Abstract: The conventional structural topology optimization is todesign the structure layout with fixed external loads. In addition, thelinkage model of components in a structure has a great influence on theoptimal topology design of structure layout due to the load transferfunction of components connection. This paper was focused onconcurrent optimum design of components layout and connection in a complexstructure. First, a new type of material model was introduced in theconnective domain and different material distributions represented differentconnections between components. Second, the design variable is about therelative material density of loading-carrying domain and connective domain.Third, a topology optimization based the proposed approach was developed aswell as the corresponding solving technique for designing structure andconnection distribution. The effectiveness of the present design methodologyand optimization scheme is demonstrated through numerical examples.