The nature of large complex buildings requires specialized skills across a multi-disciplinary team and high levels of collaboration and communication. By taking a parametric approach to design and construction, high quality results can be delivered on budget on time. This type of approach facilitates the opportunity for design teams to work in an iterative manner. A parametric model reduces the time associated with complex design changes while providing a centralized method for coordinating communication. In this paper the recently completed Aviva Stadium is used to illustrate the ways in which these benefits manifest themselves on built work.The authors identify the moments in the design and construction process that truly justify the effort in implementing a parametric approach. By approaching design in this way a "design conversation" can take place between parties involved, resulting in a better building.

This paper addresses the development of parametric models in contemporary architectural practice. A parametric model can be regarded as a representation of a solution space and in order to structure this, a description of the problem is required. Architectural design tasks are typically ill structured, the goals may not be defined and the means unknown. Moving from an incomplete problem description to a functional parametric model is a difficult task. In this paper the aim is to demonstrate that through a combination of knowledge acquisition and capture a parametric model can develop from an incomplete problem description.This demonstration draws on existing strands of design theory which are then used to outline a theoretical framework.This framework is then used to examine a case study of a live project and practical examples of the described theory in action are given.The practical observations are the result of a case study involving the author as a participant and observer working with Populous to develop a cladding geometry solution for Lansdowne Road Stadium in Dublin (now know as the AVIVA STADIUM). 201Parametric Development of Problem Descriptions

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This paper addresses the development of parametric models in contemporary architectural practice. A parametric model can be regarded as a representation of a solution space and in order to structure this, a description of the problem is required. Architectural design tasks are typically ill structured, the goals may not be defined and the means unknown. Moving from an incomplete problem description to a functional parametric model is a difficult task. This paper aims to demonstrate that through a combination of knowledge acquisition and capture a parametric model can develop from an incomplete problem description. This demonstration draws on existing strands of design theory which are then used to outline a theoretical framework. This framework is then used to examine a case study of a live project and practical examples of the described theory in action are given. The practical observations are the result of a case study involving the author as a participant and observer working with HOK Sport to develop a cladding geometry solution for Lansdowne Road Stadium in Dublin.

The Aviva Stadium, Dublin, is the first stadium to be designed from start to finish using commercially available parametric modelling software. A single model in Bentley's Generative Components was shared between architects and engineers, which allowed the optimised design of form, structure and façade. The parametric software was extended where necessary to integrate with structural analysis and to automate fabrication. By reducing the overhead associated with design iterations, this approach allowed detailed exploration of options and early identification and resolution of potential problems. In this paper, the authors add to the body of scientific knowledge by describing in detail the methods which led to the construction of the Aviva Stadium.This paper is written in light of the completed building and provides information on the generation and control of the envelope geometry, development and analysis of structure and documentation for construction.Whilst these components have been discussed independently previously [1-4], here these aspects are drawn together for the first time and are presented alongside thoughts on the manufacturing and construction processes from the project architect.