Adapting parametric methods of contemporary architecture for graphic design

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Introduction

The increasing availability of electronic data processing, growing social interdependency, and networking are due to changes in societal structures. These developments pose new questions and possibilities for the disciplines of Architecture and graphic design. The early adoption of parametric methods by architects in the mid-90s led to a wealth of experience ultimately emerging into the school of Parametricism. Parametricism as a style claims to enable architects in innovating novel approaches and methods for understanding and designing spatial communication. The objective of this paper is to analyze the methodical approaches of Parametricism for its applicability in the context of graphic design. For this purpose, this work will explore the following question:

How are the innovative methods of parametricism to be translated to the field of graphics design, its repertoire, and the configuration-rules of its elements?

Focus of this research will be put on the following:

  • Simulation of:
    • social interaction
    • information processes
    • processes of organic growth
    • physical processes
  • The intuitive exploration of parametric variations
  • Data manipulation
  • Local/rule-based manipulation of repetitive structures
  • Exploration of mathematic algorithms
  • Rapid prototyping

The first part of this work will demonstrate the social and economic development of Fordism towards a post-Fordist network-society and the accompanying architectural styles that ultimately led to the emergence of Parametricism.

The second part will deal with the style of Parametricism, its differentiation from other architectural styles, and its various work methodologies.

The final section explains the utilization, creative concepts, and different methodically approaches of each particular design.