Creativity inspired by analysis: An algorithmic design system for designing structurally feasible façades

Abstract

Although structural performance has a crucial role in the overall design, its analysis is often postponed to later design stages. This largely occurs because analysis processes are time consuming and require the use of specific models and tools. This problem is then aggravated by the number of design variations that have to be analysed until an acceptable solution is found. However, the implementation of design changes at later stages is limited, as also is their impact on the solution's final performance. Fortunately, with algorithmic design, we can overcome these limitations, as it not only supports complex designs and facilitates design changes, but also automates the production of the specific models and their subsequent analysis and optimization. In this research we focus on buildings façades, proposing an algorithmic design system to support their design, structural analysis, and optimization.