Architects are rethinking the way they handle internal planning with Giraffe. In this video, Giraffe's CEO Rob Asher demonstrates how architects use Giraffe to create internal building layouts and tenancy plans enabling quicker and more informed decisions. You’ll discover: How Giraffe supports seamless internal planning & ways to visualise and iterate tenancy plans
Internal Planning in Urban Design: A Step-by-Step Guide
This video breaks down the process of internal planning in urban design, drawing insights from a practical demonstration. We'll delve into key concepts like grid setup, core placement, retail space division, and more, providing a comprehensive guide for designers and anyone interested in the inner workings of urban planning.
The initial phase of urban development involves conceptualizing the overall structure and form. After obtaining general approval for the overall envelope – ensuring areas and urban forms align at a macro level – the next step involves internal planning. This intricate process focuses on optimizing the internal layout of a building or development, addressing crucial questions like:
Where should the core (elevators, stairs, and essential services) be placed?
How should the downstairs retail space be divided and allocated?
What is the optimal layout for commercial and residential spaces within the structure?
Let's explore the tools and techniques used to efficiently plan the interior spaces of an urban development.
Setting Up a Planning Grid
The foundation of accurate internal planning lies in establishing a precise planning grid. A grid provides a modular framework for aligning internal elements, ensuring consistency and efficient space utilization.
The presenter utilizes a grid of 1.2 units by first accessing the `Edit Grid` option, then using the `S` key to snap to the bottom corner. By typing in "1.2," the grid spacing is defined, creating a consistent measurement system throughout the planning process. This grid system becomes the basis for all subsequent design decisions.
Leveraging "Isolate Mode" for Focused Editing
The "H mode" function proves invaluable for isolating and manipulating specific elements within the design. When an element is selected and the 'H' key is pressed, it isolates that element, while everything else is ghosted in the background. This allows designers to focus on specific areas without the distraction of other components. The 'T' key then brings the display back to 3D mode for a more comprehensive view.
The H mode function is intelligent, acting like a flood fill tool. If two elements are touching, selecting one and hitting 'H' will also highlight the other, thus enabling collaborative editing on adjacent components.
Creating a Plaza & Connecting Spaces
One example of using H mode is connecting two separate floor plans with a plaza. The designer uses the ‘P’ key to draw the plaza area, using the snap function to align the plaza with the planning grid. They then choose "plaza" as the usage type and change the color for visual clarity. Now, when the designer clicks on the connected structure and presses 'H', the entire connected element is highlighted, as everything is touching.
Strategic Core Placement
Core placement is a fundamental aspect of internal planning, influencing traffic flow, accessibility, and the overall efficiency of the building. The core should be strategically positioned to take advantage of views and optimize the layout of surrounding spaces.
In the video, the views are facing in a particular direction which dictates where the core should be placed. It makes sense to place the entrance and core away from the views, letting the commercial side of the building take advantage of the scenery.
For this project, the initial core dimensions are set to 15.6 by 9.6, adhering to the planning grid. The core's height is initially set to 100 meters but later adjusted to match the building's overall height. The designer then uses slice tools in order to remove the retail space underneath. A commercial lobby is then added around the core.
Dividing Retail Space into Tenancies
Internal planning also involves dividing retail spaces into distinct tenancies (separate leasable units). The goal is to create a mix of unit sizes and layouts that appeal to diverse tenants and maximize the commercial value of the space.
The designer breaks up the retail space using the slice tool to snap to the planning grid. Then the newly made slices are assigned to different retail sectors and are assigned unique colors.
Articulating the Tower and Adding Mezzanine Levels
The designer showcases how to introduce articulation to the tower design and incorporate mezzanine levels to create visual interest and functional differentiation.
By offsetting the core placement and adding a series of lobbies, the tower gains a more dynamic and visually appealing aesthetic. Copying and pasting existing sections and adjusting heights allows for easy addition of new features.
Mezzanine levels are incorporated by copying and pasting the existing section, making it one level, and giving it new colors. Mezzanine levels can house restaurants, co-working spaces, and gyms.
Adding Finishing Touches & Landscape Design
The designer adds finishing touches, such as landscape design, to create a more appealing aesthetic.
The designer removes facades to show the interior more clearly, hides verticals, and implements a landscape design element.
Key Takeaways:
Grid System: Use a planning grid to ensure consistency and precise alignment.
H Mode: Leverage "H mode" for focused editing and manipulating connected elements.
Strategic Core Placement: Position the core strategically based on views, access, and overall building layout.
Retail Space Division: Carefully plan retail tenancies to optimize commercial potential.
Articulation & Mezzanine Levels: Add articulation and mezzanine levels to enhance aesthetics and functionality.
Conclusion
Internal planning is a critical step in the urban design process, bridging the gap between macro-level concepts and the intricate details of space allocation. By utilizing the tools and techniques described above, urban designers can create functional, visually appealing, and commercially viable spaces that contribute to the vibrancy and success of the urban environment. This step-by-step breakdown offers a practical foundation for understanding and executing effective internal planning strategies.