Parametric modeling with Blender

Welcome to our course about parametric modeling for architecture with Blender! Along the following lessons, I will show you some smart techniques and tools to add parametric controls to any object.

How do parametric controls work?

Blender works great as a polygon modeling too, but it lacks options to create controls based on semantics. For instance, you could control a wall by choosing aspects like thickness, length, and height. Not only that but setting the position of openings and much more.

Such controls are not available by default, and we must create each of them at least once. The good news is that after you have established a set of controls, you can replicate the object and generate new geometry based on such transformations.

Do you want to see an example? Here is one of the models you will create at the course (Video 1.1.1).

Video 1.1.1 – Parametric Wall

Notice the custom made controls at the properties panel. They are all semantic controls using the correct scale for the object.

What about furniture? Can we make parametric furniture? Sure! Here is an example of a chair with parametric controls, which you will learn to set up (Video 1.1.2).

Video 1.1.2 – Parametric Chair

You can even choose to hide and display certain parts of the furniture.

What is necessary to create such controls and go ahead with the course?

Just basic knowledge of Blender. All we need is already present in Blender. At some point, we will have o use basic Python expressions and math to solve scale transformations, but nothing beyond that.

Ready to start making parametric objects for architecture with Blender? Move to the next section, and we will begin our course.