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When searching #parametricdesign and how far this systematic design method has reached into consumerism and lifestyle, there are a few areas that have already grasped and embraced this style extensively, architecture in particular being one of them. However, a specific area ripe with parametric opportunity are the proposals for how to reconstruct the ceiling of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Pictured above is the proposal from Miysis Studio and you can see more renderings here. Another intriguing rabbit hole I found myself in was seeing the alternative renditions of how to restore the cathedral have been collected here.
I think that houses of worship are a unique place for architects to utilize parametric design in a way that can be inspiring, inviting, and truly interesting. I read through this article from Architectural Digest on some of the most unique houses of worship in the world and it is true, the opportunity in these structures for variation, pattern, and repetition stretches what one commonly thinks of as parametric design, especially because many of these structures were completed before the digital age. By using tile, paint, and sculpture, these structures are unique in their religious renditions of connecting to a higher power through architecture.
Another area of opportunity for continued iteration is the fashion industry. Dutch fashion designer Iris Van Herpen (why are some of the best designers all Scandinavian?? must be something in the water there) created a series of dresses that mimic the motion of birds in flight.
Van Herpen has reached a level of cool I couldn’t even attempt in my wildest dreams, yet I am here for it. Her dresses are ethereal, modern, and still natural. I am eager to see what other major fashion designers come up with and how to implement parametric design in all forms of clothing and accessories. From denim engraving and printing (hello @ Madewell), to parametric stitching on dresses, and even these wild creations from Van Herpen. Give the people what they want and let’s see some more 3D printing when it comes to dress designs.
Now that I’ve covered the far-reaching and imaginative parametric applications that we could see in the future, let’s come back down to earth and address a utility-focused item that could benefit from some thinking outside the box. Enter, the kitchen knife. But surprise, surprise another genius from Scandinavia already figured this one out and her name is Mia Schmallenbach who created the Deglon Meeting Knife Set, which you can buy on Amazon for a cool $894 (if they ever restock that is). There are so many other iterations of kitchen utensils that could use this parametric ingenious application, like who wouldn’t love to have a way for all their pot and pan lids to be organized and look nice? If this is what the future has in stock, please sign me up.
As I have mentioned a few notable and noteworthy designers above, there are many more who are opening the doors of endless opportunities for innovation and creativity. Two of those noteworthy designers are Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and Australian artist Geoff Nees, who created a parametric temporary timber structure (say that five times fast) for the NGV Triennial.
This pavillion is made completely out of timber and the pieces are assembled like a three-dimensional puzzle. The overall shape is made up of multiple arches stacked against each other to create the larger structure. Since the timber structure is made up of smaller pieces, the whole pavillion can be disassembled and reassembled in another location.
I found this project intriguing in that Kuma and Nees took inspiration from nature and translated it into a unique experience for the Melbourne Botanic Garden visitors to enjoy. The pavillion is clearly visually appealing, and the concept of its temporal location originated in the changing of the seasons. I appreciate the non-literal interpretations to create a new and unique experience that can offer fresh insights into the way we experience the natural world.
As explained in the video, the pavilion was designed in a digital 3D model, then timbers that are found in the Melbourne Botanic Garden were used in the structure to create color variation, texture, and even varied scents. From there, each piece is cut to size and assembled like a puzzle to create a single arch. The arches then come together to form the pavilion as one fluid, geometric, yet natural space.
While we’re on the note of architecture, another creative who is inspiring to me in the parametric design space is Nuru Karim (NUDES), particularly his innovative rain catcher design. Karim proposed for this rain harvesting water tower to be placed in San Jose, California as a means to center a meaningful conversation about water conservation and climate change.
By creating a beautiful and eye-catching artifact, a place where people can gather and mingle, and a structure that bears the main focus of what they are trying to increase awareness of, is an innovative and appealing solution that emphasizes the importance of conserving water. Currently, this project is just a proposal for the city of San Jose, having been digitally created and rendered as shown.
Lastly, as mentioned above Iris Van Herpen is incredibly inspiring when it comes to the cross section of parametric design and high fashion. There are plenty of models donning filament based pieces that look like they were peeled straight off the 3D printer before being slapped on a body and walked down a catwalk. Where Iris Van Herpen has distinguished herself, is that her pieces show the systemic pattern of parametric design, and she has made these artifacts beautiful.
The workflow to create these pieces of art are explained as follows: “Traditional weaving techniques are combined with high-tech digital fabrication, resulting in a series of garments featuring complex parametric patterns. These range from pleated dresses made from liquid-coated silk organza, to wool coats made using laser cutting.” And if you don’t believe me, look for yourself and try to deny the innate beauty in these pieces, inspired by nature. I can see the hummingbirds wings now.
