Addressing Religious Architectural Restrictions with Computer Code: A genetic algorithm approach

The design of sukkah balconies in high-rise multi-residential buildings presents unique challenges due to Jewish law, which mandates an unobstructed view of the sky for each balcony. This requirement challenges architectural design and limits building heights, particularly in densely populated areas, as it prohibits overlapping balconies. This study addresses this challenge by modeling the design problem as a single-objective optimization task with a Genetic Algorithm (GA). Such an algorithm is a common method in parametric architecture for solving and optimizing architectural designs. However, we find that the GA faces significant limitations when applied for design, such as rapid convergence that restricts the exploration of potential solutions. Furthermore, GAs have difficulties optimizing solutions to meet specific minimum requirements, which is critical in design. To overcome these limitations, we propose an enhanced approach by executing multiple parallel, more minor GAs to improve random sampling. Additionally, we introduce an evaluation function distinct from the fitness function, enabling the selection of solutions that meet critical minimum criteria. This refined method is a more effective strategy for addressing the architectural challenge of designing sukkah balconies and offers an improved approach to applying GA for design.