Framework proposal for automated generation of production layout scenarios: A parametric design technique to connect production planning and structural industrial building design

To increase the flexibility and expandability of production plants the focus needs to be on a coherent planning of the production layout and building systems. The frequent reconfiguration of production layouts bears challenges on the load-bearing structure of industrial buildings, decreasing the building service life due to rescheduling or demolition. Currently there is no method established to integrate production layout planning into structural building design processes. In this paper, a novel parametric generative design method for automated production layout generation and optimisation (PLGO) is presented, producing layout scenarios to be respected in structural building design. Results of a state-of-the-art analysis and a case study methodology are combined to develop a novel concept of integrated production cubes (IPC). The IPC concept is translated into a parametric PLGO framework, which is tested on a pilot-project of a food-and hygiene production facility and the defined objectives and constraints are validated.