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ABSTRACT Advances in 3D modeling and additive manufacturing (AM) have enabled the fabrication of porous components with heterogeneous pore distributions. However, a quantitative design strategy to control the connectivity of non‐uniform pore clusters and improve mechanical performance remains undeveloped. This study considers stress concentration interaction between pores as a form of network proximity. A network optimization approach is then proposed to regulate this proximity by controlling the spatial zigzag arrangement of pore clusters, aiming to enhance mechanical properties, particularly ductility. The optimized structures exhibit locally dispersed clusters with reduced inter‐cluster links. These configurations exhibit an increased average cluster size and higher fractal dimensions, which together mitigate stress concentration interactions. Tensile tests on metal‐AM‐fabricated specimens demonstrate a 40% increase in ductility at constant porosity. Fractographic analysis reveals tear ridges and equiaxed dimples, indicating sustained plastic deformation. This study presents, for the first time, a framework for structurally designing damage progression in porous components by optimizing the cluster‐network architecture. In contrast to conventional topology optimization focused on global compliance, this method directly evaluates and suppresses localized stress concentration at the cluster scale. The approach offers strong potential for mitigating damage propagation in defect‐prone AM parts, thereby enabling more reliable structural applications.