Parametricism and the Virtuals

                Parametric is a new style of architecture that emerges after the period of modernism. This Parametricism has unique characteristics in term of forms compared to the previous styles due to the “flow” of it. We can see from many parametric buildings that their forms has been adapt from the normal geometric to a much more flexible yet systematic shapes. It is quite clear that parametric introduces complex dynamic forms that have been designed with the use of computer programs. The software has a great role to help the designer create new architectures by curves, slopes, patterns, etc. The parametric show us that aesthetic values are one of the main components of it, while the surroundings of the building also has a great impact on the designing shape.

                One of my favorite examples of parametric in architecture comes from one of the most well-known architect, Zaha Hadid. Her work such as “Beko masterplan” and “abu dhabi performing art centre” are very impressive examples that we can literally see the “flow” from those buildings. We can see that parametric buildings are not just only about designing unique forms, there has some connections with the environments as well. I had to admit that it is interesting to see that parametricism and space existed and also complementing each other. We can see that prametricism is not just random forms but it is in fact, carefully calculated both in terms of functions and aesthetic which is very impressive for me.

                Then what is the “virtual”? It is the term that refers to things that seems to be real but actually it is not. It might seems hard to imagine what I am talking about but if you look at our daily lives closely you will find that we actually has connections with this virtual that we might think. Virtual can be seen mostly in simulated worlds, games and even the internet itself that we all use nowadays. The idea is about having parallel worlds that seems to be quite real for example The Sims but actually it is not even close to our reality, it just seem to be. It cannot be touch physically but in mentally it can be even more real than our world that some people might think it is ideal, just like the gamer couples that “accidently” left their own child to death of hunger while living in their own “virtual” world.