Efficiency in architectural geometry informed by materials

Abstract

Although some studies investigate physics-based dynamic systems to generate structurally efficient forms by incorporating geometry with performance requirements, there is a gap in the field questioning on how to link structurally efficient architectural geometry with mechanical properties of materials. The aim of this paper is to question the possibility of generating an information loop in which Young's Modulus, stiffness of the material may both inform the form-finding process and the structural performance simulation. The proposed method offers steps including form-finding, series of analyses applied for architectural geometry and structural performance, as well as optimization. Based on the simulation results, efficiency values are calculated driven by the use of different materials. The significance of incorporating material properties in the early design stage is underlined, by comparing differences, whether the stiffness of material informs the form-finding process or not.