Identification of design solutions for a built environment that caters to the human needs at all levels, and more specifically, to the needs of the clients and the society, is the main task addressed by architectural design. Architectural design is a prime example of a design task that is characterized by a high degree of complexity. Architectural design problems by definition entail relationships between decisions and objectives that are all but transparent. For the decision-maker to be able to guide design towards fulfilling objectives, a ‘closed-loop’ approach where variations in design solutions are generated and evaluated in an iterative process is employed. Due to the sheer number of alternative solutions to problems of even a moderate scale (due to combinatorial explosion), it is only feasible to iterate over a minuscule fraction of possible solutions. Design intuition of the professionals involved in design is a strong driving force behind the identification of design direction, in which alternatives are explored as part of the preliminary design process. This is an approach that depends on the human cognitive capabilities to navigate the design space and identify potentially promising solutions. Regardless, the complexity associated with architectural design often poses significant challenges to human cognition. Human cognition, while formidable in its ability to flexibly and efficiently navigate challenging environments, is faced with difficulties in addressing the complexity factors outlined previously, namely: the excessive (combinatorially explosive) number of potential solutions to architectural problems, the complex and non-linear relations between objects and their properties and the conflicting nature of design goals that architectural design entails. Thus, design professionals are often faced with the real threat that their decisions may be biased due to the natural limitations of human cognition acting in complex environments. Due to the reasons highlighted above, a systematic approach to design space exploration must be undertaken, to maximize the potential for discovering optimal solutions to design problems. Due to the nature of such problems that entail multiple conflicting objectives, a single best solution is generally not attainable. Nonetheless, best-tradeoff solutions are distinguished and highly desirable for such multi-objective design problems. The field of Computational Intelligence, and within that in particular Evolutionary Computation-based (EC) intelligent approaches, offer a lucrative option as decision-support tools in design, as they are able to efficiently address the aforementioned proponents of design complexity. EC approaches are able to navigate the design space efficiently and systematically, considering multiple conflicting objectives and hard constraints, and being able to deal with arbitrary relations between design decision variables and design objectives. In today's setting, products of architecture must lead the way to a sustainable and environmentally friendlier society. As such, the performance of buildings has become the main driving force behind the design process, being referred to as ``performance-driven design''. This initiative emphasizes the quantitative evaluation of a design's function in accordance with established design objectives, related to aspects such as energy performance, visual and thermal comfort, cost and environmental footprint, etc. Simulation-based tools that enable accurate design evaluation are gaining ground and offering valuable insight into the performance of buildings. Nonetheless, making decisions in this multi-objective environment is not trivial, and, as stipulated above, may be challenging to human cognition. Thus, in today’s setting where the quantitative performance of buildings keeps gaining ground, the research on the application of EC in architectural design is high on the scientific agenda. Recognizing the impact design complexity has on architectural design and the potential that EC-based approaches offer in addressing it, this thesis proposes a comprehensive computational intelligence decision support system that combines components based on intelligence with ones based on cognition, with the ultimate aim of enabling decision-makers manage design complexity and improve decision making. In particular, this thesis adopts the theoretical standpoint that efficient navigation of an unknown environment assumes a fusion of intelligence and cognition. In this sense, and given the already widespread adoption of intelligent approaches (such as EC mentioned above), the main contribution of this thesis is to endow the intelligent approach with cognitive facilities, so as to improve its efficiency to the point that it is readily applicable to the early stages of the architectural design process. Fusion of intelligent with cognitive approaches, as outlined in the approach proposed by this thesis, offers the unique advantage of a decision support approach that is both powerful, owing to the extensive capabilities of intelligent search algorithms, and flexible, owing to the extensive knowledge modeling capabilities of cognitive approaches. As such, it is uniquely suited to the early conceptual design stage where the need to explore large design spaces, flexibly redefine the design problem, and satisfy preferences that are not included in the primary design goals, are all paramount. Thus, the word ``comprehensive'' as it appears on this thesis' title obtains a twofold meaning: On one hand comprehension as in the combination of computational intelligence and cognition in a single approach; on the other hand, as in extit{comprehension} of the environment, the result of an intelligent and cognitive approach to understanding. Firstly, it seeks to address the excessive computational burden associated with the use of modern high-fidelity simulation software in architecture, to render computational optimization more approachable. There is a clear trend in modern design practice to employ accurate simulation-based performance assessment tools from the very early stages of design. The use of such tools provides a valuable advantage to the decision-maker, in endowing objective awareness regarding the performance of a design solution. On the other hand, such tools are associated with a heavy computational burden, which may limit their application to the conceptual design stage. There exist methods to alleviate the computational burden through the use of computational cognitive machine learning tools, also known as surrogate modeling. However, training of surrogate models can be time-consuming itself, thus limiting the application. This thesis proposes a surrogate model that is modular in that it considers each space of the building in question as a separate entity, encoded through generic variables, and as such promotes model reuse in different design cases. Secondly, it seeks to advance the state of the art on post-Pareto decision support by proposing a cognitive machine-learning based approach that enables the decision-maker to combine near-optimality with preferences regarding concrete features of the design solution. Post-Pareto decision making is an important step of the decision-making process, that seeks to identify a best-tradeoff solution among the possible ones that best matches the decision-maker's preferences in terms of performance. Such preferences are termed second-order because they follow design objectives in terms of importance. Nonetheless, it is often in architectural design that preferences are expressed in terms of design properties and not performance. Due to the non-linearity between the objective function space and the decision variable space that dictates object properties, it is challenging to exercise decision making using second-order preferences. Here the contribution of this thesis is a machine cognitive approach that learns the underlying relationships between object properties, distinguishing those that are relevant when the object is optimal with respect to design objectives. In other words, only imposing relations that are relevant to achieve optimality, it enables the expression of preferences by the decision-maker that are minimally constrained. The main output of this thesis is a comprehensive decision support framework; it is a framework, in the sense that it comprises a set of methods and implemented tools that seek to augment decision making in architectural design; it is termed comprehensive in that it employs computational cognition and machine learning to augment the intelligent decision support capabilities throughout the design decision support process. It is also generic and applicable as-is to a wide spectrum of architectural design problems. In the context of this thesis, validation of the proposed approach is performed mainly in case studies relevant to facade design, recognizing this design topic as a complexity-exhibiting exemplar in architectural design practice.@en

