Arch 490-04 Intro to Parametric Modeling Fall 2025

Intro to Parametric Modeling

Course Number: Arch 490 – 01

Professor info: Alphonso Peluso
E-Mail: peluso@IllinoisTech.edu

Syllabus: IPM_Arch_490_Syllabus_FA25

Course Description:
This course will serve as an Introduction to Parametric Modeling. The course will use architectural and structural texts as a guide/aid for learning complex Parametric Modeling. It will explore a series of Parametric structural design case studies. Case studies explored are Folded Plate Tessellations, Shell Structure Tessellations, Grid Shells, Tall Buildings, Responsive Components, and Generative Components. Students will propose and create their own Parametric designs.

Coursework:
Class 01:

Parametric Folded Plate Tessellation ( Grasshopper )
Parametric Case Study 01
Air Force Academy Chapel by Skidmore, Owings, Merrill

Readings:
Function-of-Form-Plate-Tessellation-Farshid-Moussavi
Structure-Systems-Surface-Active-Heino-Engel

Assignment 01:
IPM_A01

Videos:

 

 

Class 02:

Parametric Shell Structure Tessellation ( Grasshopper )
Parametric Case Study 02
Los Manantiales by Felix Candela

Readings:
Function-of-Form-Shell-Systems-Farshid-Moussavi
Structure-Systems-Shell-Structures-Heino-Engel

Assignment 02:
IPM_A02

 

Videos:

 

Class 03:

Working with Lists ( Grasshopper )
Parametric Case Study 03
Palazetto Dello Sport by Pier Luigi Nervi

Readings:
FORM01_Grids_Frames_Compress_01

FORM01_Grids_Frames_Compress_02

Assignment 03:
IPM_A03

Video:

 

Class 04:

Parametric Tower ( Data Trees )
Parametric Case Study 04
Absolute Towers by MAD Architects

Next class _ Shop Visit to learn all about the 3D printers

Readings:
FORM01_Towers

Assignment 04:
IPM_A04

Video:

 

Class 05:

3D Printing Basics _ Prusa Slicer

 

Midterm Assignment:
IPM_A05_Midterm_FA_25

 

Prusa Slicer Download:

https://www.prusa3d.com/page/prusaslicer_424/

 

Video:

 

Class 06:

Work in Class

 

Class 07:

Work in Class

 

Class 08:

Midterm Presentation

 

Class 09:

No Class Fall Break

 

Class 10:

Shark Gill ( Data Trees )
Parametric Case Study 05
10 Hills Place by Amanda Levete Architects

Assignment 06:
IPM_A06

Videos:

 

 

 

Class 11:

Attractors & Lunch Box plug in
Parametric Case Study 06
Grand African Museum by UN Studio Architects

Assignment 06:
IPM_A07

Video:

 

Class 12:

Geometry Rationalization _ Mesh Subdivision and Smoothing
Parametric Case Study 07
Broad Musuem by Diller Scofidio Renfro_ ( Responsive ) ( Weaverbird )

 

Final Assignment:

IPM_A08_Final

Videos: