• ottimizzazione strutturale
• structural optimization
• ottimizzazione della geometria
• Free form
• geometry optimization
• computational architecture
• complex structures
• strutture complesse
• architettura computazionale

This thesis is built around the conception, development and optimization of complex architecture, also known as free form. The project consists in a steel and glass roof over the inner courtyard of the Scuola Normale Superiore, with the aim to make the living space accessible at every moment of day life. The shape was conceived such that it would suit well the architecture of the Scuola Normale and the spirit it emobdies, with a special regard to energetics and fabrication, true weakness of architectures of this kind. The structure was modelled entirely on Grasshopper, a Rhino3D plug-in which allows to parametrically design objects. This programming environment allowed to interface add-ons, both proprietary and made on purpose by the author. With those tools, the author was able to develop algorithms for structural and geometric optimization. The former consisted in the process at the end of which the best structural performance is found, at constant weight: in the case studym genetic algorithms and iterative processes were used. Geometric optimization consisted in seeking the fabricability of the architecture, in the reduction of overall panel curvatures and eventually in the panelization of the surface. Finally, thanks to the code so created, it was possible to easily export all data and run required analysis exploiting the software more suited for each needing.