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

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.

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.

Related Architecture Beyond Episodes

If today’s conversation resonates, continue exploring these connected discussions:

💬 Have a question you’ve always wanted to ask an architect?
We’re inviting listeners to submit their questions for our upcoming Ask an Architect 2026 edition. The first 10 submissions will receive a special year-end prize bundle from Architecture Beyond and Iamthestudio.

👉 Submit your question now at:What does it mean to lead with design, serve the community, and build a practice with lasting impact?

https://forms.gle/jDeaDEuLJkTzwj4F7

Listen @ Buzzsprout