Embedding Design Intent into Performance-Based Architectural Design—Case Study of Applying Soft Constraints to Design Optimization

The lack of consideration of subjective design intents hinders the application of performance-based design optimization to architectural design because building performance is not the only aspect that designers need to solve. In response, this study proposes a method integrating subjective design intents into performance-based design optimization using soft constraints. To demonstrate the method, a case study is presented, where the design optimization continuously provides feedback to the designer and helps them reformulate and redefine the design problem. The case study shows how the application of design optimization and soft constraints is able to assist designers in identifying implicit and hidden design problems and stimulate design exploration at the early design stage.