Geometric Complexity and Energy Simulation – Evolving Performance Driven Architectural Form

Abstract

The research presents the custom development of a software tool and design process for integrating three design domains, their respective objectives, and geometric parameterizations. It then describes a set of experimental projects and analyses in the context of informing form and geometric complexity. Preliminary results of the multidisciplinary design optimization prototype, which, implements a genetic algorithm, are then presented. The findings include discussion of the value for architects for designing-in performance e.g. the bringing of the energy simulation and financial pro-forma upstream in the design process and of the value for trade off design decision making the system provides. The summary discussion includes the benefit of breeding architecturally complex geometries and the kinds of optimisations or search for improvements on designs that can be achieved.