Beyond Geometry | Advanced Form-Finding Frontiers for Architects With Grasshopper & Kangaroo With Arie Willem de Jongh | AB Ep 42

What happens when architects stop designing static forms — and start designing with forces, behavior, and physics?

In this episode of Architecture Beyond, we sit down with Arie Willem de Jongh, innovative designer and Co-Founder of ThinkParametric, to explore the rapidly evolving world of Applied Design Physics and Computational Form-finding.

From parametric workflows to advanced simulations in Grasshopper and Kangaroo, this conversation dives into how architects and designers can create more intelligent, efficient, and responsive architecture through physics-based design methodologies.

Whether you're a student discovering computational design, a professional architect exploring advanced workflows, or a designer interested in pushing beyond traditional geometry, this episode offers practical insights into the future of digital practice.

Full episode video interview available here: 

In This Episode

•  How Arie Willem de Jongh first discovered parametric and computational design 
•  The growing importance of Applied Physics in architecture 
•  How tools like Grasshopper and Kangaroo enable advanced formfinding workflows 
•  Real-world examples of major firms using physics-driven design methodologies 
•  The relationship between geometry, structure, material behavior, and performance 
•  Common beginner mistakes in computational and physics-based workflows 
•  Practical advice for architects learning Grasshopper and Kangaroo 
•  Why physics-based workflows are shaping the future of architecture and design technology 

Why This Topic Matters

Studies have shown that physics-based optimization methods can significantly improve structural efficiency while reducing material waste. At the same time, architects are increasingly using environmental and behavioral simulations to improve daylighting, airflow, adaptability, and overall building performance.

As computational workflows continue to evolve, architects who understand formfinding and applied design physics are gaining new tools to create architecture that is not only visually compelling, but also more intelligent and responsive.

Featured Tools & Topics

•  Grasshopper for Rhino 
•  Kangaroo Physics 
•  Computational Design 
•  Parametric Architecture 
•  Digital Formfinding 
•  Physics-Based Simulation 
•  Structural Optimization 
•  Generative Design Workflows 

About the Guest

Arie Willem de Jongh is an innovative computational designer and educator best known as the Co-Founder of ThinkParametric, one of the leading educational platforms for parametric and computational design. Through advanced tutorials, courses, and industry education, ThinkParametric has helped designers worldwide learn cutting-edge workflows in Grasshopper, Rhino, AI-assisted design, and advanced architectural technologies.

Explore More from ThinkParametric

Be sure to explore the latest educational content from ThinkParametric, including their growing line of AI design and prompt generation courses for architects and designers looking to stay ahead in the future of digital practice.

Architecture Beyond is where architects, designers, and creative thinkers share the stories shaping life and impact beyond the studio. Since launching, we’ve released dozens of inspiring episodes and grown into a global community of listeners who care about architecture’s role in the world.

We’d love to hear from you—what topics inspire you most, or who you’d like to see as a guest. If you’re interested in sharing your own story on the show, visit Iamthestudio.com and click ArchBeyond in the menu. Join the conversation and help us continue building a platform that elevates architects everywhere.

Sponsored by iamthestudio architecture software courses (site here).