Parameterized versus generative representations in structural design: an empirical comparison

Any computational approach to design, including the use of evolutionary algorithms, requires the transformation of the domain-specific knowledge into a formal design representation. This is a difficult and still not completely understood process. Its critical part is the choice of a type of design representation. The paper addresses this important issue by presenting and discussing results of a large number of design experiments in which parameterized and generative representations were used. Particularly, their computational and design related advantages and disadvantages were investigated and compared. Evolutionary design experiments reported in this paper considered two classes of structural design problems, including the design of a wind bracing system and the design of an entire structural system in a tall building. Parameterized and generative representations of the structural systems were introduced and their basic features discussed. The generative representations investigated...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2005
• Where: GECCO
• Authors: Rafal Kicinger, Tomasz Arciszewski, Kenneth A. De Jong
• Keywords: Design, Design Representation, GECCO 2005, Generative Representations