A MULTI-OBJECTIVE GENETIC ALGORITHM
FRAMEWORK FOR EARLIER PHASES OF
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
A Case Study
SERKAN KOCABAY
1
and SEMA ALAÇAM
2
1,2
İstanbul Technical University, Turkey
1,2
{skocabay|alacams}@itu.edu.tr
Abstract. This paper presents an algorithmic framework proposal for
implementation of a multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) in ar-
chitectural design process. Different than the previous studies, we in-
troduce a dynamic and extendible modular framework for multiple ob-
jectives. The objective modules with different fitness functions are con-
nected simultaneously in the Rhino/Octopus interface, after multiplica-
tion with a constant value or a variable. In this study, we discuss the po-
tentials and limitations of MOGA in 3D form generation, implications
of MOGA in a case study and the qualitative and quantitative changes in
relation to the change of constant value/ the impact ratio of competing
objectives. The outcomes of the case study are investigated based on
its potentiality in providing feedback in the earlier phases of decision
processes in design.
Keywords. Multi-objective; genetic algorithm; architectural design
process; case study.
1. Introduction
Complexities in natural systems have been a source of inspiration for researchers
throughout centuries, whereas some resulted with well-established theories and
concepts. The change in the distance between the theoreticians and ongoing in-
teractions of the nature, in other words, the tension between the theory and the
observed reality, gave rise to both the emergence of divergent conceptualizations
and their different interpretations in different disciplines. Being derived from the
theory of evolution, genetic algorithms (GAs) may be considered as one of the no-
madic concepts which gain different explanations in different contexts. Following
John Holland’s first introduction of a genetic algorithm concept in 1970s (Gold-
berg & Holland 1988), and John Frazer’s (1995) extension of the boundaries of the
P. Janssen, P. Loh, A. Raonic, M. A. Schnabel (eds.), Protocols, Flows and Glitches, Proceedings of the
22
nd
International Conference of the Association for Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia
(CAADRIA) 2017, 293-303. © 2017, The Association for Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research
in Asia (CAADRIA), Hong Kong.