Performance Driven Design and Simulation Interfaces: A Multi-Objective Parametric Optimization Process

Despite the continuous development and integration of simulation interfacing tools in current architectural research, the availability and operability of off-the-shelf tools has still not met the timeframes and performance requirements of current architectural practice. The complexity and demanding performance goals of contemporary large-scale projects often require innovative approaches, as well as the development of novel simulation interfacing tools to meet these requirements. This paper reports on a multi-objective optimization process, aiming at reducing incident solar radiations whilst optimizing daylight penetration, for the facade of a large-scale office building. This was achieved through the combined use of a parametric model and a genetic algorithm, along with an integrated data set of pre-computed results. To minimize the resources demand of analyzing the plethora of potential configurations of the facade, a number of strategically defined modular cases were modeled and simulated using bespoke interfacing tools to produce a database of results. This database was then linked to a parametric model, providing real time feedback and allowing for an exhaustive search of design configurations. To further explore potential optimal solutions, a multi objective optimization process using a genetic algorithm, also linked to the results database, was implemented. The overall optimization process provided invaluable insight to the design problem at hand.