Editorial 61.6: Evolving concepts and methodologies in architectural science

Welcome to this final edition for 2018. The year has brought an increased number of papers submitted to ASRwith awide range of themes and methodologies. This edition is no exception with a number of interesting research questions and methodologies. The first three papers report on research into the process of optimization, which is the search for effective solutions to solve design problems. ‘Mutual effect of geometric modifications and diagrid structure on structural optimization of tall buildings’ by Seyedehaida Mirniazmandan, Matin Alaghmandan, Farzad Barazande and Ehsan Rahimianzarif reports on the use of an optimization process for this systemwhich can be used for parametric design of tall buildings. The paper builds on previous research in ASR, which asks a similar question about the structural efficiency of this type of structural system for tall buildings (Moon, Connor, and Fernandez 2007). The diagrid is a modification of the braced tube structural system and is noted for both its structural and architecturally tectonic characteristics (Moon 2008). Much of the research presented in this paper examines the efficiency of buildings through optimization of the geometric properties and diagrid structural systems. Parametric design software used in the study involves a variety of techniques, 3D graphical modelling, structural analysis and optimization software. The optimization software is useful for ‘applying evolutionary principles to parametric design and problem-solving. It allows the search for many goals at once, producing a range of optimized trade-off solutions between the extremes of each goal’ (Vierlinger 2018). The study examines the effect of changing the geometries of a case study building across its height and examining the effects on the structural weight and the displacement under wind loading. Some argue thatmuch of the research ondiagrid structures is carried out mainly in Universities and further research should be related more to the practical applications (Bhathee 2017). How toutilize theprocess of theparametric designused in theproject would be interesting. Further research is needed into the development of this type of structural system for bespoke complex building forms, however, the optimization work developed here will allow the development of design principles to assist with further work. The second is by Asli Agirbas called ‘Performance-based design optimization for minimal surface based form’. In this paper, the author examines optimization of architectural forms in terms of geometric properties to meet environmental criteria. Theauthors report ‘Thehypothesis of this study is that complex forms can bemore efficient in terms of energy performance, as they can formally offermoreharmoniousoptions to the conditions of the environment (eg climatic conditions)’. The methodology uses a 3D computer-aided design (CAD) application with a programming language that facilitates parametric research and design. Add-ons using additional software to the CAD tool allow for generation of the form, optimization and analysis as follows