Material Efficiency through Mechanics: A Systematic Review of Advanced Structural Modeling for Load-Optimized Building Design
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Material efficiency has become a central objective in contemporary building design, driven by urgent environmental imperatives and the growing need to reduce resource consumption. This systematic review examines the role of advanced structural modelling techniques in the development of load-optimised, materially efficient structures. Emphasising the synergy between structural form and force flow, the study investigates the application of computational tools, including finite element analysis (FEA), topology optimisation, parametric design, and AI-driven modelling strategies. These approaches enable designers to align structural geometry with internal stress patterns, reducing excess material use without sacrificing safety or performance. The review synthesises recent innovations in form-finding methods, geometry-informed optimisation, and performance-based design workflows that collectively support material minimisation strategies. Special attention is given to how these tools are implemented in various structural typologies, including shell structures, high-rise systems, and freeform architecture, demonstrating the practical viability and environmental benefits of computationally guided design. In addition to technical advances, the review identifies key challenges facing the broader adoption of these methods. These include limitations in computational accuracy, difficulties in scaling up optimization techniques, and the persistent divide between architectural and engineering practices. The analysis highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and robust feedback loops between digital modelling, structural analysis, and material behaviour. Ultimately, the findings advocate for a paradigm in which structural mechanics serves not only as a tool for verification but also as a generative driver of form. By leveraging emerging modelling techniques, the construction industry can move toward a more sustainable trajectory—one where resource efficiency, structural integrity, and architectural expression coexist harmoniously. This systematic review contributes to ongoing discourse on how digital technologies and structural intelligence can inform the design of buildings that are not only innovative and efficient but also environmentally responsible.
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