SwarmBESO: Multi-agent and Evolutionary Computational Design Based on the Principles of Structural Performance

This paper posits a design approach that integrates multi-agent generative algorithms and structural topology optimisation to design intricate, structurally efficient forms. The research proposes a connection between two dichotomous principles: architectural complexity and structural efficiency. Both multi-agent algorithms and Bi-directional evolutionary structural optimisation (BESO) (Huang and Xie 2010), are emerging techniques that have significant potential in the design of form and structure.This research proposes a structural behaviour feedback loop through encoding BESO structural rules within the logic of multi-agent algorithms. This hybridisation of topology optimisation and swarm intelligence, described here as SwarmBESO, is demonstrated through two simple structural models. The paper concludes by speculating on the potential of this approach for the design of intricate, complex structures and their potential realisation through additive manufacturing.