Parametric Architectural Form and Spatial Perception: The Case of the Heydar Aliyev Center

The design and production of architectural forms have evolved alongside technological advancements. Since the 2000s, developments in digital design and fabrication technologies have enabled the emergence of complex forms that transcend the conventional principles of Euclidean geometry. One of the digital design approaches is parametric design. Parametric design is a method that enables the relationships between design elements to be defined through specific parameters and allows different form alternatives to be generated by modifying these parameters. Consequently, parametric forms may exhibit variable, complex, and geometrically indeterminate characteristics, potentially making them more difficult to perceive and interpret than spaces based on regular geometric forms. This study investigates the effects of parametric architectural design on user perception. The Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, was selected as a case study, and users’ perceptions of its formal characteristics were evaluated through a questionnaire survey. The findings are expected to contribute to understanding the relationship between parametric architectural forms and user perception and to inform future architectural design practices.