Design Optimization in Computer-Aided Architectural Design

The proposition of using design optimization to formalize and add rigor to the decision-making process in building and construction was earlier compiled by Radford et al. in 1988, providing an in-depth demonstration of techniques available at the time. Much has changed since, both in the available solution methods and the nature of the problems themselves. This paper provides an updated insight into past and current trends of using this engineering design paradigm to solve architectural design problems, with an emphasis on continuous nonlinear formulations of simulation-based problems. The paper demonstrates different problem formulations and current techniques for solving them. Examples from recent research are used to demonstrate significant achievements and existing challenges associated with formalizing and solving decision-making tasks in architecture