Parametric modeling for form-based planning in dense urban environments

Abstract

Parametric instruments are employed broadly across the building industry. The study of applying parametric techniques to sustainable form-based planning, however, remains insufficient. This paper therefore critically assesses parametric techniques for facilitating form-based planning in an urban environment. The analysis is to twofold: Can a parametric technique truly enhance the form-based planning process more effectively than existing planning processes? and By what means can form-based planning layouts derived from parametric techniques be appraised? Methodologies include a case study in Hong Kong, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and experimental modeling on parametric platforms. Results indicate that the urban forms can be visualized in realtime during planning processes with a parametric coding system. Existing planning processes do not benefit from real-time visualization, but these alone do not necessarily result in more rational planning layouts. Parametric techniques produce visual models effectively but are not a planning panacea. Findings include a criticism of parametric techniques and pertinent instruments in urban projects, as well as valuable insights for the study of complex form-based planning in dense urban socio-environments.