Preface This publication represents my thesis research and design, conducted over two semesters at the Harvard Design School. I first became interested in parametric modeling while working with Professor Martin Bechthold on a system of planar ribs for a ferrocement armature. Using SolidWorks software, I modeled a number of structural ribs which were linked to a curved surface. Any change made to the complex surface would regenerate the shape of each rib. This was immediately fascinating to me, not simply because it saved hours of modeling time when the design changed, but because it implied a non-linear relationship between the software and the designer; neither was--or perhaps both were--in full control of the final product. I further pursued my interest in parametric modeling in Professor Daniel Schodek's course on Design Development, in which I completed a project entitled Smart-Ribs: Rapid Parametric Detailing. In this project I used CATIA software to rapidly generate parametric tab and slot details for a system of structural ribs. At the time, I was also conducting investigations into form and indeterminate program for my architecture design thesis with Professor Joseph MacDonald, with whom I began exploring parametric modeling applications in architecture design. The CATIA software environment became an experimental design tool for a series of furniture studies and ultimately for the design of a new Waldorf elementary school. The software was a greater participant in the design process than simply a timesaving device or representation tool--roles which are no doubt useful to the profession, yet ineffective at advancing the discipline. My research aims to advance the practice of architecture design through techniques of parametric modeling and direct output to digital modes of fabrication. Jason Halaby, author Table of Contents 1. Polyvalent Furniture 7. Smart-Ribs 13. Architecture Thesis 16. Parametric Modeling 33. Concluding Remarks 35. Image Credits and Acknowledgments |
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