Home Articles Thinking Minds, Thinking Algorithms: An Origin of Thought
Articles

Thinking Minds, Thinking Algorithms: An Origin of Thought

Share
PoroCity
Share

Thinking Minds, Thinking Algorithms: An Origin of Thought

The magic is in the details. Designing an intricate thought that takes you through progressive steps to finally conquer the finished solution, deems necessary to deconstruct the complexity and make our lives easier. A set of instructions that deals with conjuring a perfect blend of all the inputs make way for expanded elucidation on Thinking Algorithms.

Thinking Minds, Thinking Algorithms: An Origin of Thought
Unzipped by BIG / Photo by Derek Shapton

If we look closely at nature, in everything there is a combination of some sequences such as the Fibonacci that forms the crux of their design. Thinking Algorithms aids to visualize forms and structures, with the integration of computer science and mathematics, intrinsically solving complex chunks through codes broken into smaller parts.

Algorithmic Thinking uses an IF-THEN construct, charting your journey like on a map, that takes you from point A to point B. What goals you need to achieve along the way? How much time do you take to reach the destination, is it defined in between the path? Thinking algorithmically is a mind shift from our usual thought process. In the beginning, it can feel quite hard, since we all have unconsciously built up shortcuts, assumptions, and thumb rules to help us solve everyday problems without thinking about them. But this systematic way of thinking through problems and solutions, similar to how a computer would deal with them, forms the core of success and efficiency.

Thinking Minds, Thinking Algorithms: An Origin of Thought
Photo from pexels.com

Parametric models use algorithmic techniques invoking and collaborating the outcome of digital design and fabrication. As a form-finding method, it entitles designers to conjure complex non-standard associative geometries, through a shift from the digital representation of form to a systematic presentation in a parametric model analyzed using code. A slight change in its constituent parameters interacts with the entire model’s shape, behaviour and structural variations.

Thinking Minds, Thinking Algorithms: An Origin of Thought
BUGA Wood Pavilion by ICD/ITKE – Photo by Roland Halbe

In parametric analysis, this affinity attracts the designers’ closer, and in constant interaction with the models, foretelling and revealing us the discreet variations without losing control of the design objectives. This modern idea of algorithmic thinking can transform our nature of understanding and way of living itself. As we train our brains to logically analyze every stage and work out the iterations, it unravels the model in its pure and natural form. Architecture has long been part of an iterative play from ancient Vitruvian geometry to Corbusian lines and Miesian modular grids to Hadid’s flexuous curves taking part in precise techniques and configurations leading to craft their vision and usher it into existence. Design has evolved over centuries, more in the way we approach and conceptualize their frameworks to render the avant-garde flaunting forms and shapes that are efficient, interactive and functional as well. 

Thinking Minds, Thinking Algorithms: An Origin of Thought
Heydar Aliyev Center by Zaha Hadid Architects / Photo by Hufton Crow

Algorithmically originated designs were envisioned by the legendary architect Antoni Gaudi, in his physical models. He used inverted suspension models with strings and birdshot weights to simulate by analogue means, the routes of forces and thus study multiple variations of his design forms. His experiments were a test of various parameters that lead to contrive designs based on natural conditions. These physical models are equivalents to digital parametric automated strategies that compute the outcomes on altering equations and functions to unveil the final prototype.        

Thinking Minds, Thinking Algorithms: An Origin of Thought
An upside down force model of the Colònia Güell by Antoni Gaudi – Photo from 99percentinvisible.org

Understanding an algorithm is different from thinking algorithmically, such as memorizing a formula and constructing your own path. The set of conditional statements and loops uses logic to create a procedural outcome. Similar to how metacognition teaches us to think better through deliberate practice, thinking about algorithms will flourish us with new ways to tackle new problems.  Algorithmic thinking defines the rules to a natural conclusion, with clear thoughts on the situation that arises at every stage and solving the minor parts that represent the whole.

Share
Written by
Jayakrishnan Ranjit

Jayakrishnan Ranjit is an architect from India with a passion for writing and storytelling. He focuses on scripting rich imagined stories on architecture, design and human nature. He researches on various facets of design and loves to explore the diverse nature of reality and fiction. He has written and published over more than 100 articles on architecture and design for various magazines around the globe.

Leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Related Articles
Zaha Hadid’s Riyadh masterpiece
ArticlesArchitecture & Design

Facade as a Storyteller: Unveiling Cultural Narratives Behind Iconic Building Skins

Facades are more than architectural envelopes; they are storytellers of cultural heritage...

Top Ten Brutalist Utopias Architecture Parametric Architecture
Architecture NewsArchitectsArticles

Top Ten Brutalist Utopias in World Architecture

Brutalist architecture has often been a controversial topic during architecture critiques. Loved...

Unravelling the Global Impact of Islamic Architecture 
ArticlesArchitecture & Design

Unravelling the Global Impact of Islamic Architecture 

Islamic architecture represents a remarkable journey of cultural adaptation and spiritual expression....

Walter Gropius: A legacy in modern architecture and design
ArticlesArchitects

Walter Gropius: A legacy in modern architecture and design

Gropius, one of the founders of the modern movement in architecture, is...

Subscribe to all newsletters

Join our community to receive the latest insights and updates!

© 2025 ParametricArchitecture. All Rights Reserved. By utilizing this website, you are consenting to our User Agreement, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Statement. In compliance with the privacy laws of Turkey and the United States, we recognize and respect your rights. Please be aware that we may receive commissions for products bought through our affiliate links. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or transmission of any material from this site is strictly forbidden without prior written permission from ParametricArchitecture.

ad blocker mark

AdBlocker Detected!

Help Us Keep Our Content Free

Your support helps us continue delivering high-quality resources at no cost to you.

We’ve detected that you are using an AdBlocker. We completely understand the need for a clean browsing experience, but ads help us keep this platform running and continue providing you with high-quality content at no cost.

If you enjoy our content, please consider disabling your AdBlocker or adding our site to your whitelist. Your support allows us to create more valuable articles, tutorials, and resources for you.

Thank you for being a part of our community!