Integrated and interactive method for solving layout optimization problems

20 Having a significant impact on the design of many products and industrial systems, such as the subdivi21 sion of a ship, the layout of facilities in a plant or further still the assembly of parts of a mechanism, layout 22 design optimization is at the heart of scientific issues. The design of an optimal layout solution is a critical 23 and complex task due to the increasing demands of designers working on varied projects. This paper pro24 poses an integrated approach to solve layout optimi zation problems, from the needs expressed by the 25 designer to the creation of an ideal solution. This generic and interactive method is based on a design pro26 cess divided into four steps: the description, the formulation, the solving of the problem, and the final 27 decision. This process is based on a multiobjective modular optimization strategy that combines a genetic 28 algorithm with local optimization modules. The method described in this paper is interactive because the 29 designer participates in all process’s steps . For exampl e, in the final decisio n step, the approach includes 30 an interactive environment in order to let the designer choose and improve an optimal solution accordin g 31 to his personal judgment and expertise. The global method is app lied to an industrial problem which 32 deals with the search for an optimal layout of facilities in a shelter. 33 2013 Published by Elsevier Ltd.