Symmetry-Based Structural Optimization of 50 Dutch Buildings: Quantitative Framework for Material and Carbon Reduction

Structural symmetry of constructions directly influences material efficiency and construction complexity. This study presents the Symmetry Optimization and Detection for Architecture (SODA) framework for assessing and improving structural symmetry in existing buildings. The system employs computer vision methods for symmetry detection, the Continuous Symmetry Measure (CSM) based on molecular research, and genetic algorithms for optimization. A total of 50 structures of the Netherlands (Dutch) were examined, which encompassed an area of 2.287 million m2, categorized into five distinct groups. It was indicated that average symmetry improvements were observed, with an increase from 68.4% to 82.7%. The average material reductions were observed to be 18.5%, which was accompanied by a reduction in construction time of 19.2%. The total acknowledged cost reductions were recorded at €87.3 million, with a corresponding reduction of 21,450 tons of CO2 emissions. The results of a statistical analysis suggest that a negative correlation exists between building height and optimization potential (R2 = 0.72). The framework illustrates that systematic symmetry optimization yields substantial efficiency enhancements while preserving architectural integrity and code adherence.