An efficient heuristic procedure for solving the layout design problem

The limited ability of schematic procedures, constraints of linear programming techniques, inflexibility of construction methods and inadequacy of dynamic programming approaches to provide acceptable solutions to realistic size layout design problems has led to an ever increasing interest in heuristic procedures. Comparative studies have shown that heuristic procedures can satisfy more desirable qualities in an 'ideal algorithm' to a greater extent than competitive techniques. Excessive computational effort, which has been one of the main criticisms levelled against heuristic approaches in the past, proves to be less of a problem in relation to layout design. By utilizing unique attributes associated with real-life problems and using small incisive modifications it is demonstrated how a heuristic procedure can be significantly improved.