The design phase of a project is one of the most exciting parts for both the client and design team, as the reality of ideas and program come together, the first images of what the project might look like are presented. For the sake of keeping this post short, I’ll skip over how the design phase works (at least for now!) and instead share a relatively new method the architectural world is seeing in recent projects throughout the world.

Using Rhino3D & and a plugin known as Grasshopper, this parametrically designed facade explores how design can change with a set number of parameters and quickly adapt depending on the scenario. This exercise (over lunch) explores how one of our favorite pizza places downtown Fort Wayne can change with some basic parameters (the 816 address and depth of a wood fin) to create a new visual interest depending on where you are walking along Calhoun Street. Once the basic shape is created, the plugin can equally divide the surface and create the multiple rib effect that could be sent to a local CNC shop for fabrication. The parameters can quickly be changed with the move of a slider, providing a new option on the fly.

Many more parameters could be used including sun /daylight analysis to help provide shading for the upper level, color effects, or other options the client may request.