Masonry screen walls: a digital framework for design generation and environmental performance optimization

Masonry screen walls are architectural elements made from bricks that create different patterns to provide shade and natural ventilation to buildings. This paper presents a digital framework for the design of masonry screen walls, whose performance as environmental control elements is optimized while complying with vernacular construction rules. The framework employs shape grammars for creating a generative design system based on existing construction rules. This design system is then translated into a parametric model and connected to a simulation engine that calculates daylight metrics and cooling energy loads. A genetic algorithm is then used to find a family of optimized solutions, with visual feedback being provided to facilitate the understanding of trade-offs between such solutions. The proposed framework is tested with a case study, in which design solutions are generated by manipulating selected design variables to find optimal design solutions in terms of environmental performance.