On the Virtuality of “Parametric Architects”

Abstract

This paper is about the immanence between architecture and mathematics. At the peak of the use of digital design tools, the aim of this paper is to explain the definition of “parametric architect”, which is thought to be known by everyone. In this study, where the definition of parametric architecture is sought in the relationship that architecture establishes with mathematics, firstly, a historical projection is cast to explain the derivation of the concept of “parametric architect” through different concepts, from the platonic dimensions of mathematics to architecture's search for perfection; the need for precision and accuracy; and the transformation of geometric and graphic intuition into representation. The virtuosity of “parametric architects” is then discussed through the representations of virtuoso architects such as Zaha Hadid and Antoni Gaudí. This is followed by a discussion of the mathematical transformation required of the “parametric architect” working to meet the materialist demands of architectural manipulations as a field of computational thinking. Instead of compressing it into power-producing positions such as the starchitect and God's architect, the discussion of virtuosity, which this paper seeks to underline, gives place to the re-creation of the “parametric architect” through Patrik Schumacher and Mark Burry. As a result, the insights gained from this research define “parametric architecture”, which seems to be a way to overcome the architectural practice trapped in the limits of descriptive geometrical thinking, as a new and evolving virtual ground shift/joining through the creativity-oriented relationship established with mathematics. Thus, it offers implications for architectural practice and theory.

Keywords

• Parametric architects
• mathematics and architecture
• Zaha Hadid
• Antoni Gaudi
• digital architecture

“Parametrik Mimar”ların Virtüelliği Üzerine

Abstract

Bu makale, mimarlık ve matematik arasındaki içkinlik hakkındadır. Dijital tasarım araçlarının kullanımının zirvesinde, herkes tarafından artık bilindiği düşünülen “parametrik mimar” tanımını açıklamaya çalışmak bu yazının hedefidir. Parametrik mimarlık tanımının mimarlığın matematikle kurduğu ilişkide arandığı bu çalışmada ilk olarak, matematiğin platonik boyutlarından akıp mimarlığın mükemmellik arayışına; hassasiyet (precision) ve doğruluk (accuracy) ihtiyacına; geometrik ve grafik sezgilerin temsile dönüşümüne kadar farklı konseptler üzerinden “parametrik mimar” kavramının türeyişini anlatan tarihsel bir sunuşa yer verilmiştir. Sonrasında Zaha Hadid ve Antoni Gaudí gibi farklı zaman, yer ve teknolojilere ait virtüöz mimarların sunduğu temsiller üzerinden “parametrik mimarlar”ın virtüellik zemini tartışılmaktadır. Bunu da mimari manipülasyonların materyalist taleplerini karşılamak için çalışan “parametrik mimar”a gerekli kılınan matematiksel dönüşümü, bir kompütasyon düşüncesi (computational thinking) üretim alanı olarak tartışmaya açmaktadır. Star mimar ve Tanrı’nın mimarı gibi erk üreten pozisyonlara sıkıştırmak yerine, bu yazıda altı çizilmek istenen virtüalite tartışması, her iki virtüöz mimar ile ortaklıklar edinmiş, Patrik Schumacher ve Mark Burry’nin üzerinden “parametrik mimar”ın yeniden yaratımına odaklanmaktadır. Sonuç olarak, bu araştırmadan elde edilen iç görüler, tasarı geometrinin sınırlarına sıkışan klasik mimarlık pratiğini aşmanın bir yolu olarak görünen “parametrik mimarlık” tanımını matematik ile kurulan yaratıcılık odaklı ilişki üzerinden yeni ve gelişen virtüel zemin kayması/birleştirmesi olarak yapmaktadır. Böylece mimarlık pratiği ve teorisi için çıkarımlar sunmaktadır.

Keywords

• matematik ve mimarlık
• Zaha Hadid
• Antoni Gaudi
• dijital mimarlık
• parametrik mimarlık

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