Today, methods for obtaining optimal shape, also known as "form-finding", are becoming more and more popular. These methods are used in dynamically developing сomputational complexes. However, the problem of creating an algorithm for obtaining the optimal shape of the structure has not yet been covered in scientific papers. The article describes the methods and principles of form-finding. The program code for solving the problem of finding the optimal shape of the shell was developed in the software complex Rhino. Conclusion about the advantages of using this algorithm to create preliminary architectural solutions was made at the end of the article.