## 7 Conclusions  
Summarizing the results of this study, they can be divided into two scopes, strictly practical and theoretical. In the first case, the current applicability of VPL technology in structural design should be evaluated positively. It is most effective for the form creation of building structures, which nowadays often adopt asymmetrical geometries that are practically impossible to design in the traditional way. Also positive is the development of VPL environments dedicated to structural design and their integration with design systems, including BIM. In the field of structural computing, it seems that the dynamic development of capabilities based on visual programming is necessary. Currently, existing systems mostly allow one to perform simple static analyses. What is lacking are at least automatic options for structural optimization. This requires the preparation of individual scripts and the use of sophisticated methods, such as genetic algorithms. When discussing the theoretical aspects of the application of VPL in structural design, the first thing to note is the rather low awareness and experience of designers in this area. It is necessary to establish a theoretical basis for design based on VPL. This requires the need for more educational activities during studies and at work. Another element is the observed development of VPL environments, whose theoretical operating algorithms are being developed all the time.  
The future will show which of the directions described in this study for the development of visual programming in engineering design will develop most rapidly and intensively. This development will, of course, vary according to the natural needs of the design industry. Certain paths of development will certainly lead to the abandonment of activities and a change in the concepts used so far. However, it is to be hoped that visual design will be on an upward trend because the fundamental and natural direction of development is the automation and optimization of the design process. An important element is also the issue of technical documentation media, which will sooner or later be created in digital form, which will become the basic form. The digital model of a building, which will become the only complete source of information even in BIM technology, will therefore be the only complete image and carrier of technical documentation and more. In this respect, visual programming offers and will continue to offer more and more possibilities, not only allowing the generation of increasingly complex geometries but also offering incredible possibilities for managing the information encoded in the model.  
In general, the study indicates that VPL technology shows promise in structural design, especially for complex geometries. However, there are challenges to address, such as enhancing structural computing capabilities and increasing designers' awareness and expertise in using VPL effectively. The ongoing development of VPL environments and algorithms will play a significant role in modeling its future applications in engineering design.  
This research received no external funding.  
Not applicable.  
The author declares no conflict of interest.