Designing-in performance: A framework for evolutionary energy performance feedback in early stage design

• Description of a multidisciplinary design optimization framework for concept design
• Identification of performance feedback criteria for early stage architectural design
• Description of a custom genetic algorithm for design and performance optimization
• Validation and measurement of an evolutionary optimization method for design
• Improvements for early stage design decision-making through an MDO framework

Multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) has been identified as a potential means for integrating design and energy performance domains but has not been fully explored for the specific demands of early stage architectural design. In response a design framework, titled Evolutionary Energy Performance Feedback for Design (EEPFD), is developed to support early stage design decision-making by providing rapid iteration with performance feedback through parameterization, automation, and multi-objective optimization. This paper details the development and initial validation of EEPFD through two identified needs of early stage design: 1) the ability to accommodate formal variety and varying degrees of geometric complexity; and 2) the ability to provide improved performance feedback for multiple objective functions. Through experimental cases the research presents effective application of EEPFD for architectural design.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide