Evolutionary Computation (EC) is a sub-field of artificial intelligence (AI) which used the “Evolutionary Algorithm” (EAs) to solve problems that have too many variables for traditional algorithms. This method uses to select the best alternatives between various solutions based on problems’ criteria and constraints known as “Optimization”. The engineering community (including architects and structural Eng.) 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.

This workshop’s participants would learn 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 it easy to combine parameterized geometric models, finite element calculations, and evolutionary optimization algorithms altogether.

This workshop is for architecture and structural designers and/or students who are 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, as 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, and Learn how to use “Galapagos” to define a generative structure and architecture optimization workflow.

This workshop presents a computer-aided design framework for the generation of non-standard structural forms in static equilibrium using Karamba3D and Galapagos, as Finite Element analysis tools and Genetic Algorithm optimization tools, respectively. The design workflow relies on the implementation of a series of operations (generation, evaluation, optimization, and regeneration) that allow to the creation of multiple design alternatives and to navigate 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
• PAACADEMY will provide a certificate of attendance for students who deliver a final project.
• 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.