Parametric Design Modelling in Urban Art: Approaches and Future Directions

Although the notion of parametric modelling could date back to the hanging chain model of Gaudi, the utilization of parametric model in architectural design has only become a phenomenon in recent years. Both practitioners and researchers have demonstrated the great potential of these design models when performing architectural design tasks. Meanwhile, there are also artists and architects who actively investigate the possibilities of using parametric models in landscape or urban art. Combining with 3D printing technology, efforts have been put into the creation of public art pieces by using parametric models. Although parametric models are still largely used to create sophisticate geometries or forms, artists are also exploring the feasibility of parametric modelling approaches other than merely geometric operations. As a result, the primary objective of this paper is to review different possibilities and approaches of parametric modelling adapted by artists and architects in the realm of urban art. This would also shield light on new possibilities and future directions of parametric modelling in both fields of architectural design and urban art. Keywords—parametric design model; digital design; parametric art; urban art