WO2010046350A1

WO2010046350A1 - Town planning method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2010046350A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/063691
Authority: WO
Inventors: Padhraic Conor Moneley
Original assignee: Fractal Planning Solutions Ltd.
Priority date: 2008-10-20
Filing date: 2009-10-19
Publication date: 2010-04-29
Also published as: EP2356594A1; IES20080849A2

Abstract

The present invention provides a method ofgenerating a plan ofa site development for a target population, the plan comprising at least one cell divided into a plurality of zones of a plurality ofcategories. The method comprises the steps of:(a) selecting at least one building type forthe site, the at least one building type having an associated population size and allocated zonal category; (b) distributing the population among the plurality of zones as a function ofa zonal distribution factor; (c) determining the number ofbuilding elements of each of the at least one building type allocated to each of the plurality of zones required for accommodating the population distribution of each zone; and (d) assigning this determined number ofbuilding elements to each of the plurality of zones.

Description

Title

Town Planning Method and Apparatus

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to town planning. More particularly, the invention relates to a method for generating a town plan.

Background to the Invention

Half of the world's population currently live in cities, with this proportion predicted to rise dramatically over the coming decades. As our species faces the combined challenges of climate change and peak oil production, the importance of finding a practical, flexible and scalable model for sustainable urban development is paramount.

However, it has been found that the prevailing pattern of urban growth leads to a process of destructive urban feedback, which actively militates against the realisation of sustainable development. As new layers of urban fabric are added to the periphery of existing settlements, the centres of these settlements must be redeveloped, with existing infrastructure being removed to accommodate the new and expanded facilities required by a growing population. Simultaneously, increasing numbers of people from the newly developed outlying areas require access to this centre. This movement can only be facilitated by transecting the intermediary zones of established development with new lines of transport infrastructure.

It will be appreciated that this process of redevelopment undermines the social fabric of the settlement by disrupting the coherence of the established community, as well as the presence of an existing pattern of development being found to interfere with the provision of efficient new systems of infrastructure within the expanded settlement. There are two main strategies which are often adopted in an attempt to address the problems which arise due to urban feedback. One approach is known as community design. This involves addressing the dislocation of modern city life through the careful design of localities, with the aim of creating amenable environments for the fostering of community. While this approach generally leads to positive local intervention, it ignores the influence of the wider urban context. As a result, island communities are developed, whose integrity is vulnerable to the shifting demands of the surrounding city. Accordingly, it can occur that parks and amenity spaces may end up being sacrificed to achieve higher population densities, and community centres may be disrupted by through traffic, until finally these communities lose all cohesion and identity.

The other strategy which is often used is known as citywide planning. This approach is concerned with the city at a macro level, aiming to provide efficient systems of infrastructure, and satisfactory access to necessary facilities as the population grows. When viewed from this perspective, existing layers of urban fabric are merely a hindrance to the efficient provision of appropriate infrastructure for the expanded city. Thus, a continual process of destructive redevelopment is required, which can undermine the integrity of existing communities and urban spaces. It will be appreciated that this approach generates static solutions for a dynamic problem, with the ever-evolving demands of a growing population often rendering the resultant infrastructure obsolete.

Both of these approaches address the city as an object rather than a process, and thus ignore the dynamic evolution of the built environment necessary as a city grows.

It will therefore be appreciated that an urban model is required which can protect the integrity of established communities, while at the same time allowing for efficient expansion of settlements into the future.

Summary of the Invention In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the present invention provides a method of generating a plan of a site development for a target population, the plan comprising at least one cell divided into a plurality of zones of a plurality of categories, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) selecting at least one building type for the site, the at least one building type having an associated population size and allocated zonal category;

(b) distributing the population among the plurality of zones as a function of a zonal distribution factor;

(c) determining the number of building elements of each of the at least one building type allocated to each of the plurality of zones required for accommodating the population distribution of each zone;

(d) assigning this determined number of building elements to each of the plurality of zones.

The method may further comprise the steps of : (e) recategorising selected zones as a cell divided into a plurality of zones, and

(f) carrying out steps (b) to (d) for each of the cells in turn, wherein the population is the population of each cell; and repeating steps (e) and (f) until the population contained within each cell is less than the smallest population size associated with any building element allocated to the cell; and

(g) displaying the resulting assignments to each of the plurality of zones as a graphical representation.