This paper discusses a set of façade design alternatives for form-finding problem focusing on conceptual phase. In this respect, the aim of the research is to propose a multi-objective optimization approach for a façade design of public pool building. We present a set of solution belonging to Self-adaptive Multi-objective Ensemble Differential Evolution (JE_DEMO) and Self-adaptive Multi-Objective Differential Evolution (JDEMO) algorithm. We focus on maximization of daylight performance and minimization of structural displacement. Based on results, two algorithms presented competitive results. Contributions are presented based on objectives functions as new trade-offs and proposed JE_DEMO algorithm for design problems.@en

In this paper, the design of a specific case study of a foyer space is concerned in healthcare facility. The design task of a healthcare facility in architectural perspective is one of the most challenging tasks in the architectural design field since it involves different spaces that have unique requirements. Specifically, a foyer space has been considered as a gathering area that answers people’s needs and expectations. The study shows an application of computational intelligence for a skylight design in foyer space. For this reason, objective functions are considered to minimize skylight cost and to maximize the daylight performance of the interior space. Multi-Objective Self-Adaptive Ensemble Differential Evolution Algorithm and Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II are proposed to tackle this complex problem. According to results, jE_DEMO algorithm presents satisfactory solutions as well as NSGA-II.@en

Truly successful designs are characterized by both satisfaction of design goals and the presence of desirable physical features. Experienced design professionals are able to exercise their cognition to satisfy both aspects to a high degree. However, complex design tasks represent challenges for human cognition, and as such computational decision support systems emerge as a relevant topic. We present a computational decision support framework for treating preferences related to physical design features. The proposed framework is based on autoassociative machine learning models that inductively learn relationships between design features characterizing highly performing designs. The knowledge matter to be learned is derived through multi-objective stochastic optimization. The resulting auto-associative models are excited with a preference vector containing a favorable composition of design features. The models are able to alleviate those relationships that result in shortcomings of performance. The model thus outputs well performing design solution, where preferences pertaining to physical features are also satisfied, to the extent possible. The paper focuses on the applicability of the proposed approach in architectural design, as an exceptional example of complex design, discusses methods to evaluate model performance, and validates the proposed method through an application focusing on the design of a sustainable façade.@en

This paper presents a multi-objective self-adaptive differential evolution algorithm to solve the form-finding problem of high-rise building design in the conceptual phase. The aim of the research is to reach suitable high-rise design alternatives for hard and soft objectives, which are construction cost per square meter, structural displacement, and visual perception of the spaces from the inside out subject to several constraints that are related with both high-rise construction regulations, and profitability of the spaces. We formulate the problem as a multi-objective realparameter constrained optimization problem for three objectives that are inherently conflicting. To tackle this problem, we developed two different optimization algorithms, namely, a Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) and a Self-Adaptive Differential Evolution Algorithm (jDE) in order to obtain Pareto fronts with diversified non-dominated solutions. The extensive computational results show that the jDE algorithm yields much more desirable Pareto front than the NSGA-II algorithm.

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This paper is concerned with the application of computational intelligence techniques to the conceptual design and development of a large-scale floating settlement. The settlement in question is a design for the area of Urla, which is a rural touristic region located on the west coast of Turkey, near the metropolis of Izmir. The problem at hand includes both engineering and architectural aspects that need to be addressed in a comprehensive manner. We thus adapt the view as a multi-objective constrained real-parameter optimization problem. Specifically, we consider three objectives, which are conflicting. The first one aims at maximizing accessibility of urban functions such as housing and public spaces, as well as special functions, such as a marina for yachts and a yacht club. The second one aims at ensuring the wind protection of the general areas of the settlement, by adequately placing them in between neighboring land masses. The third one aims at maximizing visibility of the settlement from external observation points, so as to maximize the exposure of the settlement. To address this complex multi-objective optimization problem and identify lucrative alternative design solutions, a multi-objective harmony search algorithm (MOHS) is developed and applied in this paper. When compared to the Differential Evolution algorithm developed for the problem in the literature, we demonstrate that MOHS achieves competitive or slightly better performance in terms of hyper volume calculation, and gives promising results when the Pareto front approximation is examined.@en

