Parametricism

Parametricism
Phaeno Science Center (Zaha Hadid Architects, 2000-2005)
Years active1998–present
InfluencesNeo-futurism

Parametricism is a style within contemporary avant-garde architecture, promoted as a successor to Modern and Postmodern architecture. The term was coined in 2008 by Patrik Schumacher, an architectural partner of Zaha Hadid (1950–2016).[1] Parametricism has its origin in parametric design, which is based on the constraints in a parametric equation.[2] Parametricism relies on programs, algorithms, and computers to manipulate equations for design purposes.

Aspects of parametricism have been used in urban design, architectural design, interior design and furniture design. Proponents of parametricism have declared that one of the defining features is that "Parametricism implies that all elements of the design become parametrically variable and mutually adaptive."[3] According to Schumacher, parametricism is an autopoiesis, or a self-referential system, in which all the elements are interlinked and an outside influence that changes one alters all the others."[4]

Parametricism rejects both homogenization (serial repetition) and pure difference (agglomeration of unrelated elements) in favor of differentiation and correlation as key compositional values. The aim is to build up more spatial complexity while maintaining legibility, i.e. to intensify relations between spaces (or elements of a composition) and to adapt to contexts in ways that establish legible connections. This allows architecture to translate the complexity of contemporary life processes in the global Post-Fordist network society.

  1. ^ Schumacher, Patrik (6 May 2010). "Patrik Schumacher on parametricism - 'Let the style wars begin'". architectsjournal.co.uk/. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
  2. ^ Coyne, Richard (18 January 2014). "What's wrong with parametricism". richardcoyne.com. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
  3. ^ "PARAMETRICISM". parametricism.agency/. ArchAgenda. 9 October 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-12-26. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
  4. ^ Eleini, Katerina (20 May 2015). ""THE AUTOPOIESIS OF ARCHITECTURE" PATRIK SCHUMACHER'S PARAMETRICISM AND THEORY". blogs.cornell.edu/. Cornell. Retrieved 25 December 2015.