Architectural Optimization-a Review

The introduction of numerical methodologies to Architecture is very recent. However, the last ten years has seen the application of optimization techniques to many of the problems of Architecture previously considered to be non-numeric: this paper reviews the panoply of these applications. The optimization problem which appears to have attracted the most attention is that of the layout of spaces or planning. Various techniques have been applied to this combinatorial problem but as yet there appears to be no algorithm available which produces a global optimum. The development of sites in cities has also been treated as an optimization problem with considerable success; various search methods as well as dynamic programming have been applied here. The methods used to control the internal physical environment of buildings (building services) have been examined systematically from an optimizing viewpoint. Detailed services such as aii-conditioning and vertical transportation have been treated. Materials selection has been treated as a multi-factor optimization problem. Dynamic programming has found considerable use in architectural optimization in site development, vertical transportation, house planning and campus planning. Finally, the development of design systems which use optimizing techniques is discussed. An extensive list of references follows the conclusions which summarize some of the difficulties of using optimization in architecture