Mathematical Algorithms and Artificial Intelligence Methods in Design: Theory, Computation and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

The integration of mathematical algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) into design disciplines has emerged as a transformative research frontier. From the optimization theory and graph algorithms to generative adversarial networks and diffusion models, mathematical and computational methods are reshaping how designers conceptualize, evaluate and refine creative solutions. This Special Issue aims to explore the theoretical foundations and practical applications of mathematical algorithms and AI techniques in design, encompassing areas such as parametric and generative design, topology optimization, layout and spatial reasoning, computational geometry, evolutionary computation, reinforcement learning for design exploration and data-driven design decision-making. We welcome contributions that bridge rigorous mathematical formulations with real-world design challenges, demonstrating how algorithmic thinking and intelligent computation can enhance design quality, efficiency and innovation. By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue between mathematics, computer science and design, this Special Issue seeks to advance the computational and algorithmic underpinnings of modern design practice.

Topics covered in this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Mathematical optimization algorithms (e.g., evolutionary computation, swarm intelligence, gradient-based methods) for design problems;
• Deep learning and generative models (e.g., GANs, VAEs, diffusion models) for design generation and evaluation;
• Computational geometry and topology optimization in parametric and generative designs;
• Graph-based algorithms and network analysis for spatial layout and design reasoning;
• Reinforcement learning and multi-objective optimization for design exploration and decision support;
• Data-driven and statistical learning methods for design performance prediction and evaluation;
• Computer vision and image processing algorithms for design analysis, style transfer and visual computing in design;
• Natural language processing and large language models for design knowledge representation, retrieval and human–AI collaborative design.
• Other design-related artificial intelligence or algorithm improvements.

Dr. Junming Chen
Guest Editor

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