# Finch 101: Generate Floor Plate Algorithms

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### 1. Three Floor Plate Generation Options

Finch provides three methods for generating floor plates:

| Algorithm                                | Best For                 | Description                                     |
| ---------------------------------------- | ------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------- |
| **Generate Around Existing Circulation** | Retrofits, conversions   | Use when circulation cores are predefined       |
| **Generate Cores**                       | Long buildings, L-shapes | Automatically finds and places multiple cores   |
| **Generate Corridors**                   | Blank slate              | Generates corridor and core layout from scratch |

Let’s take a closer look at each one.

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### 2. Generate Around Existing Circulation

**Use Case**: Retrofitting or converting an existing building where the core is already known.

* You can **draw the core** in:
  * Revit or Rhino (before uploading), or
  * Directly inside Finch after massing is uploaded.
* Once the circulation is defined, Finch will:
  * Detect it
  * Generate a unit layout **around your predefined core**

**Tip**: *This method gives you precise control when working with known structural or regulatory constraints.*

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### 3. Generate Cores

**Use Case**: Large or irregular buildings (e.g., L-shaped floor plates)

* Finch analyzes the floor plate and:
  * Splits it into **multiple vertical cores**
  * Orients cores to optimize circulation
  * Wraps units around each core

Ideal when you want Finch to decide how many cores are needed and where they should go.

**Example**: *A long building might require three cores, each serving a cluster of apartments.*

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### 4. Generate Corridors and Core

**Use Case**: Blank slate / early-stage design

* Finch will:
  * Generate both **corridors** and **cores**
  * Use inputs like:
    * **Egress distances**
    * **Core dimensions (depth and width)**
    * **Preferred core orientation**

This method is best when you want to automate layout generation without predefined circulation.

**Pro Tip**: *Use this option to quickly test feasibility based on rough zoning envelopes and fire regulations.*

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### What’s Next?

Once your floor plates are generated, you can:

* Refine unit layouts
* Adjust corridors or circulation manually
* Assign space types or programs
* Evaluate performance using Finch’s metrics

In the next tutorial, we’ll dive into how to edit and customize generated floor plans.