Parametric Otto: Validation of a Visual Programming for the Generation of Minimum Surfaces Conformed by Physical Forces

The current scenario of the development of design processes may consider methods that have the potential to cover complex concepts and forms, which previously had limited reproduction, such as minimal surfaces, but can now be contextualized for professional and teaching practice. Considering these concepts, this article sought to propose and describe a parametric and simulation model that responds to surface attributes, such as those defined by Freii Otto. Initially, a theoretical study was made on the type of surface addressed and the techniques and digital tools to obtain such a model were recognized. Then, a parametric modeling process was structured by visual programming in two stages: the first sought to reproduce Otto’s model from the parametric modeling of an initial flat surface and obtain the conformation of a curved geometry in non-parametric modeling; the second, sought to verify the curvature of the model in a parametric environment. The results of the study indicated that the construction process of the surface from the simulation of the acting physical forces provides a more reliable model of minimum surface, with optimization properties as a function of the null curvature in most points of the surface. This process in a parametric environment advances towards the systematization of new methods of modeling in architecture, important to professional practice and training processes. By integrating the simulation and evaluation of the surface in terms of its physical characteristics in the design process, there is more aligned with contemporary architectural design processes.