Between Parametricism and Pragmatism Concept Design Problematics in Zaha Hadid Architects’ Digital Projects

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges in Zaha Hadid Architects' parametrical projects, focusing on recent digital technologies in the realms of "Architecture" and "Urban planning." Recently, Zaha Hadid Architects “urban-scale" project has awarded the title of "Parametric-urbanism" introduced a new urban design term to the world. This research delves into the design and implementation issues encountered in the Istanbul Kartal-Pendik Master Plan, parametric design which planned non-realistic, and fluiding plots and parcels not dependent on the city maps. 20<sup>th</sup> century early urban planning doctrines of C. Sitte and some French urbanists known as pragmatists, and realistic. The study expected to contribute design discourse with new approach parametric projects via French pragmatists problem solving methods. A comparative method is used to analyze the late 20th century parametric theories, and urbanism ideologies of 20th century; CIAM, Le Corbusier and French urbanists’ “realistic” and “problem-solving” methods. Zaha Hadid Architects’ “urban-scale” projects created via abstractions of parametric repetitive forms considered problematic. Some inconsistencies are observed in design and implementation process secondary parametric urban elements; road, axis, plot, parcel, block design and dimensions. Also, the urban scale parametric projects can be problematic in complicated, old, historical cities like Rome, Paris, Istanbul.