Wikipedia: "The term "generative modelling" describes a paradigm change in shape description, the generalization from objects to operations: A shape is described by a sequence of processing steps, rather than just the end result of applying these operations. Shape design becomes rule design."
Well, that's clear enough. I'm still having a hard time drawing a sharp line between parametric and generative though. -- David Rutten [email protected] Robert McNeel & Associates On Mar 4, 3:48 pm, David Rutten <[email protected]> wrote: > Hi Daniel, > > a parametric modeler is one that's driven by parameters, as > disappointing as it sounds. So, yes, on a basic level ALL modelers can > be considered parameteric. > However, that wouldn't be a useful term since it wouldn't exclude > anything, so when we talk about parametric modelers we usually refer > to indirect parameters. > > For example, in Rhino you define a line segment by specifying the > start and end point. This is typically not considered parametric. In > Solidworks you can define a line segment as a tangent relationship to > a circle and a certain length and angle. This would be considered > parametric. One of the major outcomes of this different ideology is > that parametric models tend to be history based. When you define new > geometry using existing geometry, it doesn't take much to change the > starting conditions and have the entire model adjust itself. So, I > think most people will agree that in a non-parametric environment you > directly design the model, whereas in a parametric environment you > design the description of the model. In this light, Grasshopper is > definitely parametric. > > However, the term "parametric" has been applied to packages such as > Solidworks and Catia and Pro-E for so long that it is now tightly > associated with that particular style of interface. Perhaps this is > why the term "Generative" has been introduced. To be honest, I don't > exactly know what generative modeling is supposed to be. > > -- > David Rutten > [email protected] > Robert McNeel & Associates > > On Mar 4, 11:37 am, daniel hilldrup <[email protected]> > wrote: > > > Hi All, > > > I don't know if I am in the right place to start this debate, but I am > > looking for answers > > to my questions as I am about to undertake research on the field of > > 'parametric' CAD design and am looking for some terminology > > definitions. > > > I am a MA product design student looking to adopt some of Grasshoppers > > excellent > > capabilities, and apart from the research would like to know how the > > software is defined. > > > OK my questions/statement: > > > What is a parametric design? Is there a definitive definition? > > At a fundamental level isn't all CAD parametric, using parameters that > > state type, insertion point and direction (as with a line). Elsewhere > > I see, dimension based modelers classified as parametric.... > > > Is Grasshopper Parametric? I know that the 'blurb' states that it is a > > Generative Modeler > > using algorithms, so does it make it parametric? > > > Would really appreciate any sources of information on the definitions > > of generative/parametric modeling and the differences. > > > Right, back to the hopper to see if I can make something from this > > incredible software!
