The optimization of architectural shape based on Genetic Algorithm

Genetic Algorithm （GA） is widely adopted in optimization and the improvement of its optimization performance is attracting many researchers＇ attentions. In solving practical probtems in the process of architectural design, the ways of converting design problems into mathematical models that can be addressed by GA are of great significance in achieving final optimal results. However, no such rute that can be applied to such conversion has been devetoped so far. In general, problems which can be addressed by GA can be divided into combinatorial problems and numerical probtems. In this paper, by means of attempting to disintegrate a complicated architectural probtem into combinatorial and numericat probtems, the author discusses feasibitity and practicality of sotving these two types of problems simultaneousty utitizing GA and discloses both advantages and disadvantages of GA by comparing with other algorithms.

Breathing architecture： Conceptual architectural design based on the investigation into the natural ventilation of buildings

This study explores architectural design by examining air, fluid mechanics, and the natural ventilation of buildings. In this context, this research introduces a new way of dealing with the process of architectural synthesis. The proposed way can be used either to create new architectural projects or to rethink existing ones. This study is supported by previous investigation into the natural ventilation of buildings via computational and laboratory simulation （Stavddou, 2011; Stavridou and Prinos, 2013）. The investigation into the natural ventilation of buildings provides information and data that affect architectural design through various parameters. The parameters of architectural synthesis that are influenced and discussed in this paper are the following： （i） inspiration and analogical transfer, （ii） initial conception of the main idea using computationat fluid dynamics （digital design）, （iii） development of the main idea through an investigatory process toward building form optimization, and （iv） form configuration, shape investigation, and other morphogenetic prospects. This study illustrates the effect of natural ventitation research on architectural design and thus produces a new approach to the architectural design process. This approach leads to an innovative kind of architecture called ＂breathing architecture.＂