The method may further comprise the initial steps of: providing site data to establish the context within which the at least one cell is to be positioned and providing a population target value for the site.

The site data may comprise one of: the co-ordinates of the centre point, boundary and the primary axis of the proposed development ;the co-ordinates of the centre point, boundary and primary axis of an existing settlement, or the co-ordinates of the centre point, boundary, primary axis and orientation of an existing settlement.

The step of distributing the population among the plurality of zones as a function of a zonal distribution factor may comprise the step of: a) determining the area within each of the zones which is available for development; b) multiplying this area by the zonal distribution factor associated with each zone to give a distribution value; c) adding the distribution value for each zone to give an accumulated value; d) dividing the population of the cell by the accumulated value to give a population factor; and e) multiplying the population factor by the distribution value for each of the zones. The location of the zones relative to the centre point may be determined in accordance with a predefined geometric algorithm.

The plurality of zones in each cell may comprise the following categories: four cellular zones, four zones for use as gateways between adjoining zones, one centre cell, and wherein pathways are provided between the centre points of each of these zones.

Each zone may be associated with an intended use. The centre cell may be associated with services and civic spaces. The gateway zones may be associated with industry.

The pathways may be associated with transport and service infrastructure.

The area within the at least one cell but outside the zones may be associated with recreational areas.

The at least one building type may be selectable from a set of building types.

The population size which may be associated with each building type is user definable.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for carrying out the method, the apparatus comprising: means for converting site survey data into a graphical representation of the site; means for categorising the area within each of the zones which is available for development; means for entering site data parameters; means for entering the population target and zonal distribution factor; means for entering infrastructural data on the at least one building type and associating a population size and zonal category with the building type; and means for synthesizing the entered data in accordance with the predefined geometric algorithm in order to generate the plan of the site development for the target population.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows an example of the most basic structure of a town plan generated in accordance with the spatial matrix model of the present invention, known as a Level 2 Cell; Figure 2 shows an overview of the main steps in the process flow of the town planning method of the present invention;

Figure 3 provides a summary of the main steps in the process flow for the generation of the specific masterplan model; Figures 4a to 4j detail the matrix construction procedure where a proposed settlement is to occupy a greenfield site;

Figures 5a to 5e detail the matrix construction procedure for where a settlement is already in existence, and is to occupy the central zone of the proposed town plan; Figures 6a to 6f detail the matrix construction procedure for where a settlement is already in existence, and is to occupy the gateway zone of the proposed town plan; and

Figures 7a to 7f detail the matrix construction procedure for where a settlement is already in existence, and is to occupy the cellular zone of the proposed town plan.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

The present invention generates a town plan in accordance with a spatial matrix model which has been developed. This model provides an improved means by which phased urban expansion may occur, by alleviating the problems which are typically found in conventional methods of town planning, such as those described in the background to the invention.

The spatial matrix model of the present invention represents each settlement as at least one cell, which is itself divided into a plurality of cellular zones. Each cellular zone is designed to accommodate a particular population target and is associated with one or more activities, such as services or manufacturing activity, depending on the requirements of the proposed development. The exact number of cells representing a settlement in the model is determined according to a number of development specific design parameters, including the overall population target of the proposed settlement.

The spatial matrix has been designed so that as the population of the site grows to its expected target, every new area of settlement can be developed in parallel with the cells that are already populated, without requiring established infrastructure to be redeveloped. Accordingly, it allows the activity of the established community to continue uninterrupted while expansion takes place.

Figure 1 shows an example of the most basic structure of a town plan generated in accordance with the spatial matrix model of the present invention, known as a Level 2 Cell. It includes a total of four identical sub-cells, which are called Level 1 Cells. A central zone, known as a Level 2 Centre, lies between the four Level 1 cells and is located at the heart of the proposed settlement. The central zone has been designed to provide a communal space, which is directly accessible from any of the adjoining cells, and thus provides an opportunity for the populations which may settle in the Level 1 cells to come together.

The Level 2 Cell also includes areas located where the main circulation axis emerges from the central zone to engage with its surroundings, known as Level 2 Gateways. These areas are designed to provide direct access to the adjoining cells, central zone and exterior of the proposed settlement.

