Balancing design intent and performance: an algorithmic design approach

Abstract

Coordinating aesthetics and performance is critical in building design, but it requires information that is rarely available in early design stages. This scenario is further aggravated in design optimization, where evaluating several design variations is needed. It is not surprising, then, to see performance analysis being postponed to later design stages, where changes are expensive and time-consuming. This paper addresses this problem through Algorithmic Design (AD), a design approach based on algorithms that facilitates the early integration of performance criteria and its combination with creative intents. It proposes an AD-based methodology that enhances facade design exploration responding to aesthetic, performance, and economic requirements. The proposal is evaluated in the development and structural analysis of a facade, demonstrating its ability to (1) continuously provide relevant insights on the design’s structural performance and aesthetics and (2) guide the decision-making process towards solutions successfully balancing creative intents with structural and cost requirements.