TOWARDS ECOLOGICAL PARAMETRIC DESIGN: AN INTERVIEW WITH NICOLA SALADINO

Advances in computational design developed by architectural researchers are being widely integrated to practice in recent years. This idea is also called Research by Design, which constitutes one of many contemporary innovative methods. Although the term and methods are not clearly defined, as suggests Roggema (2017), it adapts on the combination of design and research in certain level to solve real world problems by design taking in consideration research methods. Research by design supports an architectural discourse based on experimentation, evidence, documentation and solution. In the whole world, parametric design became ubiquitous in architectural research. From details to urban plans, parametric tools help architects to define complexities in form and processes. Schumacher (2019) believes that the dissemination of parametric design slowed down in the last decade due to economic crisis in Europe. Plus, parametric design faces many criticisms, being accused of mere automation, not able to consider social aspects or unlimited obsession by the form (Sorkin). On the other hand, many turn their focus to research on the integration of environmental conditions and parametric design to deliver sustainable designs. In this interview with Nicola Saladino, we discuss the practices of the office remix studio (www.remixstudio.org), in which he is co-founder, in terms of design, research and parametric urbanism. reMIX is a China-based architectural practice with large experience on design and integration of research in the design process. Their approach considers the mapping of site conditions and ecological systems as essential input for the design.