Evolutionary optimization of benchmarks: Parametric typologies for generating typical designs

Benchmark designs can play a critical role in giving performative feedback to the design exploration process. This paper explores the idea of using computational design optimization as a way of generating such site-specific benchmark designs. A case study of the proposed benchmarking approach is presented focusing on public residential precinct design in Singapore. A key feature of this approach is a parametric typology that can generate designs that vary significantly in their overall configuration while at the same time remaining feasible and valid. In addition, an evolutionary optimization system is then used to evolve a set of high-performing site-specific benchmark designs. The case study successfully demonstrates how these benchmarks can be used to give performative feedback to the design exploration process.