Thinking in Parametric Phenomenology

Abstract

This project explores the relationship between phenomenology and parametric design. Architects have made compelling arguments for a phenomenological understanding of architecture, rooted in the subject and in direct experience, for which the notion of intentionality plays a central role. However, the inherent subjectivity of phenomenology has remained a barrier to its use as an explicit method of design thinking. On the other hand, the wide spread use of parametric modeling, as a tool to capture design intent, has led to theorizing parameterization in architecture. We propose that parametric design be reconsidered to think methodologically and concretize the experience of architecture. The research focuses on the use of parametric modeling to support the representation of experiential parameters. A case study is carried out as a graduate design project involving phenomenological description, parametric modeling, and fabrication. Results are presented to identify recurring parametric structures used by novice designers. We discuss the significance of diagramming to incorporate a qualitative schema. It is expected that the results will enhance the current approach to the parametric design process.