Topology optimization in architecture: could it be a design tool?

The paper explores structural optimization potentials in the architecture. In a first section some lessons from nature are discussed pointing out the analogies with architectural structures. In a second section, after a brief overview of the topology optimization, some numerical experiments are performed in order to understand the potential of the procedure in generating architectural structures. A design strategy is then proposed based on four steps: (i) finding of the architectural-structural form by using a topology optimization procedure; (ii) definition of a latticed structure; (iii) design and optimization of the structural elements; (iv) verification of the structure subjected to standard design actions. The procedure is applied to the case study of a covering structure 110 m long and 6 m high.