Parametric Form-Finding in Architecture: Dimensions Classification and Processes Guidelines

The evolution of design software from two-dimensional representational tools to parametric design tools caused the emergence of parametric architecture. This novel design approach follows a digital form-finding procedure which has many aspects/dimensions. However, there is a lack of classifications and guides for the different dimensions of digital form-finding. This can result in an incomplete vision for the designers; increasing the time and effort needed for the form-finding process. Therefore, the paper conducts a review on the previous work related to the topic of parametric form-finding. Then, it proposes a new classification for the different dimensions of parametric form-finding. It also categorizes the current practices of parametric form-finding processes which were found in the previous work. Finally, it gives some guidelines to aid designers in creating their own design workflows/frameworks in the future based on them.