Video: Create a Multi-Family Wrap with Flow

Learn how to quickly design and refine complex multi-family wraps in Giraffe without losing critical detail. This step-by-step tutorial shows how to start fast with conceptual layouts, then finesse them into accurate, detailed plans that balance unit counts, parking, and circulation. Perfect for early-stage site planning, you’ll see how to move from rough density estimates to polished reports ready to share with your team.

Designing efficient and detailed multi-family wrap buildings, especially those with complex layouts and varying heights, can be a significant challenge. However, with the right tools and techniques, it's possible to streamline the process and achieve optimal density without sacrificing detail. This article, inspired by a tutorial, delves into how to effectively design multi-family wraps using Giraffe, a powerful urban design software. We'll cover everything from initial site planning to refining the final floor plan, ensuring you maintain accuracy and efficiency throughout the design process.

Multi-family wrap buildings often present unique design challenges due to:

Varying Heights and Floor Levels: Different sections of the building may have varying heights, leading to complex structural and design considerations.

Diverse Ground Level Heights: Changes in ground level necessitate careful planning to ensure accessibility and efficient use of space.

Offshoots and Unique Configurations: Complex layouts with offshoots and unconventional shapes require innovative design solutions.

Multi-Level Parking: Designing efficient parking solutions across multiple levels, including entry and exit points, adds another layer of complexity.

When initially exploring site planning and density options, speed is of the essence. The ability to quickly iterate and test different design concepts is crucial. This is where tools like Giraffe come in, allowing designers to rapidly prototype and analyze various options.

The tutorial demonstrates how to recreate a complex multi-family wrap with different heights, varied floor levels, parking configurations, and entry/exit points using Giraffe. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the process:

1. Establishing a Baseline: Using Generic Flows

Start with Basic Shapes: Begin by using Giraffe's generic flows to quickly create a basic representation of the building's footprint and parking areas.

Utilize the Grid: Leverage the grid system to maintain consistent dimensions and alignment. Adjust the grid spacing as needed for precision.

Parking Integration: Incorporate parking flows within the building's wrap to define the parking footprint, using the building shape as the boundary for the parking.

Unit Count as the KPI: Ensure the number of units match the business plan of the project.

2. Refining Unit Mix and Aligning Corridors:

Adjust Unit Mix: Fine-tune the unit mix (studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, etc.) to match the desired demographic and market demand.

Quick Tweaks: Use B on the keyboard to snap the building to the parking levels.

Address Inefficiencies: Be prepared to address potential inefficiencies early on. It may be neccessary to align the corridors with the parking.

3. Adding Complexity: Retail Blocks, Ramping, and Voids:

Baking the Model: Once the top-level unit count is accurate, "bake" the model. This converts the algorithmic flows into individual, editable geometries, and unlocks more precise control.

Retail Integration: Add retail blocks to the ground floor, considering floor-to-floor heights that may differ from the residential levels.

Void Creation: Introduce voids or open spaces within the building's design, such as courtyards or amenity areas.

Ramping Strategy: Design the ramping system for the parking garage, ensuring smooth transitions between levels.

4. Working with Floor to Floor Heights:

Managing Floor to Floor Heights: Pay close attention to the different floor-to-floor heights for retail, residential, and parking areas. These will impact building height, and the total unit count.

5. Refining the Ground Floor Plan:

Delete Units: Remove units as the architect dictates to match the client's vision.

Cutting Tools: Use the cutting tools to fix any issues with the corridor layout.

Address AGO Issues: Parking geometry can be difficult to deal with. Fix any AGO errors as you move forward.

6. Stacking and Repeating Typical Levels:

Copy and Paste Levels: Duplicate typical floor levels to efficiently create the building's vertical structure. Remember to adjust floor heights as necessary.

Isolate Levels: Isolate each level so that only the specific floor is edited.

7. Finessing the Details: Corner Units and Circulation:

Addressing Corner Unit Challenges: Pay close attention to corner units, which may require adjustments to accommodate corridors or other circulation elements.

Elevators: Be sure to account for stairs, elevators, or other building requirements.

8. Finding the Right Stack:

Check the Stack: Be sure to check the levels of the building as you add or subtract units.

Isolate the Roof: Isolate the roof to double check the work.

The tutorial emphasizes the transition from a conceptual floor plan to a detailed floor plan while maintaining accuracy. The process reveals how even significant design changes may have a minimal impact on the overall unit count.

The final detailed design is critical for underwriting, as it provides a clear understanding of the building's layout, unit mix, and potential revenue. A well-defined floor plan is essential for securing financing and attracting investors.

The ability to easily visualize each layer of the building is crucial for effective communication. By isolating and capturing screenshots of the ground floor, typical levels, and roof, designers can create compelling presentations and reports.

Circulation: Ensure fire code is met by including hallways.

Address any Elevator Requirements: Ensure that each floor includes an elevator to accommodate building requirements.