Working share link to your Forma project
One page facade comparison showing both options with their metrics
Typical floor plan image with unit types or zones labelled, plus the unit mix schedule
One AI render of the chosen scheme
Design memo of 300 to 500 words: how the massing changed from Week 2 and why, what the facade studies showed, what you chose, and where you overrode the automation
For this module, I continued developing Proposal 2 from Week 2, an eight-story L-shaped mixed-use building in Palo Alto. I decided to keep the overall massing because the courtyard was one of the main reasons I preferred this proposal over the rectangular option.
One of the biggest challenges was organizing the floor plans within the L-shaped layout. I used the ground floor for commercial functions, including retail, a café, and a restaurant, while Floors 2–8 were designed for residential use. I divided the residential floors into studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units. Some spaces were difficult to divide efficiently, especially near the corner of the L-shape and around the circulation areas. I adjusted the unit boundaries several times to find a reasonable layout while keeping the corridors, stairs, and elevators accessible.
For the façade studies, I compared two options using Forma's sun-hours analysis. The first option had more balconies facing the courtyard, while the second used a simpler arrangement with fewer balconies and more regular windows. The results showed that the exterior façades generally received more sunlight, while the inner courtyard façades experienced more shading, particularly on the lower floors. This made me think about the balance between providing private outdoor spaces and allowing more daylight into the apartments.
I chose the first façade option because I preferred the additional balconies and the stronger connection between the apartments and the courtyard. Although some balconies receive less direct sunlight, I think they still provide useful outdoor spaces and make the courtyard feel more active and residential.
I also made several decisions manually rather than relying entirely on Forma's automated suggestions. For example, I adjusted the residential unit divisions, selected the unit types based on the available floor areas, and modified the window and balcony arrangements to create a more consistent façade. The automated tools were helpful for testing different layouts and visualizing sunlight exposure, but I found that the results still needed to be reviewed based on practical considerations.
Overall, this module helped me understand how an initial massing concept can gradually develop into a building design, and how even small decisions about floor plans and façades can affect the final result.