Shape grammars allow a designer to explore a diverse and broad design space. Especially among architects and engineers, the opportunity to evaluate numerous alternatives in the conceptual phase facilitates creativity. Since the introduction of shape grammars 50 years ago, significant research and development have been performed: new applications, combinations with optimisation and integration in digital environments, among others. Consequently, there is a need to map the existing literature to encourage further progress in the field and a lower threshold for those interested in learning more about shape grammars. This study, therefore, presents a systematic mapping of shape grammars in architecture and engineering. Mapping is performed by identifying a query of relevant keywords used in five databases, with the results forming the basis of the mapping. Each of the included articles is then screened to filter out those that do not fit the content criteria. The remaining publications are then evaluated and organised based on the attributes’ application, research type, implementation, engineering and optimisation. The outcome is organised in explanatory illustrations and tables. The final discussion highlights the extensive work performed with shape grammars in the generation of two-dimensional floor plans, an increase in digital development in recent years and the need for further research. The findings indicate a gap between the state of the art and the necessary level of applicability for shape grammars to be an attractive design tool, especially for non-experts.

Reuse of building components is one of the recommended circular strategies to reduce the environmental impact of new buildings. However, reclaimed building components are more difficult to design with than new products. While new products can be made to match exact needs, the salvaged components have predefined dimensions and quality limitations. Following the Design Science Research methodology, we attempt to answer how the reuse design can be aided by a digital design tool. The developed matching algorithms suggest the optimal assignment of available elements for the desired configuration, considering user-defined constraints and optimisation criteria. In the test cases, we seek to optimise the global warming potential of timber framing elements, defined by life cycle assessment, though the tool is not limited to this objective. The implementation includes greedy algorithms, bipartite graphs, and mixed integer linear programming. The usefulness of the proposed solution is evaluated on simulated sets of building elements in terms of embodied emission reduction and speed of the calculation. The paper contributes with methodologies, algorithms, and test cases to assess their performance. Practitioners can apply the proposed solution to reduce the time of designing with salvaged materials, which can lead to the popularisation of the circular design.

Linking architectural models to structural analyses can be demanding and time-consuming, especially when the architectural models cannot be accurately analysed using readily available one- or two-dimensional finite elements. This paper presents a tool for finite element analysis using solid elements developed as a plugin for Grasshopper 3D^® that enables designers to include analyses of complex objects within the same software as the design exploration. A benchmark using the tool on a cantilever beam is compared with both ANSYS^® and the theoretical solution, before the versatility of the tool is demonstrated by analyzing the metal part in timber gridshell nodes. The results were satisfying and the tool can prove especially useful for early phase design and collaboration between diciplines.

As we strive to improve efficiency and minimise environmental impact in the construction industry, it is important to consider how these objectives impact the work and productivity of designers. This article presents a tool to assist designers in matching reclaimed building products with design intent. The demonstration is based on an actual design project of a two-storey public building made of reclaimed timber from disassembled barns. The algorithm’s objective is to propose optimal matching in terms of a structure’s environmental impact without overloading the user with additional work or excess information. The impact includes emissions embodied in material and related to the transportation from the donor site. The algorithm is integrated into the Grasshopper interface for easier use. All the inputs and objectives are quantitative and fully customisable. The user can still assess qualitative characteristics thanks to a graphical representation of the result. The demonstration shows how automation can simplify the design process with reclaimed elements, support traditional design workflows and enable improvements towards a more sustainable construction industry.

Facing increasing sustainability demands, the construction industry is at a turning point where the implementation of circular economy (CE) strategies plays an essential role in driving the necessary transformation aimed at reducing the environmental impact. To facilitate this shift, structural engineering must effectively integrate circular principles into building design. With the exponential growth of research articles within this field, it is crucial to map the evolution of the research area. The objective of this study is to detail the trends with, challenges to, and research contributions, integration, and material applications of CE principles within structural engineering. Consequently, a systematic mapping of the CE within the field of structural engineering has been conducted in this study. Initially, the mapping process began with the identification of relevant keywords, followed by searches across four databases. Each resulting article was carefully screened against content criteria, culminating in 91 publications that were thoroughly evaluated. The publications were then categorized and analyzed based on attributes such as research type, circular design, materials, and applications. The results are presented through informative figures and tables. The analysis of the research indicates a predominant focus on technical solutions for structural systems, with demountable connections designed to facilitate the future reuse of materials representing more than half of the literature reviewed. A significant portion of the literature also addresses designing from reclaimed elements; these articles reflect a transformation in engineering approaches, incorporating computational design and innovative methodologies. The focus on steel as a structural material is prominent in the reviewed literature. However, there is an increasing focus on timber, which signals a definitive shift toward sustainable structural systems. Recurring challenges identified in the literature regarding the transition to a circular economy (CE) in the construction industry include the need for industry-wide adoption, precise standardization, the integration of digital tools, and the overcoming of related obstacles in policy and market acceptances. Furthermore, the literature demonstrates a significant research gap: the absence of a comprehensive digital framework enabling an effective digital circular structural design workflow.

Gridshell nodes are key elements regarding structural performance, visual appearance and assembly of any gridshell that have been given little attention in recent research. This paper explores aluminium as a material for timber gridshell nodes. First, existing gridshell nodes are categorised regarding bulk materials, gripper types and connection methods and based on this, a set of novel node principles in aluminium are deducted and proposed for a timber gridshell on the geometry of the British Museum Great Court. A finite element analysis is done on the proposals to increase the understanding of the node principles’ structural behaviour and feasibility. Together, the set of node principles, their evaluation and the utilised procedure can provide new options in the future design of gridshells and gridshell nodes.