15 minute randomized block

Parametric Zoning Envelope Columbia GSAPP
Mini-Tutorial.1 15-minute block


Topics: randomization, lot coverage, commercial overlay, city block

Scripts to load: IncRandomPushPull

All the geometry in this tutorial will be built from the rectangle tool.

We will start with the dimensions of a lot, copy that lot to make a full block, and then place randomized building envelopes on this field.



Using the rectangle tool, make a rectangle about 20’ by 90’. Copy that rectangle 24 times, being careful to snap the endpoints together (just copy once by holding down the control button with the Move tool and hitting “x 24” and the enter key afterwards)

Once you have 25 lots lined up, copy that row of lots to make the other side of the block.


Make a rectangle about 60 feet deep and copy it across


Select all new rectangles (click each one with Shift key held down) and click open RandomPushPull function from Plugins

The PlugIn’s Z axis is upside down, so make sure to include the negative sign.


Now turn around to the back of the “buildings” to make first floors. On the back face of one building, make first story rectangle about 10’ in height. Copy across the others.

Delete any extra lines.

Select all first floor rectangles and apply RandomPushPull from 0 to -30’


Repeat same process on other half of block.



On the other side of the block, start again with 60’ deep rectangles, extrude randomly from 30’ to 70’. Then draw the 10’ first floor rectangle on the rear face and copy across, extruding all 0’ to 30’.


Select the first floors on either side of the block to extrude, since rear yard requirements don’t apply to corner lots. Extrude 20’ to 60’


Move each façade of corner lot envelopes to the rear lot line, to close off the block



Put 2 squares about 15’ x 15’ at each corner of the block, to establish dimension of sidewalk



Draw a rectangle from endpoint to endpoint to create 15 foot perimeter sidewalk







Does this look like a typical New York City block? Why or why not? Explain, how, using the same tools, a more realistic block could be generated. What steps in the above process would change?