masterplan-design

Masterplan Design Skill

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.

1. Masterplan Design Process

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 Checklist

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