Approaches to Parameterization in Architectural Design

With computational capabilities parametric architecture has opened new domains of possibilities. The outcome of parametric approach can fit in any of the traditional classification in the architectural domain. But the approaches to parameterization in architecture vary widely, which can be broadly classified into form imitation, form optimization and form finding. These application areas are 'tool and technique oriented', 'problem solving oriented' and 'explorative approach' respectively. Any particular design case can have a combination of these approaches. In this paper these approaches are described, illustrated and parallels are drawn across these categories for comparison of these approaches. Further, based on this study, the design process is mapped in relation to parametric data flow in each of the approaches.