Environmentally friendly and comfortable buildings are a much sought after goal in today's architectural practice. In order to improve energy consumption of buildings without sacrificing indoor comfort, careful consideration of design decisions is needed. Simulation tools provide a solution to one aspect arising from this need, namely the requirement for accurate quantitative results. On the other hand, the complexity of the real-world design problems in question calls for decision support tools that integrate, in addition to simulation, optimization, analysis, and modeling. The aim of the paper is to present ongoing work on the development of such a tool. The focus of the tool is on abstraction of the technical complexity, while maintaining a sufficient level of flexibility. The tool is designed according to an integrated workflow beginning from sampling, data analysis, model creation and testing, up until the final analysis of the optimization results. We present the architecture of the platform, as well as its application in two case studies, one focusing on the design of an office tower, and one on the design of a sustainable facade. Results from qualitative usage cases indicate favorable performance in supporting decision-making.

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This paper is concerned with the application of computational intelligence techniques to the conceptual design and development of a large-scale floating settlement. The settlement in question is a design for the area of Urla, which is a rural touristic region located on the west coast of Turkey, near the metropolis of Izmir. The problem at hand includes both engineering and architectural aspects that need to be addressed in a comprehensive manner. We thus adapt the view as a multi-objective constrained real-parameter optimization problem. Specifically, we consider three objectives, which are conflicting. The first one aims at maximizing accessibility of urban functions such as housing and public spaces, as well as special functions, such as a marina for yachts and a yacht club. The second one aims at ensuring the wind protection of the general areas of the settlement, by adequately placing them in between neighboring land masses. The third one aims at maximizing visibility of the settlement from external observation points, so as to maximize the exposure of the settlement. To address this complex multi-objective optimization problem and identify lucrative alternative design solutions, a multi-objective harmony search algorithm (MOHS) is developed and applied in this paper. When compared to the Differential Evolution algorithm developed for the problem in the literature, we demonstrate that MOHS achieves competitive or slightly better performance in terms of hyper volume calculation, and gives promising results when the Pareto front approximation is examined.@en

This paper presents the results obtained by NSGA-II and jDEMO on a restaurant design optimization in the conceptual phase. A multi-objective problem is formulated by considering the minimization of investment and the maximization of customer count and maximization of visual perception, subject to several constraints. The main problem requires the configuration of restaurant spaces with different seating groups, decisions regarding the customer capacity, fraction and position of the windows. The contributions of the paper can be summarized as follows. We show that most architectural design problems are basically real-parameter multi-objective constrained optimization problems. So, any type of evolutionary and swarm optimization methods can be used in this field. A multi-objective self-adaptive differential evolution algorithm (jDEMO), inspired from the DEMO algorithm from the literature with some modifications, is developed and compared to the well-known fast and non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm so called NSGA-II in order to solve this complex problem and identify alternative design solutions to decision makers. Through the experimental results, we show that the proposed algorithm is competitive with the NSGA-II algorithm.

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This paper presents the design problem of furniture arrangement in a residential interior living space, and addresses it by means of evolutionary computation. Interior arrangement is an important and interesting problem that occurs commonly when designing living spaces. It entails determining the locations of interior elements such as tables, seating elements, projection screens etc., in order to satisfy objectives. Despite it's commonality, it is a challenging problem that entails mainly soft objectives, related to perception and ergonomics, as well as challenging constraints. This paper is an attempt to address this problem by means of Evolutionary Computation. We discuss the problem formulation focusing on perceptual aspects of the various elements of space. In particular, we formulate a three objective problem with the following objectives: Maximization of visual perception of openings to the outside, maximization of inter-person visual perception, from the seating places, and maximization of the 'openness' of space. We provide results from a comparison of two MOEAs, namely NSGA-II and HypE.

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In performance-oriented architectural design, the use of advanced computational simulation tools may provide valuable insight during design. However, the use of such tools is often a bottleneck in the design process, given that computational requirements are usually high. This is a fact that mostly affects the early conceptual stage of design, where crucial decisions mainly occur, and available time is limited. In order to deal with this, decision-makers frequently resort to drawing conclusions from experience, and, as such, valuable insight that advanced computational methods have to offer is lost. This paper explores an alternative approach, which builds on machine-learning algorithms that inductively learn from simulation-derived data, yielding models that approximate to a good degree and are orders of magnitude faster. We focus on visual comfort of office spaces. This is a type of space that specifically requires visual comfort more than others. Three machine-learning methods are compared with respect to applicability in approximating daylight autonomy and daylight glare probability. The comparison focuses on accuracy and time cost of training and estimation. Results demonstrate that machine-learning-based approaches achieve a favourable trade-off between accuracy and computational cost, and provide a worthwhile alternative for performance evaluations during architectural conceptual design.@en