Integrated Exploration of Building Shapes Based on Structural Performance

Abstract

The design of buildings is an integrated process, from an exploration of multiple alternatives of building shapes to an evaluation of structural performance as well as an assessment of construction cost. The primary objective of this study is to propose an integrated framework to explore solid-type building shapes on the basis of their preliminary structural performance. The proposed framework is based on an evolutionary method using implicit redundant representation genetic algorithm (IRRGA) to search for building shapes, where objective functions are derived from synthesis of visual forms or intuitive reasoning in a similar way to how an architect makes decisions. The framework is supported by the following components: (1) transformation from a building shape to a structural model, (2) performance evaluation by structural analysis, and (3) total volume optimization as a cost feedback to assist in the selection of building shapes. The framework can help the architect to determine the acceptability of building shapes at the early stage of the design process.