The areas between the central, gateway and cellular zones which lie within the enclosing boundary of the enlarged settlement are known as Free Areas.

The spatial matrix model may also define circulation paths for the town, by connecting the interior of each of the Level 1 Cells to the central zone, the central zone to the interior of each of the peripheral gateway zones, the gateway zones to the interior of its two adjoining Level 1 Cells, and the gateway zones to the exterior of the expanded settlement.

By generating a town plan in accordance with this spatial matrix, it has been found that circulation between the interior and exterior of the proposed settlement is provided, so as to minimise circulatory disruption of the sub-cells and central zone of the settlement. Where there is more than one Level 2 cell required due to the development specific design requirements input by a user, the present invention performs iterations of the appropriate geometric algorithm described below so as to generate an expanded spatial matrix. Within this expanded matrix, a new set of connections arises through the alignment of the circulation axes occurring within the Level 1 Cells. It will be appreciated that this network of pathways allows circulation to occur between and across each cell which is generated, facilitating access to all areas within the settlement, as is illustrated in Figure 4j.

It will be appreciated that due to the fractal nature of the spatial framework which is generated, the present invention provides for the structuring of development in a way which enables open-ended expansion to occur without interference. Accordingly, the community can survive without disruption, and a healthy and sustainable urban society may evolve.

As mentioned above, the spatial matrix model of the present invention also enables each cellular zone to be associated with a particular use. For example, the central zone may be associated with services, with the exact nature of these services being determined according to the population of the surrounding cell. Parks, squares and pedestrian areas may also be located within the central zone, generating a variegated network of public spaces which is capable of invigorating the civic life of a community.

In order to maintain the civic nature of the central zone, traffic arriving at a centre along the primary axis of the surrounding cell may be directed onto a route running around the periphery of the central zone. Pathways may also be provided within the centre, in order to allow cross circulation between the surrounding cells.

The Gateway zones provide the ideal location for the development of manufacturing infrastructure within the settlement, affording direct access to the adjacent sub-cells, centre and exterior of the surrounding cell. Furthermore when this function is assigned to these zones, the spatial matrix model of the present invention generates a network of economic infrastructure capable of facilitating the efficient production and movement of commodities throughout the settlement, without causing disruption to the sub-cells or central zones.

In order to provide for efficient access to and from industry located within a gateway zone, an uninterrupted circulation path may be provided through the centre of the gateway. The efficiency of this route may also be maintained through the provision of circulation paths to, from and across this main route via the circulation axes of the sub cells within the gateway zones.

It will also be appreciated that the generated matrix provides a clear circulatory hierarchy which consists of overlapping networks of pathways, each of which penetrates to a specific level of the spatial framework. This circulatory hierarchy may be used to allocate an appropriate level of infrastructural provision to each level of the network hierarchy.

This may also include the development of interchanges at the junction between different levels of the circulation network hierarchy. These interchanges can be made to connect pedestrian, bicycle, road and rail routes. Access may also be provided to public transport infrastructure at nodal points throughout the matrix network.

Now that an overview of the spatial matrix model of a settlement or town has been provided, the process flow involved in the generation of a town plan in accordance with the spatial matrix model of the present invention can be described. The town plan is created through the use of a town planning tool, which generates a model of the town by means of a geometric algorithm corresponding to the spatial matrix model of the present invention described above. It will be appreciated that the term "tool" is intended to cover a software module running on a standard pc, or alternatively on an application specific processor.

Figure 2 shows an overview of the main steps in the process flow of the town planning method of the present invention. Step 1 involves the carrying out of a survey of the site for which the town plan is to be generated. In step 2, the site survey data is input into the town planning tool. In step 3, the user categorizes areas of the site model generated within the town planning tool as being either suitable or unsuitable for development. In step 4, the spatial matrix parameters are entered by the user. In step 5, the user inputs population target data for the proposed development into the town planning tool. In step 6, the user inputs target data associated with a range of building elements which are required to be located within the proposed development into the town planning tool. In the final step, the town planning tool processes the design data in accordance with the geometric algorithm corresponding to the spatial matrix described above, and displays the resulting site specific town master-plan as a graphical representation (step 7). These steps in the process flow will be described in more detail in the paragraphs below.

