BIM and parametric modeling share several key similarities. First, both are object-oriented technologies that describe physical objects directly, rather than converting them into abstract symbols. Second, their software interfaces present design results as three-dimensional geometric models, offering intuitive and highly visual representations. Finally, BIM technology maintains a shared building database throughout each stage of the project lifecycle, while parametric technology, once the algorithm is defined, creates fixed relational models at each stage. Both approaches enable seamless information sharing during the building process.
For example, consider the successful integration of BIM and parametric design in the Shanghai Center Building. The main structure reaches a height of 580 meters and achieves its distinctive architectural shape through an irregular outer curtain wall design. A critical factor in this design is the curtain wall’s support structure, composed of crescent-shaped steel pipe components.
Using the parametric software Grasshopper, algorithmic positioning was performed to correlate the steel pipe components with the curtain walls. One end of each steel pipe connects to the ring beam of the outer curtain wall, while the other end attaches to the centerline of the geometric center point support rod.
The positioning points are organized into modules of three, six, six, and two within a 60° standard area based on the outer curtain wall grid. These points align with the centerline of the ring beam following orthographic principles and serve as the attachment points for the upper and lower double suspension rods.
Correlation calculations were carried out, and custom C# code (an object-oriented programming language) was developed by internal software engineers to enable interoperability between Grasshopper data and Revit software. The numerous Excel files generated by Grasshopper were processed into BIM models, ensuring accurate construction technical drawings. This integration marked the first time BIM technology and parametric modeling technology were linked effectively in a building project.
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