Discourse analysis of dynamic use of optimization terminology by architects and engineers in computational design

Optimization has become prevalent in computational design across architecture and engineering. While “design optimization” has a formal definition, its meaning in practice remains diverse and unsettled, producing ambiguity in interdisciplinary communication. This study investigates how architects and engineers define and mobilize “optimization” in their work. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 design practitioners. Drawing on social constructionism and frame analysis, a discourse-analytic framework was applied to the transcripts, coding instances of optimization across framing and ideology; institutional and discursive practices; and discourse markers. The analysis revealed how participants shifted between four nested definitions depending on discussion around project stage, digital tools, and institutional pressures, as well as perceptions of expertise during conversation. The study concludes that greater awareness of how the concept of optimization is used dynamically, especially across project stages and design subfields, can uncover hidden assumptions and force direct negotiation of the design process and goals, streamlining communication.