Optimization Methods and Algorithms in Architectural and Urban Design, Basic Mathematical Solutions

Building design is a quite complex activity where a team of designers working on diverse and contradictory parameters to make the balance between them. Because of this complexity, building performance simulation tools were developed and subsequently, the use of optimization methods, generally, as a decision-making tool is started.The current study is a review of the optimization methods and algorithms which are used in the design of the building and trying to discover the cause of their choice, practical issues, and demonstrate their capabilities and introduce key attributes. The lack of knowledge of architects about these issues and their backwardness compared to other disciplines related to design and maintain buildings double its importance.The most important basic rules to choose optimization strategy are classification algorithms and find suitable one for a specific problem. Several research papers in this area are investigated and according to them, optimization algorithms are divided into three categories including evolutionary algorithms, direct search (derivatives free), and the hybrid. The findings show that evolutionary algorithms and especially genetic algorithm application are more popular than other algorithms. The most study objectives to optimize are the environmental impact, the cost of initial investment, operating costs, and comfort criteria. In these studies, the design variables are construction materials, form and orientation of the building, cast shadows, and HVAC. In addition, the number of research papers that have used this algorithm to optimize the design of the building, than the number of articles on optimizing building control, is very low.