Discrete Optimization in Architecture

Dr. Machi Zawidzki’s doctoral research focused on various optimization methods based on CI for the fundamental problems of the architectural design: Functionality, Structure and Aesthetics. His research interests are indesigning built environment, especially in ergonomics and architectural design.

• 1. Collateral tessellation: Plaza-Z: Automated Geometrical Evaluation of a Plaza (Town Square) based on its digitized plan 2. Architectonic grid systems 2.1 Fine grid ("one cell = one agent") 2.1.1 Crowd-Z (explanation/examples) 2.1.2 Simulation in regular tessellations: Square, Triangular & Hexagonal 2.1.3 Layout improvement for smooth agent flow 2.2 Coarse grid ("cell width = corridor width") 2.2.1 Floor-Z: Constraint satisfaction approach for optimal layout design 2.2.1.1 Graph-theoretic approach (backtracking) 2.2.1.2 Parallelization 2.2.1.3 Application of Artificial Neural Networks 3. Discrete-time: passive solar shading of a free-form building with Shade-Z 4. Pipe-Z (PZ): a parametric design system comprised of a single module that allows the creation of complex three-dimensional knots 4.1 Physical and virtual PZ manipulatives 4.1.1 PZ knots 4.2 PZ optimization 4.2.1 Discrete 4.2.2 Continuous 4.3 Deployable PZ 4.3.1 Foldable PZ module 4.3.2 Space applications 5. Truss-Z (TZ): a reconfigurable modular skeletal system for pedestrian ramp networks 5.1 TZ static layout optimization 5.1.1 Single branch 5.1.1.1 Backtracking 5.1.1.2 (Other) graph-theoretic methods 5.1.1.3 Heuristic methods for TZ optimization 5.1.1.3.1 Evolution strategy 5.1.1.3.2 Evolutionary algorithm 5.2 Multi-branch Truss-Z (MTZ) 5.2.1 3D image for intersection-testing 5.2.2. Optimization of MTZ with evolutionary algorithm 5.3 Dynamic layout - deployable TZ 5.3.1 Multi-branch TZ (MTZ) deployment 5.3.1.1 Optimization of MTZ deployment by evolutionary algorithm