Parametric design as a strategy for the flexible standardization of social housing

Abstract

Social interest housing represents a fundamental component of contemporary urban policies, as it seeks to ensure minimum habitability conditions for large segments of the population. However, traditional architectural design processes applied to this type of housing are often based on rigid typologies and manual procedures that limit adaptability, increase development time, and raise the costs associated with architectural solutions. In this context, parametric design and digital automation emerge as strategies capable of transforming the architectural design process by structuring projects through systems of rules and parameters that control form, function, and spatial organization. This paper analyzes the application of parametric design as a strategy for achieving flexible standardization in social interest housing, with the aim of optimizing architectural workflows and improving design efficiency. The adopted methodology is based on the analysis of social housing precedents, the study of the urban context, and the definition of architectural parameters integrated into a parametric model. This model enables the generation of multiple housing configurations that can adapt to different spatial and regulatory conditions while maintaining dimensional and constructive coherence. The results demonstrate that the use of parametric tools significantly reduces design development time, improves consistency across architectural solutions, and enhances the adaptability of housing models. It is concluded that parametric design represents a viable and efficient alternative for addressing current social housing challenges, promoting more flexible, replicable, and sustainable architectural design processes.