Parametric urbanism as digital methodology. An urban plan in Beijing

Evolution and innovation in architecture are intensely related to the rise and developments of technology. Within this context, it is possible to recognize how in recent decades this milieu has fostered the development of new methodologies for urban design and architectural practice, as is, for example, the Parameterization. This paper is focused on the subject of Parametric Urbanism: discussing / questioning the emergence of this new architectural methodology; addressing the factors that contributed to its appearance; and seeking to understand whether the parametric approach has benefits and whether it may or may not be a solution or of assistance to urban planning. The paper provides a brief literature review focused on parametric urbanism and then it presents a practical case study of parametric urbanism: an Urban Plan in Beijing, developed in an academic context, at the University Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne in 2012. Having as base diverse examples of parametric urbanism, it is tried to identify/justify decisions defining principles and application guidance for this project. The conclusion presents the final considerations based on opposing the case study with the theoretical approach, seeking to clarify whether this new kind of urban design methodology, Parametric Urbanism, is or not viable.