Parametric modelling as a tool and a medium to control and create form by investigating its geometrical theories.

Within the course "Digital Culture and Generative Processes of Form" taught as part of the Master Program of the Faculty of Architecture ULiège, our main objective is to develop themes related to formal and material research within the architectural project approach. This perspective seems relevant: it combines, by digital means, the emergence of form, its control and the media devoted to the materialization of designed objects (in their broadest sense). Based on parametric modeling, this relevance is reflected in the use of tools whose performance in terms of design assistance allows increased project control. The use of design tools has taken off in recent years. However it would be useless here to follow a trend but rather wise to examine the methodological opportunities that these tools offer. We propose that students address the geometrical theories behind the research of architects concerned by the genesis of form and architectural space. We introduce students to the use of the programming language specific to the selected modeling software to generate complex 3D forms and to control them. Based on project-based learning, teaching is oriented to support students’ projects. Students learn through different means and information sources: theoretical contains, expert interventions (GH-Archicad© connection, Dynamo© connection, RElab Liège Fablab), exercises and tutorials.
This paper starts with an overview of parametric modeling pedagogy, notably in regard of mathematical perspective and the inputs it generates in the design process. Then we develop the evaluation methodology applied in this context and discuss the conduct of such a learning process.