This episode of The Future Built Smarter examines parametric engineering, which transforms design from a static, linear process to a dynamic, adaptive one. “By leveraging specialized 3D software like Rhino, Grasshopper, and Karamba, engineers can create flexible and intelligent design models that respond instantly to changes in parameters as opposed to building a model using fixed dimensions,” says Michael Kilkelly. A member of IMEG’s Innovation Team, Michael has been working with others on a new structural service for clients that has just been launched: Project SPEED, which stands for Structural Parametric Engineering for Efficient Design.

“Building owners want projects delivered on a shorter timeline than ever before,” says Michael. “Traditional design processes, however, are not well suited to this reality, especially for structural engineers, for whom complexity and time are two of the biggest challenges. As a result, engineers often can’t fully explore the breadth of possible solutions, one of which might better meet a project’s goals. Parametric engineering allows engineers to create lightweight structural design models, very quickly make changes, test the design, and iterate quickly.”

Instead of taking a few days using the traditional design process, parametric engineering enables engineers and clients to instantaneously see the feasibility and impact of changes—moving shear walls, changing bay sizes, using concrete or mass timber versus steel, etc.—as well as the resulting impacts on material cost and embodied carbon. “So instead of, ‘It'll take us two days to get back to you,’ it's ‘Let's look at it right now.’ It becomes a much more interactive, collaborative process.”

Watch a video on parametric engineering and learn more on the IMEG blog.