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

Rodrigo Makert,Gilfranco Alves

doi:10.3311/ppar.10335

Rodrigo Makert, Gilfranco Alves

Open Access

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

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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)

Highlights

This paper analyses the Expiatory Church of the SagradaFamília, designed by Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona, started at the end of the XIX century and still not completed
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, construction and prototyping can be achieved by computerised numerical control process (CNC)

Summary

Introduction

Família, designed by Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona, started at the end of the XIX century and still not completed. In an attempt to organize current design theories and methodologies, Rivka Oxman proposed five paradigmatic classes of digital design models according to various relationships between the designer, the conceptual content, the design process applied and the design object; these are : CAD models, formation models, generative models, the performance models and integrated compound models (Kotnik, 2010; Oxman, 2006) All these definitions imply that the distinction between the three levels of design computability is not based on an assessment of the architectural quality of the resulting project, but on. The simulation and digital manipulation is used in many ways in the construction of the Sagrada Família Church (Fig. 3), for example, on the side window of the nave and adjusting the form of the nave’s roof (the existing model made by Gaudí in 1:25 scale was digitally designed) (Burry et al, 2008). In programming the process, modelling objects and architectural elements like these improves the effectiveness of the process, it reduces the level of abstractions and interpretations

Catenary: a brief experiment with physical and digital models

Conclusion