Architectural Design Optimization—Results from a User Survey

Abstract

Although there is a substantial body of academic literature on Architectural Design Optimization (ADO), not much is known about actual ADO practices. This paper presents results from a user study of ADO in Grasshopper and compares them with previous studies. Compared to these studies, this anonymous, web-based survey employed a more relevant sample in that all eighteen respondents actually use ADO and in that they represent a mix of students, academics,and professionals.The survey's results highlight the importance of supporting meaningful selections from and better understandings of optimization results and question the ADO literatures’ emphasis on evolutionary, multi-objective optimization algorithms. They thus guide future research and development on ADO tools and ultimately contribute to the design of a more resource- and energy-efficient built environment.