In the present work, topology optimization method using adaptive inner-front level set method is presented. In the conventional level set based topology optimization method, there exists an incapability for inner-front creation during optimization process. In this regard, as a new attempt to avoid and to overcome the limitation, an inner-front creation algorithm is proposed. In the inner-front creation algorithm, the strain energy density of a structure along with volume constraint is considered. Especially, to facilitate the inner-front creation process during the optimization process, the inner-front creation map which corresponds to the discrete valued function of strain energy density is constructed. In the evolution of the level set function during the optimization process, the least-squares finite element method (LSFEM) is employed. As an application to shell structures, the lightweight design of doubly curved shell and segmented mirror is carried out.