{"id":7801,"date":"2026-05-06T10:00:09","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T10:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.angesfinanciers.org\/?p=7801"},"modified":"2026-05-08T15:11:24","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T15:11:24","slug":"a-simple-guide-to-parametricism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.angesfinanciers.org\/index.php\/2026\/05\/06\/a-simple-guide-to-parametricism\/","title":{"rendered":"A simple guide to parametricism"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Beijing<\/div>\n

What actually is parametricism<\/a>? As part of our series on the style<\/a>, we’ve written a quick and simple overview of the notoriously complex and contentious concept.<\/span><\/p>\n

What exactly is it?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Parametricism is a 21st-century architectural style and theoretical movement closely associated with advances in digital design tools.<\/p>\n

What does<\/strong> parametricism mean?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Parametricism is a style of architecture that results from using paramateric design tools to create a building.<\/p>\n

The word parametric refers to parameters, which are used to define rules for digitally design tools.<\/p>\n

Where did the term parametricism come from?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The term was coined in 2008 in a manifesto by the German architect Patrik Schumacher<\/a>, now principal of Zaha Hadid Architects<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In his Parametricist Manifesto, presented at the 11th Venice Architecture Biennale<\/a>, Schumacher proclaimed the movement would be international, becoming “the great new style after modernism”.<\/p>\n

\"Patrik
Parametricism is a term coined by the architect Patrik Schumacher<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What are its key principles?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The principles of parametricism are based on the use of computer technology and parametric algorithms to generate complex, adaptive architectural forms.<\/p>\n

When being developed, these forms are parametrically variable and mutually coordinated, meaning every element belongs to an elastic, integrated whole in which changing one parameter reshapes the others accordingly.<\/p>\n

What does a parametricist building look like?<\/strong><\/p>\n

In a series of taboos and dogmas set out by Schumacher, he states parametricist buildings oppose rigid boxes, flat planes or repetitive grids.<\/p>\n

According. to the architect, a parametricist building is non-rectilinear, with soft, organic, sweeping geometries akin to structures and systems found in nature.<\/p>\n

Building elements that are usually distinct, such as roofs and walls, are often blended for a streamlined, amorphous look. Many people describe the parametricist aesthetic as sci-fi or futuristic, as buildings of this style can lack an obvious connection to their surroundings.<\/p>\n

What is the difference between parametricism and parametric design?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Parametricism is an architectural style and theoretical movement, and parametric design is an algorithm-based toolkit.<\/p>\n

While parametricism relies heavily on parametric design tools, they can be used to create a building in any style.<\/p>\n

\"Heydar
Heydar Aliyev Center is one of the most famous buildings linked to the style<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Parametric design can be used to create entire structures, as seen in parametricism, or to find the optimal solution for a specific element of a building, such as the roof dome at the Louvre Abu Dhabi by Jean Nouvel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Popular parametric design tools include the software Grasshopper, which is a plugin for Rhino, and Dynamo for Revit.<\/p>\n

What are some famous examples of parametricist architecture?<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the most famous buildings linked to parametricism is the Heydar Aliyev Center<\/a>, completed by Zaha Hadid in 2012. Though Hadid was not known to identify as a parametricist herself, the building has become synonymous with the movement thanks to its distinctive, wave-like skin formed from glass-fibre-reinforced concrete panels.<\/p>\n

Others include the Yokohama International Passenger Terminal by Foreign Office Architects<\/a>, completed in 1995, and Beijing Daxing International Airport by Zaha Hadid Architects<\/a> (top image), completed in 2019.<\/p>\n

When did parametricism begin?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The style was officially coined by Schumacher in 2008. However, many theorists cite its beginnings as much earlier.<\/p>\n

Parametricism is widely considered an evolution of postmodern architectural movements such as blobitecture and foldism \u2013 movements formalised by architect Greg Lynn in the 1990s.<\/p>\n

However, for other theorists, it starts well before the digitisation of architecture, with the works of 19th-century architect Antoni Gaud\u00ed and 20th-century architect Frei Otto, who both relied heavily on experiments in 3D modelling.<\/p>\n