Exploration and Optimization of Combined Timber Plate and Branching Column Systems Using Evolutionary Computation

In contemporary architectural design new and experimental forms are constantly searched for and in the interaction between structural and architectural design a readable structural function adding to the architectural experience can be of interest. Cross-laminated timber plate elements show a high stiffness to weight ratio, and provide a wide range of possible structural applications. They have been analysed in structural systems for multi-storey residential buildings and in tensegric assemblies forming plane roof surfaces and single curved structures based on a reduced number of element shapes. The application in faceted structures is possible by combining plate elements with linear edge joints or nodal joints, where the relation between wish for complexity in overall shape and desired production rationality and assembling simplicity decide the geometric character. The current work takes a plane roof structure with square elements as a point of departure for development of 3-dimensional plate structures and a study of interplay and result of combinations with branching column structures.