Parametric Design in Architecture: Your Complete Guide

Today, 3D modeling has proved very useful in multiple applications, from engineering to building design works. Now, the technology is fast shifting to the next generation technology, parametric modeling. This is a form of modeling where you can change the shape of model geometry when one or several parameters are altered.

It is the mathematical approach to three-dimensional design. So, how is parametric applied in building and architecture? Keep reading to learn more about parametric modeling, including the associated benefits and the best software to consider. 

Special Benefits of Parametric Building Design

The most notable benefit of using the parametric building design is that it helps to facilitate speedy iteration and flexibility in transformation. Dealing with changes is easy and intuitive. Parametric modeling allows you to factor in all constraints, including aesthetics and functionality in a building, for customizations. Other benefits include:

• An excellent modeling method that you can count on to manage complexity. 
• It employs advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to help increase the product options and easily narrow them down to the best one. 
• Although complex and relatively new, parametric building programs are becoming more available on the market. This is expected to also help push their cost lower. 
• Parametric modeling is helping architects and product developers take a greater interest in material science. This can only open doors to more product improvements and cost minimization opportunities. 

The Best Program for Parametric Building Design 

• Fusion 360 

 This is the leading parametric building design app from Autodesk and you can count on it to come up with unique models. Note that Fusion 360 is not a 100% parametric modeling application. Rather, it is developed as a polyvalent CAD program, implying that you can use it for creating both parametric and direct models. 

It is becoming the new go-to app because of its advanced and easy-to-use tools, such as local rendering, standard 2D/3D tools, FFF additive, and schematics. 

• Siemen NX

This program allows you to work on both parametric and non-parametric models and is loved by architects for comprehensive analysis of their designs. The program helps you to visualize the products more effectively and reduce the total time required to design them. The main features of Siemen NX include Animation Designer, Mentor Graphics and Multiple Display Parts, and Lattice Design tools. 

• Rhino with Grasshopper 

Rhino is a complete 3D CAD app that is applied in a wide range of industries. The program allows you to reference geometry objects, such as curves and points, bake geometry or create geometry.

Using the Rhino Grasshopper plugin, developing new parametric designs is easy and fast. You only need to slide the new parameters to the Grasshopper model space to make changes.  

• Inventor

This list cannot be complete without including Inventor, an advanced 3D app from Autodesk. The tool comes with features for drafting and designing advanced civil and mechanical drawings where accuracy is of critical importance. Its rich features, such as Shared View Collaboration make it easy to share the details of your design with the entire team. Other important features include the Drawing Creation feature for rapid drawing, Automated Frame Design, and Shape Generator.

No matter what product you are working on, the chances are that Inventor can help you do it faster and more conveniently. 

Parametric modeling has come to help enhance 3D modeling as we know it. It not only reduces the time needed to finish designing your products or building, but you are sure of easily reviewing your designs, identifying errors and correcting them on time. The apps we have outlined above are designed with the customer in mind, and you can count on them to make the most outstanding models.