This paper discusses generalized shape optimization, which involves optimizing both the shape and topology of structures. Two types of solutions are considered: absolute minimum weight solutions, which include solid, empty, and porous regions, and more practical solutions that suppress porous regions, leaving only solid and empty regions. The paper shows that a solid, isotropic microstructure with an adjustable penalty for intermediate densities is efficient in generating optimal topologies. Generalized shape optimization can yield three types of regions: solid, empty, and porous. In the case of elastic perforated plates, optimal microstructures consist of rank-2 laminates. However, these solutions are impractical due to high manufacturing costs, instability under different load directions, and limited applicability to single compliance or natural frequency constraints. Despite these limitations, they have theoretical value as they represent an absolute limit on structural weight. Sub-optimal microstructures, such as square or rectangular holes, tend to produce more practical solutions by penalizing and suppressing porous regions. Homogenization, the process of replacing an inhomogeneous structure with a homogeneous but anisotropic one, is often used in layout optimization. However, the term "shape optimization by homogenization" has become synonymous with "generalized shape optimization." From an engineering perspective, it is more practical to aim for solutions that suppress porous regions, leading to solid and empty regions only. The paper demonstrates that a solid isotropic microstructure with penalty (SIMP) for intermediate densities, combined with new optimality criteria methods, results in satisfactory SE-type topologies. The SIMP model produces a topology that is closer to the theoretical optimal solution than other methods. An alternative optimal microstructure for plates with a compliance constraint was derived by Vigdergauz. This microstructure starts with a Michell-structure or least-weight grillage at low volume fractions, develops roundings at the corners, and ends with elliptical holes at high volume fractions. The SIMP solution in Figure 2d is a good approximation of the exact solution at lower volume fractions. The paper also compares three types of specific costs for a plate in plane stress or bending, showing that the SIMP formulation has a power-type cost function. The method used in this paper was proposed by Bendsøe under the term "direct approach." The authors find that the results are not highly mesh-dependent and that a physical interpretation of the model is possible. A test example involving a cantilever beam shows that the SIMP method has higher resolving power than traditional homogenization.This paper discusses generalized shape optimization, which involves optimizing both the shape and topology of structures. Two types of solutions are considered: absolute minimum weight solutions, which include solid, empty, and porous regions, and more practical solutions that suppress porous regions, leaving only solid and empty regions. The paper shows that a solid, isotropic microstructure with an adjustable penalty for intermediate densities is efficient in generating optimal topologies. Generalized shape optimization can yield three types of regions: solid, empty, and porous. In the case of elastic perforated plates, optimal microstructures consist of rank-2 laminates. However, these solutions are impractical due to high manufacturing costs, instability under different load directions, and limited applicability to single compliance or natural frequency constraints. Despite these limitations, they have theoretical value as they represent an absolute limit on structural weight. Sub-optimal microstructures, such as square or rectangular holes, tend to produce more practical solutions by penalizing and suppressing porous regions. Homogenization, the process of replacing an inhomogeneous structure with a homogeneous but anisotropic one, is often used in layout optimization. However, the term "shape optimization by homogenization" has become synonymous with "generalized shape optimization." From an engineering perspective, it is more practical to aim for solutions that suppress porous regions, leading to solid and empty regions only. The paper demonstrates that a solid isotropic microstructure with penalty (SIMP) for intermediate densities, combined with new optimality criteria methods, results in satisfactory SE-type topologies. The SIMP model produces a topology that is closer to the theoretical optimal solution than other methods. An alternative optimal microstructure for plates with a compliance constraint was derived by Vigdergauz. This microstructure starts with a Michell-structure or least-weight grillage at low volume fractions, develops roundings at the corners, and ends with elliptical holes at high volume fractions. The SIMP solution in Figure 2d is a good approximation of the exact solution at lower volume fractions. The paper also compares three types of specific costs for a plate in plane stress or bending, showing that the SIMP formulation has a power-type cost function. The method used in this paper was proposed by Bendsøe under the term "direct approach." The authors find that the results are not highly mesh-dependent and that a physical interpretation of the model is possible. A test example involving a cantilever beam shows that the SIMP method has higher resolving power than traditional homogenization.