The initial step of carrying out a site survey involves the accurate measuring of all on site conditions which may affect any development which may occur on the proposed site. This data may include spatial co-ordinates, levels, distances, angles, ground conditions and boundaries. These should be carried out in accordance with industry standard methods, such as for example GPS or Triangulation.

Once the site survey has been completed, the data collected from the survey must be entered into the town planning tool.

The town planning tool comprises a number of modules, each of which is used during the process flow to generate the site specific masterplan model for the proposed development. These include a drawing module, a site analysis module, a spatial matrix model, a population management module and an infrastructural data module. The modules will be described for ease of understanding as separate components below. However, it will be appreciated that in reality they could all be integrated into one specific software component. The first module required to be used after performing the survey is the drawing module. The drawing module converts the site survey data which the user enters into a graphical representation of the site.

The drawing module includes a selection of drawing tools, in order to enable a user to create a graphical representation of the site survey information, and to extract data relevant to selected drawing elements. The user can input data associated with particular drawing elements via the keyboard. The functionality which the drawing module provides includes the functionality typically provided by the industry CAD packages, and therefore will not be elaborated in greater detail here.

The drawing module is also adapted to convert proprietary CAD data into a graphical format which is suitable for use with the tool of the present invention, where the survey data has already been entered into a CAD package used in the industry (such as for example Auto-CAD, Vectorworks, DenebaCAD or Rhino).

Once a graphical representation of the survey data has been created by the use of the drawing module, site analysis should performed using the site analysis module. The site analysis enables a user to categorise site conditions. For example, if it has been determined that the site conditions of a particular area dictate that development can not occur, the analysis module provides the means by which this information can be entered. This information will then be accessed for later use, as a parameter when the spatial matrix model of the site is being generated. The site analysis module also enables a user to adjust certain aspects of the site survey drawing as desired, such as for example to highlight certain aspects of the site survey drawing template, by switching chosen categories of elements within the drawing on and off.

Upon completion of the site survey and site analysis steps, the process flow moves to the use of the spatial matrix module.

The spatial matrix module requires a number of site specific parameters to be entered. Firstly, details on whether the site is a green field site or whether the site is an expansion of an existing development must be provided by the user.

Where the site is a green field site, the co-ordinates of the centre point (Pl), the extent (rl), and the primary axes (Ll and L2) of the proposed development as required by the user should be input into the spatial matrix module.

If the site is an expansion of an existing development, the user must also enter the coordinates of the centre point (Pl), the extent (rl), and the primary axes (Ll and L2) of the existing settlement obtained during the site survey. The user is also required to input which portion of the spatial matrix they wish the existing development to occupy i.e. either the central zone, a gateway zone, or a Level 1 cellular zone of the matrix. In the case of a gateway or cellular expansion, the user should also input the direction in which expansion is to take place, by selecting the desired orientation of the central zone around which the expanded spatial matrix will be organized (P2).

Having input all of the spatial data, the tool of the present invention has some of the information required to generate the site specific Spatial Matrix. However, development specific design requirements must also be entered by a user, in order to determine the number of cellular zones in the generated spatial matrix, and to assign a particular population and use to each cellular zone of the matrix. For ease of understanding, the geometric algorithm used to generate the matrix will be described now. However, it should be appreciated that the matrix is in fact not generated until both the spatial data and the design data has been input by the user into the town planning tool, and this process flow is explained in a later paragraph.

The predefined geometric algorithm is dependent on whether the site for development is a greenfield site, or where there is a settlement already in existence. Where the site is a greenfield site, the user input of the centre point, the boundary and axes data is used to construct the matrix in accordance with the following steps, as shown in the accompanying figures 4a to 4j :

In step 1, the primary gateway is generated by performing the following sub-steps: Generating a circle Cl with centre point Pl and radius rl Generating a line Ll passing through the point Pl

Generating a line L2 passing through point Pl which is perpendicular to line Ll Generating Gl and G3 as the points of intersection between line Ll and circle Cl Generating G2 and G4 as the points of intersection between line L2 and circle Cl .

In step 2, the central zone is generated by performing the following sub-steps:

Generating a circle C2 with centre point Pl and radius r2, where r2⁼rlsqrt2(sqrt2-l)- rl(sqrt2-l).

In step 3, the secondary axis is generated by performing the following sub-steps:

Generating a line L3 passing through point Pl which is at an angle of 45 degrees to line

Ll .

