Table 1 Parametric design programs

1. Generative Components Program [9]

Bentley's Generative Components program is a parametric CAD program, it was developed in 2003, According to Aish, the Generative Components program is a parametric design tool that creates design rules that search for alternative solutions represented in multiple geometrical (complex) graphics associated with it. The program tries to give three-dimensional modeling capabilities to solid forms of architectural design by providing more diversification in them. The program is mainly used by designers and workers working on geometrical shapes in the design of buildings. The program supports many file extensions to interact with programs such as Rhino and AutoCAD. The program uses a simple coding language that allows creating custom programs (according to the user's desires). The parametric design created in this program is characterized by that each element of the 3D model can be constructed according to its relationship to the other element, and numerical values can be changed at any time. Mathematical formulas for commands can be accessed in place of standard commands such as copying or repeating operations performed by a series of mathematical operations. The program is also characterized by the presence of multiple methods of defining and monitoring the parametric correlations between the elements of the model in a responsive and workable environment throughout the design process. Parametric correlations are characterized by flexibility in controlling the design elements

2. Rhinoceros Program [10]

It is a programming environment from Rhino Script that was developed by Mc Neel, it is an easy and integrated method using 3D modeling and represents a well-known application and is used by many designers and architects, and it is based on the Visual Basic programming language. It works with NURBS objects, and it has potential for collaboration between different environments

3. Digital Project (CATIA) [11]

It is a computer-aided parametric design program developed by Gehry Technologies based on CATIA V5, The program uses the Visual Basic programming language and allows the user to develop additional applications, symbols, entities and shapes and at the same time allows the user to calculate the estimated budget and use of materials. The program provides well-designed tools for users to design components and assemble them into multiple (complex) formulations, as well as it allows the user to define the detail components it designed. Users can perform calculations and analysis on the model, and the program can be used interactively with programs such as AutoCAD

4. BIM Revit [12]

It represents the Building Information Modeling System (BIM), It was developed in response to the need for software that can create three-dimensional parametric models that include both the geometric shape, geometric shape design and building information. It allows users to design the building, structure and its components in a 3D model. Modeling tools can be used with pre-made solid objects or imported geometric models. The program lacks the ability to handle NURBS entity and single polygon entity except for some specific entity types such as trellises, terrain or bulk environment. The software assists with collaboration between teams and ensures that all information (floors, schedules, etc.) is updated whenever any changes are made to the model. It also assists to access construction information from the construction model database. Every change made to an element in the Revit is automatically published through the form to maintain the consistency of all the components of the Views, and the program has the ability to plan and track different stages in the building life cycle from idea to construction, subsequent maintenance and / or demolition, and Revit adopts programming language Python & Visual Basic

5. Dynamo [13]

It is described as a tool that allows parametric design in the context of a BIM project, it represents a flexible and scalable tool because it can work as a standalone application or as an addition to other design programs, as it can work as an add-on for both Vasarl & Autodesk Revit. It represents the visual programming tool that aims to be in the reach of both non-programmers and programmers alike, with the ability to use various scripting languages, and the ability to formulate the way in which data is processed (numbers or texts). The graph and the results of the 3D drawing are displayed both in the workspace

6. 3DS Max UI. [14]

It is a parametric 3D modeling program that supports visual programming and provides modeling, animation, simulation and rendering functions for games, movies and animation. It uses the concept of wire ratios and parameters to control the geometry and gives the user the ability to write its Max Creation Graph. It is based on the Maxscript programming language and has limited support for NURBS

7. Inventor [15]

It is a Parametric 3D drawing and modeling program based on extruding, rotating, drawing of basic surfaces. It is a first-rate mechanical 3D modeling software known as manufacturing and production software specifically. The program shows all the work sequentially within the browser, unlike AutoCAD, which hides the work parameters and design results

8. Marionette [16]

It is a visual programming environment for architectural, engineering, construction, outdoor spaces and industrial design. It enables designers to create custom application algorithms (as per user desires) that build interactive parametric entities and simplify complex workflows, as well as build automated 2D drawing, 3D modeling and BIM workflows within Vectorworks software. It was created according to the programming language Phyton

9. Maya [17]

This software was developed for the film industry (primarily for animation) and has been used in recent times by many architects in the conceptual design stage, This design approach requires programming or scripting knowledge and is inherent in mathematical algorithms where interactive design is not possible

10. Modelur [18]

It is a parametric 3D software that is used to design Urban areas, as a plugin for Trimble Sketch Up. It is primary goal is to help users create conceptual urban clusters. It provides the design of the built environment through major urban parameters such as the number of floors and the total land area of the building, and it also calculates the main urban control parameters (such as the floor area ratio or the required number of parking spaces). It helps to make an informed decision during the early stages when design decisions have the most impact