Optimo: A BIM-based Multi-Objective Optimization Tool Utilizing Visual Programming for High Performance Building Design

Abstract

Within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, the application of multidisciplinary optimization methods has been shown to reach significant improvements in building performance compared to conventional design methods. As a result, the use of multidisciplinary optimization in the process of design is growing and becoming a common method that provides desired performance feedback for decision making. However, there is a lack of BIM-based multidisciplinary optimization tools that use the rich information stored in Building Information Models (BIM) to help designers explore design alternatives across multiple competing design criteria. In this paper we introduce Optimo, an open-source visual programming-based Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO) tool, which is developed to parametrically interact with Autodesk Revit for BIM-based optimization. The paper details the development process of Optimo and also provides the initial validation of its results usingoptimization test functions. Finally, strengths, limitations, current adoption by academia and industry, and future improvements of Optimo for building performance optimization are discussed.