Innovative load-bearing structures often emerge from a fine balance between creative forms and engineering principles. Recent studies have advanced the structural design process by developing preference-based topology optimization methods. Such methods optimize material distribution for structural performance while integrating designers' preferences for certain geometric features. However, these methods face challenges in the subsequent exploration phases, including observing and editing complex 3D structural details vital for achieving diverse and satisfactory design options. This paper proposes a novel design exploration strategy by integrating virtual reality (VR) with topology optimization to create desirable 3D structures interactively and iteratively. Our strategy uses VR sculpting to offer immersive visualization, intuitive design exploration, and real-time feedback, with the sculpted models guiding and influencing material redistribution in topology optimization. This sculpting-optimization workflow can be repeated in multiple cycles, creating various innovative and efficient structures. Our parametric study demonstrates that adjusting the workflow parameters can control the formation of final structures toward performance-driven or preference-driven designs. We present several computational design examples that demonstrate practical applications of the proposed strategy and highlight its potential in solving real-world problems.

structural design, virtual reality, topology optimization, subjective preference, Hangai Prize applicant

Z. Li, T.-U. Lee and Y. M. Xie, “Exploring and optimizing innovative structures in virtual reality,” in Proceedings of the IASS Annual Symposium 2024: Redefining the Art of Structural Design, Zurich, Switzerland, Aug. 25–30, P. Block, G. Boller, C. D. Wolf, J. Pauli and W. Kaufmann (Eds.), 2024, pp. 1–10.

@inproceedings{li2024exploring,
title={Exploring and optimizing innovative structures in virtual reality},
author={LI, Zhi and LEE, Ting-Uei and XIE, Yi Min},
booktitle={Proceedings of IASS Annual Symposia},
volume={2024},
number={12},
pages={1--10},
year={2024},
organization={International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS)}
}

@software{Li2024VRBESO,
author = "Zhi Li and Ting-Uei Lee and Yi Min Xie",
title = "{VR-BESO: A VR-based structural design tool}",
year = "2024",
month = "3",
url = "https://rmit.figshare.com/articles/dataset/VR-BESO_A_VR-based_structural_design_tool/25469278",
doi = "10.25439/rmt.25469278.v1"
}