Optimization of Freeform Building Shape Using Genetic Algorithm

This paper proposes an optimization algorithm for envelope design during an early stage freeform building design. This study performs geometric modeling using a three-dimensional (3D) design tool called Rhino, which designs examples of freeform buildings with a parametric design method, i.e., a 3D design technique for freeform building design. This method proceeds by mesh generation for the freeform building base using finite element analysis (FEM; a finite design method). The design variables from the thermal load prediction model are transformed based on the geometric information. This study used a genetic algorithm (GA) to minimize the envelope thermal load of freeform buildings. The results of the optimization process, which were applied to freeform building, indicated a 23.6–52.3% discrepancy between the initial and the optimized forms. We found that the optimized form consumed 23.6–52.3% less energy than the initial buildings produced by the parametric design method, which was facilitated by tuning each parameter for energy-conserving freeform buildings.