Generating G5 and G7, being the points of intersection between L3 and Cl. Generating the line L4 passing through the point P 1 which is perpendicular to the line L3.

Generating G6 and G8 being the points of intersection between L4 and Cl .

In step 4, the centre point of each of the sub-cells is generated by performing the following sub-steps: Generating the circle C3 with centre point Pl and radius r3, where r3=rl sqrt2(sqrt2-l) Naming the points of intersection between L3 and circle C3 P2 and P4. Naming the points of intersection between L4 and circle C3 P3 and P5.

In step 5, the boundary of each of the sub-cells is generated by performing the following sub-steps:

Generating a circle C4 with a centre point P2 and radius r4, where r4=rl(sqrt2-l) Generating a circle C5 with a centre point P3 and radius r4 Generating a circle C6 with a centre point P4 and radius r4 Generating a circle C7 with a centre point P5 and radius r4

In step 6, the gateway centre points are generated by performing the following steps: Generating a circle C8 with centre point Pl and radius r5, where r5=2rl(sqrt2-l) Naming the points of intersection between Ll and circle C8 P6 and P8. Naming the points of intersection between L2 and circle C8 P7 and P9.

In step 7, the boundary of each of the gateways is generated by performing the following steps:

Generating a circle C9 with centre point P6 and radius r6, where r6⁼rlsqrt2(sqrt2-l)- rl(sqrt2-l)

Generating a circle ClO with centre point P7 and radius r6 Generating a circle CI l with centre point P8 and radius r6

Generating a circle C 12 with centre point P9 and radius r6

In step 8, the pathways are generated by performing the following steps:

Generating a line between G5 and G7 Generating a line between G6 and G8

Generating a line between P6 and P7

Generating a line between P7 and P8

Generating a line between P8 and P9

Generating a line between P9 and P6

This completes the basic Level 2 cell.

In step 9, the matrix may be further articulated as required, depending on the development specific design requirements of the settlement which are provided by the user in the next step of the process flow, as explained in a later paragraph, by performing the following steps: Renaming C2 as Cl Renaming the radius of C2 to rl Renaming L3 as Ll Renaming L4 as L2

Renaming C4 as Cl Renaming the radius of C4 as rl Renaming P2 as P 1 Renaming L3 as Ll

Assigning the line passing through P2 which is perpendicular to L3 as L2.

Renaming C5 as Cl Renaming the radius of C5 as rl Renaming P3 as Pl Renaming L4 as Ll Assigning the line passing through P3 which is perpendicular to L4 as L2.

Renaming C6 as Cl Renaming the radius of C6 as rl Renaming P4 as Pl Renaming L3 as Ll Assigning the line passing through P4 which is perpendicular to L3 as L2.

Renaming C7 as Cl

Renaming the radius of C7 as rl

Renaming P5 as P 1

Renaming L4 as Ll

Assigning the line passing through P5 which is perpendicular to L4 as L2.

Renaming C9 as Cl Renaming the radius of C9 as rl

Renaming P6 as Pl

Assigning the line passing through P6 which is perpendicular to Ll as L2.

Renaming ClO as Cl

Renaming the radius ofClO as rl

Renaming P7 as P 1

Assigning the line passing through P7 which is perpendicular to L2 as Ll .

Renaming CI l as Cl

Renaming the radius ofCl l as rl

Renaming P 8 as Pl

Assigning the line passing through P8 which is perpendicular to Ll as L2.

Renaming C12 as Cl

Renaming the radius ofC12 as rl

Renaming P9 as P 1

Assigning the line passing through P9 which is perpendicular to L2 as Ll .

and then repeating steps 1 to 8 above with the new assignments.

