Generate Unit Mix + Stairwells
The following process will be broken down into three stages: Generate Story, Generate Units and Editing
1: Story Setup and Size Mix Generation
1.1 Start Generation Process
Enter the plan view by double clicking on a story.
Select the plan and hit
Generate
on the context menu. In the dropdown, selectUnit Mix & Stairwells
.The generation will begin to run.
1.2 Adjust Stairwell Parameters
Under the
Filter
dropdown in the left panel, adjust theNumber of Stairwells
andUnits per Stairwell
.
If you have strict stairwell requirements, be sure to set the stairwell parameters first, as the number of stairwells and units per stairwell affect the overall layout.
1.3 Input Project Conditions
These prerequisites will heavily affect the outcome of the algorithm
The
Dimensions
drop down lets you adjustWall width
,Core width
,Core depth
andCorridor width
.The
Constraints
drop down lets you defineDual aspect size
,Unit width
,Passage width
andFacade story
.The
Settings
drop down lets you modifyResolution story
(early-stage precision),Resolution units
(later-stage precision) andSize error tolerance
(accuracy of sizes).
1.4 Input Unit Mix
Input the desired
Unit Mix
in the upper left panel.Evaluate
Unit Mix
with the information bar at the bottom of the window.Size Match
shows you the totalArea Difference
.
The Area Difference
reflects how well the mix fits your building. Use this to adjust your unit mix for optimal results. Influencing factors include: building mass shape, unit mix, story weights and settings.
1.5 Control Algorithm Metrics
At this stage the weights are primarily focused on adjusting the mix. More precise adjustments (daylight, squareness and size) can be made later.
Under the
Story Weights
dropdown in the left panel, interact with the weights to prioritize specific metrics.Metrics with their sliders further to the right will be prioritized.
1.6 Fine-tune Segmentation
Fine-tune story
by selecting the option in the header to optimize your results.The algorithm will optimize the layout, combining area differences into one section to prioritize size accuracy in as many apartments as possible.
2. Generate Units and Stairwells
2.1 Start Generation Process
Letting the algorithm run until it stops itself at each stage will result in more accurate sizes at the end of the process.
Once you are satisfied with the areas, select
Proceed to units
in the same header.The algorithm will begin generating units and stairwells.
The display colors in the right panel are inherited from the unit mix set in the left panel. Units receive a color when they match a target size.
At this stage, the algorithm will explore multiple preliminary configurations for units and stairwells. Do not worry if the algorithm only hits one or two size targets at this point, the layout is not final, as further fine-tuning will occur before it is actually assigned to the plan.
2.2 Direct Stairwell Positions
Select
Stairwell attractors
in the top banner.Choose which facades should be prioritized for stairwell placement.
2.3 Control Algorithm Metrics
Under the
Unit Weights
dropdown in the left panel, interact with algorithm weights to prioritize specific metrics.Metrics with sliders further to the right will receive higher priority.
2.4 Fine-tune Units
Fine-tune units
via the options in the header to optimize results.The algorithm will make small adjustments to the units until as many as possible hit their targets.
At this stage most apartments should receive a color, indicating that they have hit their targeted sizes.
3. Edit and customize
3.1 Apply Plan
Once satisfied with the generation, select Apply Plan
in the header to bake it.
3.2 Edit the results
Finch is a complete editing tool. All generated plans can be fully edited and customized.
Drag walls specific distances by typing the distance as you move.
Change wall widths by selecting a wall and inputting the new wall thickness in the
Context Menu
.
3.3 Regenerate
Like one half of the floor plate but not the other? Finch can generate in sections!
Delete the unwanted walls and run the algorithm again in the new section.
Revisit previous steps to further tweak the algorithm.
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