be evolved from a continues lines.
fluid architectural designs showcase a beautiful flowing
 Entire building can be considered as fluidic or patterns
appearance into the interior as well as exterior of the
from which building is evolved should consider
building. These elements will differ from project to
Fluidic.
project. By using different fluidic elements, These types of
structures are now possible to design efficiently and also to Fluidity is not a method but it’s a style in architecture.
implement because of different modelling software’s. Architects and designers are exploring this concept to
attempt new innovative ideas. Fluidity is one of the
XII. CONCLUSION parameter which opens new horizon in the field of
Architecture has evolved, by changing the parameter Architecture.
constantly from time to time. Right for Egyptian to
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48 | NCIT202110 DOI : 10.35291/2454-9150.2021.0475 © 2021, IJREAM All Rights Reserved.