Workflow for applying optimization-based design exploration to early-stage architectural design – Case study based on EvoMass

The role of optimization-based design exploration in early-stage architectural design has been increasingly recognized and valued. It has been widely considered an effective approach to achieving performance-informed and performance-driven design. Nevertheless, there is little research into how such design exploration can be adapted to various early-stage architectural design tasks. With this motivation, this paper revolves around a computer-aided design workflow for early-stage building massing design optimization and exploration while presenting three workshop case studies to demonstrate how the workflow can be intertwined with the design process. The design workflow is based on EvoMass, an integrated building massing design generation and optimization tool in Rhino-Grasshopper. The case study illustrates task-specific applications of the design workflow for synthesizing building design, finding design precedents, and understanding the interrelationship between formal attributes and building performance. The paper concludes by discussing the relevant efficacy of the design workflow for architectural design.