India’s Parametric Design Pioneer Nuru Karim’s Bookworm Pavillion in Mumbai

Architectural designs are not only influenced by the styles of an era but also mediums. The digital platforms that are used today have aided in an inevitable refinement of design processes, fueled by prototyping, allowing engineers and designers to rethink their approaches. Architectural prototyping, 3D modeling, and design, for example, have seen new, daring approaches in the past few decades that are today characterized by parametric design.

Parametric design is a method where features are shaped according to algorithmic processes, in contrast to being designed directly. Prototype structures are created by algorithms that work within the set parameters considering aesthetics and functionality. A parametric design can be identified with shapes and forms that have a curving nature, often similar to a parabola or other flowing arcs.

It…