Evolutionary Computation (EC) is a sub-field of artificial intelligence (AI) which uses the “Evolutionary Algorithm” (EAs) to solve problems that have too many variables for traditional algorithms. This method selects the best alternatives between various solutions based on problems’ criteria and constraints, known as “Optimization.” The engineering community (including architects and structural engineers) could benefit from this design method as a rapid and high-quality decision-making method and tool to increase the speed and quality of their design choice in the building design field.After the successful first edition of the workshop, this time, participants will dive deep into how to use the EAs to study the effect of architectural design decisions on buildings’ structures’ performance and how to select optimum design alternatives among various design solutions. To achieve this goal, we use “Karamba3D” as a Finite Element (FE) analysis tool, which provides an accurate analysis of spatial trusses, frames, and shells in the early design stage, and, “Galapagos” as an optimization tool based on the genetic algorithm. They are both fully embedded in the parametric design environment of Grasshopper, a plugin for the 3D modeling tool Rhino. This makes combining parameterized geometric models, finite element calculations, and evolutionary optimization algorithms easy.

Evolutionary Computational Design 2.0 is for architecture and structural designers and students interested in the simultaneous design of structure and architecture. All modeling and computational analysis will be done in the grasshopper/Rhino7. Having beginner to intermediate knowledge of Grasshopper is a must. Karamba3D will be used for modeling and analyzing the structure during sessions. No prior Karamba3D knowledge is required. The trial Karamba3D version is sufficient. The Evolutionary Optimization Algorithms will be explained from scratch, and Galapagos, the single objective optimization tool based on the genetic algorithm, will be introduced. Prior knowledge of optimization algorithms is an advantage but not necessary.

• Understand the main criteria and evaluation factors of a “FE analysis,”
• Learn how to model and analyze simple structures using “Karamba3D,”
• Understand the basic concepts and application of “Evolutionary Algorithms,”
• Learn how to use a “Genetic Algorithm” for optimization and design framework in the architectural design process.
• Learn how to use “Galapagos” to define a generative structure and architecture optimization workflow.

In this workshop, you’ll learn about using Karamba3D and Galapagos as Finite Element Analysis and Genetic Algorithm optimization tools to create non-standard structural forms in static equilibrium using a computer-aided design framework. The design workflow depends on implementing a series of operations (generation, evaluation, optimization, and regeneration) that allow the creation of multiple design alternatives and navigating in the architectural design space according to objective and subjective criteria defined by the designer.

• The workshop is free for Digital Members
• Total sessions: 2 sessions
• Please be informed that we won’t be able to provide any license, invitation, or educational account, for any of the software listed above.
• Having the software with a proper license and installing them on the computer is the responsibility of the attendees.