Parametricism is an avant-garde architecture
and design movement that has been growing and maturing over the last 15
years, emerging as a remarkable global force. The tendency started in
architecture but now encompasses all design disciplines, from urban
design to fashion. In architecture, the style has an international
following and is currently progressing beyond its experimental roots to
make an impact on a broader scale, with practices like Zaha Hadid
Architects (ZHA) winning and completing large-scale architectural
projects worldwide. Parametricism implies that all elements and aspects
of an architectural composition or product are parametrically malleable;
and the style owes its original, unmistakable physiognomy to its
unprecedented use of computational design tools and fabrication methods.
All design parameters are conceived as variables that allow the design
to vary and adapt to the diverse, complex and dynamic requirements of
contemporary society. Although Parametricism has been talked about and
hotly debated for a number of years, so far there has been no
publication dedicated to Parametricism. The issue is guest-edited by
Patrik Schumacher, partner at ZHA, and one of the world’s most highly
renowned advocates of Parametricism.
Contributors: Philippe
Block, Shajay Bhooshan, Mark Burry, Mario Carpo, Manuel DeLanda, John
Frazer, Mark Foster Gage, Enriqueta Llabres and Eduardo Rico, Achim
Menges, Theo Spyropoulos, Robert Stuart-Smith, Philip F Yuan.
Featured architects and designers: Arup, MARC FORNES/THEVERYMANY, Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) and Ross Lovegrove.
