Facade Optimization / Rationalization For Constructability

Hello,

I am working on a research project with the goal of developing a façade optimization tool which focuses on converting sinuous or organic surfaces to regularized panels.  The idea is to allow designers the ability to apply panels to any surface, without necessarily conforming to the UV grid of the surface.  The tool would allow designers to create a panel geometry, and select a maximum number of different panel sizes in order to "best fit" to the shape of the original surface.

We're just starting out on this project, so I'm just fishing right now.  Any related things that you guys have come across would be helpful.

Thanks all!