Building Intelligence Through Generative Design - Structural analysis and optimisation informed by material performance

Abstract

Generative design (GD) is the process of defining high-level goals and constraints and then using computation to automatically explore a range of solutions that meet the desired requirements. Generative processes are intelligent ways to fast-track early design stages. The outcomes are analyzed simultaneously to inform decisions for architects and engineers. Whilst material properties have been defined as a driving agent within generative systems to calculate structure, material performance or structural capacity are not linked with early decision-making. In response, this paper sets a constrained approach upon traditional and non-traditional materials to validate the feasibility of structures. A GD tool is developed within Grasshopper using C-sharp, Karamaba3D, Galapagos and various engineering formulas. The result is a script, which prioritizes the structural qualities of material as a driving factor within generative systems and facilitates communication across different expertise.