We show how the architecture of self-assembled structures can be determined from the knowledge of the energy and matter dissipation inherent to its formation. When the amount of dissipation quantified by the total entropy produced in the process is represented in terms of parameters that describe the shape of the assembled structures, its extremes correspond to structures found in experimental situations such as in gelation and Liesegang ring formation. It is found that only a small amount of extra energy is needed to yield smooth changes in the form of the assembled structures. The connection found between the entropy produced and the type of structure formed may constitute a selection criterion, which shows why a set of disordered units may give rise to a determined self-assembled structure.