New Building Design in historical environment: Production process with optimization-based algorithm

Abstract

This study proposes a model for early-stage design optimization of newly constructed buildings in the historical environment, using the typomorphology-shape grammar method and NSGA-II genetic algorithm. Rhino, Grasshopper, Wallacei, and Sketchup platforms are used in the model. The street silhouette of the sample historical environment was analyzed using the typomorphology method and transformed into various rules using the shape grammar method. An optimization-based production for new designs was achieved with the design parameters created using the rule sets obtained here. Multiple conflicting goals and five different optimization packages classifying these goals were used to avoid restricting variations by focusing on the optimal solution. As a result of the optimizations, many design alternatives suitable for the silhouette of the historical environment were produced. With this model, it has been shown that many design alternatives can be produced simultaneously for a new building to be built in a historical environment and that it is essential to generate ideas at the early stage of design.