Form-based code in parametric modelling for continuous urban design

Abstract

This paper analyses parametric modelling in connection with the Form-based Code (FBC) methodology to support continuous design in an urban scale. FBC is an approach to optimize conventional zoning regulations and has been implemented by a number of cities. Akin to a utopian urban design solution, we argue that the FBC is crucial to develop main objectives, characteristics, trends and impacts in a design process systematically and logically. Zoning emphasizes excessively on land use and intensity control, however, FBC promotes to (re-)create and predict urban-rural environments through controlling forms. FBC is developing and offers opportunities for flexible coding processes, adjustment of density and seamless public participation. Parametric modelling, being rule based, is a significant step towards a continuous urban design creating a mechanism for FBC. This paper presents a framework to connect parametric modelling with FBC processes, and how parametric modelling methodologies allow the formbased coding processes to be more impeccable hence being more appropriate in the process of continuous design flow.