January 13th, 2025
Play the System
Parametric design and generative design represent a paradigm shift in the way designers approach the creation of forms, systems, and solutions. These methods use algorithmic logic and computational tools to explore design possibilities that go far beyond traditional approaches. By defining a set of parameters, designers can generate a multitude of variations, adapt designs to specific conditions, and automate repetitive tasks. This opens up exciting opportunities to create design that is not only more flexible and responsive but also more efficient and scalable.
For designers, parametric design offers a powerful way to engage with complexity and dynamic systems. It enables the creation of fluid and adaptive structures that respond to environmental, cultural, or functional requirements. Beyond aesthetics, it has practical applications in fields as diverse as architecture, typography, product design, and communication design. By embedding logic into the design process, designers can focus on strategic or other decisions while leveraging computational power to handle intricate details.
On 16 January, Tom Bieling and Johanna Siebein will host a lecture by Prof. Heike Grebin (Hamburg/Berlin) at HfG Offenbach. With her studio Troppo Design and in her work as a trained architect and professor of communication design at the Department of Design at HAW Hamburg, specialising in typography, she deals with parametric design and algorithmic logic, which can be used to generate and control form.
This is also relevant for areas of design beyond the graphic, for instance with regard to aspects such as flexibility (adapting design easily to changing conditions) or efficiency (automating repeated variants and tasks) and much more. Play the System documents the work of students and teachers at HAW Hamburg who are investigating parametric design methods. From critical adaptations of historical design techniques to feminist perspectives or political posters, the works reflect social negotiation processes.
Lecture and discussion start at 17:30 in the left chapel (“Linke Kapelle”) at Isenburger Schloss, HfG Offenbach, Schlossstr. 31. 63065 Offenbach. Free entrance!
Poster: Siebein