Form finding for complex structures using evolutionary structural optimization method

This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of the Evolutionary Structural Optimization (ESO) method in developing conceptual forms of complex structures. A three-dimensional ESO computer code has been developed which is capable of analysing and optimizing structures of any geometries and loading conditions. The technique has been tested on a wide range of examples. In this paper the ESO method is compared to the hanging model approach used by the architect Antonio Gaudí.