Finch 101: Generate Corridor

In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to generate corridors and stairwells (cores) in the 2D Floor Plate Editor using Finch's custom algorithms.

1. Open the Floor Plate Editor

Open the Finch Sample Project, variant 3 Custom Core.

Steps:

1. Double-click on any floor.

2. The 2D floor plate editor opens.

3. Use the story slider to scroll between floors.

---

2. Add a Centerline (for Corridor Placement)

Finch uses a centerline to determine where to place corridors. This can be:

• Drawn in Rhino/Revit (before uploading), or

• Drawn directly in Finch.

To edit or draw centerlines:

• Select the Edit icon

• Click twice on an endpoint to adjust the shape

• Use the line tool to draw a new one if needed

Tip: Dragging the entire line (instead of just an endpoint) can misalign your corridor. Always click twice on the endpoint before adjusting.

---

3. Generate Corridor and Cores

With the centerline in place:

• Click on the floor plate

• Select “Generate Unit Mix and Corridors”

This will trigger Finch’s corridor and core algorithm.

---

4. Adjust Generation Parameters

Use the left-hand panel to guide Finch’s generation logic:

Stairwells (Cores)

• Set number of stairwells (e.g., 2–4)

• Choose placement behavior:

  • Place stairwells in corners

  • Place stairwells on ends

Egress Distances

• Single exit max: e.g., 18 meters

• Multiple exits max: e.g., 30 meters

🟢 Green = compliant ⚪️ Grey = compliant for multiple exits 🔴 Red = non-compliant

Finch updates the layout in real time as you adjust these settings.

---

5. Define Core Dimensions

Set the following in the Dimensions section:

• Core width

• Core depth (includes corridor)

Example:

• Corridor width: 2m

• Core depth: 5m → Set core depth to 7m

Use zoom to verify visual fit with your floor plate.

---

6. Adjust Stairwell Attractors

Stairwell attractors define which direction your stairwells face:

• Turn on/off attractor arrows

• Set them to point inward (e.g., toward a courtyard) or outward (e.g., toward a façade)

---

7. Pause and Apply the Plan

Once satisfied:

1. Click Pause Iteration

2. Click Apply Plan

Finch will finalize the generated corridors and stairwells without units, giving you flexibility to run unit mixes next.

---

8. Programs vs. Space Types

After applying the plan, check your data drawers:

• Programs: High-level uses (e.g., Residential, Circulation)

• Space Types: Specific areas (e.g., Corridors, Stairs, Elevators)

Important: If you model cores in Rhino or Revit, be sure to assign space types (like corridors) so Finch can recognize them during unit generation.

---

Summary

You've learned how to:

• Draw and edit centerlines

• Generate stairwells and corridors

• Customize corridor placement and compliance

• Apply your floor plan without units

In the next tutorial, we’ll show you how to generate unit mixes around your custom corridor.