block-and-density
Design urban blocks and optimize density using typological analysis, FAR calculations, and building configuration strategies. Use…
Generate complete urban masterplans with spatial structure, land use distribution, street network, block layout, density strategy, phasing plan, and implementation framework. Use when the user asks to design a masterplan, create an urban layout, develop a neighborhood plan,
$ npx -y skills add Abhinavbwj/Urban-Design-Skills-Claude --skill masterplan-design --agent claude-codeHow it fires
How this skill gets triggered: by you, by Claude, or both.
/masterplan-designContext preview
The summary Claude sees to decide when to auto-load this skill.
Generate complete urban masterplans with spatial structure, land use distribution, street network, block layout, density strategy, phasing plan, and implementation framework. Use when the user asks to design a masterplan, create an urban layout, develop a neighborhood plan,
name: masterplan-design description: >- Generate complete urban masterplans with spatial structure, land use distribution, street network, block layout, density strategy, phasing plan, and implementation framework. Use when the user asks to design a masterplan, create an urban layout, develop a neighborhood plan, design a district, plan a new community, lay out a development, structure an urban area, or create a site plan at the urban scale. Also use when the user provides a site and asks for a development proposal, a design concept, or a spatial framework. Handles greenfield, brownfield, and infill development scenarios. disable-model-invocation: true
Generate complete urban masterplans from site understanding through spatial structure, land use distribution, street network, block layout, density strategy, phasing plan, and implementation framework. This skill orchestrates multiple specialized sub-skills into a coherent design process that produces a fully resolved masterplan at any scale from a single city block to an entire new district or town extension.
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The masterplan design process follows eight sequential phases. Each phase builds upon the outputs of the previous phase. Do not skip phases; mark any phase "Deferred" with justification if the user has not provided sufficient input. Cross-skill invocations are indicated with the `-->` symbol.
Phase 1: Site Understanding [ ] Site analysis complete or provided by user [ ] Constraints and opportunities mapped [ ] Key connections to surrounding context identified --> invoke site-analysis if not already done Phase 2: Vision and Program Definition [ ] Design vision statement drafted (1 paragraph) [ ] Target population and household count established [ ] Total GFA by use type calculated [ ] Character precedents identified (3-5 reference projects) [ ] Sustainability and resilience targets set --> invoke precedent-study if user requests comparable projects Phase 3: Structuring Framework [ ] Movement framework established (primary routes, transit spine) [ ] Green-blue framework established (parks, corridors, water) [ ] Built form framework established (centers, edges, density gradient) [ ] Transect zones defined and mapped (T1-T6 as applicable) [ ] Framework tested against site constraints Phase 4: Street Network Design [ ] Street hierarchy defined (arterial, collector, local, shared) [ ] Cross-sections assigned to each street type [ ] Key intersections and public transport stops located [ ] Block structure generated from street network --> invoke street-design for hierarchy and cross-sections Phase 5: Block and Parcel Layout [ ] Block typologies selected for each Transect zone [ ] Block dimensions and perimeters verified against standards [ ] Parcel subdivision logic applied [ ] Building footprint envelopes tested for feasibility --> invoke block-and-density for typology selection and optimization Phase 6: Land Use and Program Distribution [ ] Land use zones assigned to each block or parcel [ ] Use mix percentages verified against vision targets [ ] Anchor uses located (schools, community centers, retail cores) [ ] Ground-floor activation strategy defined for key streets --> invoke mixed-use-programming for use mix and allocation Phase 7: Public Space Network [ ] Neighborhood park(s) sized and located (within 500 m of all residents) [ ] Central plaza or civic space defined [ ] Pocket parks and play spaces distributed [ ] Greenways and pedestrian corridors connected [ ] Public space typology and character described --> invoke public-space-design for parks, plazas, civic spaces Phase 8: Phasing and Implementation Strategy [ ] Development phased into 3-5 stages [ ] Infrastructure sequencing plan completed [ ] Catalyst projects identified for Phase 1 [ ] Interim use strategy for undeveloped parcels defined [ ] Governance and delivery mechanism outlined
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The structuring framework is the spatial DNA of the masterplan. It establishes the primary organizing systems before any building is placed. Three overlapping frameworks -- movement, green-blue, and built form -- are developed in parallel and then overlaid to create the composite spatial structure.
Establish the hierarchy of movement from regional connections down to the individual street.
1. **Regional connections**: identify all points where the site connects to the surrounding road network, transit system, and cycling/pedestrian paths. These are the fixed anchors of the movement framework. 2. **Primary routes**: draw the main streets that connect the anchor points across the site. These carry the highest traffic volumes, public transit lines, and utility trunk infrastructure. Typical right-of-way: 24-36 m. Align with topography to minimize grading. Avoid routing through sensitive ecological areas. 3. **Transit spine**: if the site warrants transit (population >5,000 or area >20 ha), designate a transit corridor. Locate stops at 400-600 m intervals (5-minute walk catchment). Orient the highest density and mixed-use development toward transit stops. 4. **Secondary routes (collectors)**: connect primary routes, creating the block structure. Typical right-of-way: 18-24 m. Distribute traffic across multiple routes to avoid bottlenecks. 5. **Local streets**: provide direct frontage access to buildings. Typical right-of-way: 12-18 m. Design for low speeds (30 km/h or less). Consider shared surfaces in residential areas. 6. **Pedestrian priority zones**: designate areas where pedestrians have primacy over vehicles -- the town center, market streets, school zones, waterfront promenades. These may be fully pedestrianized or designed as woonerven. 7. **Cycling network**: provide a con
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