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 MattersStudies 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 GuestArie 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 ThinkParametricBe 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).