Hello!
I am currently undertaking a research internship in the field of stereotomy at FAUP – Faculdade de Arquitectura da Universidade do Porto, under the supervision of Pedro de Azambuja Varela. Through this blog, I intend to share the work and experiences I gain during this period.
This will be the first blog post where I put my interest in parametric design into practice. By documenting the topics I explore each week—along with the processes I undergo, the knowledge I acquire, and the challenges I face—I aim not only to track my personal progress but also to perhaps inspire others.
During the first week, I focused on developing a parametric arch design in Grasshopper. The objective was not merely to replicate a classical arch form, but to create a structural element shaped by parametric relationships. Initially, I drew a curve in Rhino to define the base form of the arch, and then imported it into Grasshopper via the “Curve” component. Using components such as Divide Curve, Shatter, and Move, I attempted to generate a parametric arch form. As can be seen in the visual representation, the joints between the voussoirs, unlike in a conventional arch, were oriented perpendicularly to the base plane. This issue will be addressed in the next iteration of the design.
