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:
Double-click on any floor.
The 2D floor plate editor opens.
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:
Click Pause Iteration
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.
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