Research Article

A Form-Finding and Multi-Objective Optimization Approach for Discrete Shell Design Studies

Volume: 10 Number: 2 December 27, 2025
TR EN

A Form-Finding and Multi-Objective Optimization Approach for Discrete Shell Design Studies

Abstract

This study presents an adaptive computational technique that applies form-finding, assesses structural performance, and optimizes architectural form and production cost for discrete shell design. The approach generates design alternatives that balance objectives under architectural and structural constraints, considering spatial and functional needs. To realize the method, a multi-objective evolutionary optimization workflow is formulated. The relaxation-based design method explores equilibrium shapes corresponding to an input geometry to create a discrete shell consisting of timber cassette elements. The finite element analytical model evaluates nodal displacements through large deformation analysis. The architectural constraints related to spatial use and structural constraints regarding system stability are introduced to the optimization workflow alongside the decision variables. The optimization algorithm minimizes production cost while generating a resembling discrete approximation of a continuum architectural surface. The viability of the approach is demonstrated in two distinct cases of discrete shell design problems to create suitable design alternatives.

Keywords

Discrete shell structures, computational design, form-finding, evolutionary optimization

Ethical Statement

This article, Yasar University, Graduate School of Architecture, produced from ongoing doctoral thesis. The authors would like to express their gratitude to Yasar University for providing the academic environment and resources that supported the development of this work. The article complies with national and international research and publication ethics. Ethics committee approval was not required for the study.

References

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APA
Ağırbaş, A., & Kutucu, S. (2025). A Form-Finding and Multi-Objective Optimization Approach for Discrete Shell Design Studies. Journal of Architectural Sciences and Applications, 10(2), 917-937. https://doi.org/10.30785/mbud.1725651
AMA
1.Ağırbaş A, Kutucu S. A Form-Finding and Multi-Objective Optimization Approach for Discrete Shell Design Studies. JASA. 2025;10(2):917-937. doi:10.30785/mbud.1725651
Chicago
Ağırbaş, Arda, and Seçkin Kutucu. 2025. “A Form-Finding and Multi-Objective Optimization Approach for Discrete Shell Design Studies”. Journal of Architectural Sciences and Applications 10 (2): 917-37. https://doi.org/10.30785/mbud.1725651.
EndNote
Ağırbaş A, Kutucu S (December 1, 2025) A Form-Finding and Multi-Objective Optimization Approach for Discrete Shell Design Studies. Journal of Architectural Sciences and Applications 10 2 917–937.
IEEE
[1]A. Ağırbaş and S. Kutucu, “A Form-Finding and Multi-Objective Optimization Approach for Discrete Shell Design Studies”, JASA, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 917–937, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.30785/mbud.1725651.
ISNAD
Ağırbaş, Arda - Kutucu, Seçkin. “A Form-Finding and Multi-Objective Optimization Approach for Discrete Shell Design Studies”. Journal of Architectural Sciences and Applications 10/2 (December 1, 2025): 917-937. https://doi.org/10.30785/mbud.1725651.
JAMA
1.Ağırbaş A, Kutucu S. A Form-Finding and Multi-Objective Optimization Approach for Discrete Shell Design Studies. JASA. 2025;10:917–937.
MLA
Ağırbaş, Arda, and Seçkin Kutucu. “A Form-Finding and Multi-Objective Optimization Approach for Discrete Shell Design Studies”. Journal of Architectural Sciences and Applications, vol. 10, no. 2, Dec. 2025, pp. 917-3, doi:10.30785/mbud.1725651.
Vancouver
1.Arda Ağırbaş, Seçkin Kutucu. A Form-Finding and Multi-Objective Optimization Approach for Discrete Shell Design Studies. JASA. 2025 Dec. 1;10(2):917-3. doi:10.30785/mbud.1725651