Utilization of parametric modeling methods in order to obtain flexible solutions in urban design

Urban design is a complex process that involves a lot of parameters in itself. Considering the uncertanity and complexity of future scenarios; the solid decisions taken over urban planning do limit the urban design. Cities just like all open systems have their own organic mechanisms that effect their growth and changes over time. Therefore the starting point and context of designing urban systems are in constant change. Contemporarily the data sets and specifications that are used on urban planning seem to be quite coincidental especially in terms of parcelization. This kind of design outline is quite prone to mis-interpratations and mistakes of urban designers. Moreover this kind of sets of outlines limit the possibilities of urban development and can mislead the urban growth strategies. Considering the urban planning that are directed by today's data sets of building heights, defined construction areas, parcelization setbacks are predominantly defined by the existing urban patterns. Nowadays urban maps, environmental analysis and all kinds of urban data that can be quantified and measured by the help of developing technologies have been much more accesible. Integrating and all these datas on urban design from the begining; enables stonger and better strategies of urban design and urban scenarios. Physical conditions of project sites such as climate, daylight, ventilation and maybe most importantly context of the built environment need to have harmony which is pretty hard to obtain with todays muncipalities inflexible planning systems. A more flexible approach is needed. Considering all these parameters; a more dynamic approach to urban design sytesms in order to deal with these complex systems is quite inevitable. (Portugali [1]) Gathering all the parameters that effect design can be truly effective with the parametrics modeling systems that are developed recently. With the holistic approach of parametric design systems, it is possible to gather an accesible data that all of the decision actors (such as municipalities, contractors, investors and architects) can observe. These systems are also helpful for observing and comparing different design outcomes and see variations of design. Parametric design systems in urbanism allow various simulations that can be observed in a sufficient detail and help the designers to plan the cities in an harmony. In the first section of the thesis; the limitations of todays designing systems and the complexity of the cities will be discussed. Considering these complex systems parametic designing systems can be offered as a solution to be able to deal with contemporary urban design. The thesis will be focusing on the designers role and the role of parametric approach systems on urban design process. By giving examples on urban design projects worldwide, the approach of different architects will be examined. In the second part of the thesis, parametric urban design metods and tolls will be introduced briefly. The main aim of this section is to explain what kinds of tools and methods are used in different stages of urban planning in order to introduce the final outcome of the thesis which is parametric model study. In the last episode of the thesis, the potentials of parametric design on especially pre-concept stages of urban design will be illustrated by a parametric model example. By the help of the parametric design systems and tools; different variations that can be effected by different actors and changing parameters will be simulated with visuals and datasets. One of the primer roles of this study is to illustrate a "design tool" which enables the easy usage of parametric design metods within the conceptual approach of urban planning. The final outcome is a "parametric model" can be adapted to different parameters. The model offers a flexible, open-source method that can be altered by the designers decisions. This plot study is in a format that can be adapted to different sites and various parameters. This model can be adapted to any project site by altering various context datas and site restirictions defined to the algorithm. This thesis aims to display the extensive and supportive nature of parametric systems in urban design. The interpratation of the designer (architect) will be documented with variations that are shown in the example project.