Conceptual design of 'geodesic-like' domes using computational geometry

Conceptual design is arguably the most challenging stage of the design process and ironically is the area where computational support is weakest. The paper describes the development of a computational system that will, given certain criteria and constraints, provide a geometry for the frame of a geodesic-like domical structure. The approach is intended to provide the designer with a suggestion for a possible geometry, rather than a final form. The method of generating the conceptual design combines the use of computational geometry and evolutionary algorithms to provide an entirely novel design tool.