Between Designer and Design: Parametric Design and Prototyping Considerations on Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia

Authors

  • Rodrigo Makert
    Affiliation

    Course of Architecture and Urbanism, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Urbanism and Geography, Federal University of Mato Grosso do SulCidade Universitária, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil

  • Gilfranco Alves
    Affiliation

    Course of Architecture and Urbanism, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Urbanism and Geography, Federal University of Mato Grosso do SulCidade Universitária, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil

https://doi.org/10.3311/PPar.10335

Abstract

Digital technologies have enabled new design methods, casting a reassessment of current theories of design. Rivka Oxman proposed five paradigmatic classes of digital design models according to the various relationships between the designer, conceptual content, applied design processes, and the design object. Kotnik states that catenary curve computational thinking is changing the way we think and design in architecture; it can be distinguished by three main levels of “computability”: representational, parametric and algorithmic. Kolarevic clarifies that new digital approaches to design (based on computational concepts), construction and prototyping can be achieved by computerised numerical control process (CNC). The study aims to promote the integration of theory and practice in search of a feedback loop that promotes the scientific method of knowledge production. The theoretical work intends to develop an updated understanding of the use of digital technologies. The practical experimentation analyses the Sagrada Família, designed by Antoni Gaudí, and proposes to compare digital (through the software Rhinoceros and the plug-in Grasshopper) and handmade physical models from the concept of catenary used by the Catalan architect. Referring to the Sagrada Família, Burry believes that “the continued contribution of the craftsperson is judged as a crucial partner to the digital dialogue” (Burry, 2005)

Keywords:

parametric design, prototyping, catenaries

Published Online

2017-01-12

How to Cite

Makert, R., Alves, G. (2016) “Between Designer and Design: Parametric Design and Prototyping Considerations on Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia”, Periodica Polytechnica Architecture, 47(2), pp. 89–93. https://doi.org/10.3311/PPar.10335

Issue

Section

Articles