Alternatively, where a site is already in existence, and is to occupy the central zone of the town plan, the user input of the centre point, the extent and axis data is used to construct the matrix in accordance with the following steps as explained by the accompanying figures 5a to 5e:

In step 1, the initial geometry is generated by the following sub-steps: a circle Cl is generated with centre point Pl and radius rl Generating a line Ll passing through the point Pl Generating a line L2 passing through the point Pl which is perpendicular to Ll In step 2, an expanded boundary is generated by the following sub-steps: Generating a circle C2 with centre point Pl and radius r2, where r2=3rl+2sqrt(2rl²)

In step 3, the matrix primary axis is generated by the following sub-steps: Generating a line L3 passing through point Pl which intersects Ll at an angle of 45 degrees Generating a line L4 passing through point Pl which is perpendicular to L3

In step 4, the matrix is articulated by using steps 1 to 9 of the algorithm for the greenfleld site set out above, but taking the following into account:

Renaming C2 as Cl Renaming Pl as Pl Renaming L3 as Ll Renaming L4 as L2 Renaming r2 as rl

Alternatively, where a site is already in existence, and is to occupy the gateway zone of the town plan, the user input of the centre point, the extent, the axis and matrix orientation data is used to construct the matrix in accordance with the following steps as explained by the accompanying figures 6a to 6f:

In step 1, the initial geometry is generated by the following sub-steps: Generating a circle Cl with centre point Pl and radius rl Generating a line Ll passing through point Pl

Generating a line L2 passing through point Pl which is perpendicular to Ll

Letting P2 be a point of intersection between Cl and line Ll , or L2, as selected by the user.

In step 2, the matrix centre point is generated by the following sub-steps:

Generating circle C2 with centre point Pl and radius r2, where r2=2rl + 2 sqrt(2 rl ) Generating P3, being the point of intersection between circle C2 and a ray with an endpoint Pl which passes through point P2.

In step 3, the matrix boundary is generated by the following sub-steps: Generating circle C3 with centre point P3 and radius r3, where r3=3rl+2sqrt(2rl²)

In step 4, the matrix primary axis is generated by the following sub-steps:

Generating line L3 as a line passing through Pl and P3

Generating L4 as a line passing through P3 which is perpendicular to L3

In step 5, the matrix is articulated by using steps 1 to 9 of the algorithm for the greenfield site set out above, but taking the following into account:

Renaming C3 as Cl Renaming P3 as Pl Renaming L3 as Ll Renaming L4 as L2 Renaming r3 as rl

Alternatively, where a site is already in existence, and is to occupy the cellular zone of the town plan, the user input of the centre point, the enclosing circle, the axis and matrix orientation data is used to construct the matrix in accordance with the following steps as explained by the accompanying figures 7a to 7f:

In step 1, the initial geometry is generated by the following sub-steps: Generating Cl as a circle with centre point Pl and radius rl

Generating line Ll passing through Pl

Generating line L2 passing through Pl which is perpendicular to Ll

Generating P2 as a point of intersection between circle Cl and Ll, or L2 as selected by the user.

In step 2, the matrix centre point is generated by the following sub-steps: Generating circle C2 with centre point Pl and radius r2, where r2=sqrt(2 rl²) Generating P3 as the point of intersection between C2 and the ray with endpoint Pl which passes through P2

In step 3, the matrix boundary is generated by the following sub-steps:

Generating circle C3 with centre point P3 and radius r3, where r3=sqrt(2rl²)+rl

In step 4, the matrix primary axis is generated by the following sub-steps: Generating line L3 as a line passing through P3, which intersects Ll or L2 at an angle of 45 degrees

Generating line L4 as a line passing through P3, which is perpendicular to L3

Renaming C3 as Cl

Renaming P3 as Pl

Renaming L3 as Ll

Renaming L4 as L2 Renaming r3 as rl

The next step in the process flow involves the inputting of design data associated with the proposed development. This is done through the use of the population management module and the infrastructural data module.

The user first enters the population target to be accommodated within the proposed development through the population management module. In addition, the user should enter the population distribution ratios which are desired across each of the zonal categories within the spatial matrix. Once this is done, the user must provide infrastructural data on the building elements which are to be used in the matrix model. It will be appreciated that a typical settlement includes a range of different types of building elements, such as for example factories, hospitals, universities, schools and houses. The number of different types of building elements used in any site will of course depend on the size and nature of the proposed development.

The user is required to enter data on each building element which has been selected to be used in the proposed site. This data is then stored in a database of building elements. The user must first input a name for a particular building element, and a category to which this building element belongs. This category may be for example social, economic, health or educational. The user then is required to associate a population size with the building element. The user must then associate the building element to a particular cellular zonal category within the matrix. This may be either a centre, gateway cell, free area or network zone. Finally, the user may enter the preferred maximum travel distance to access this building element.

Once all of the design data has been entered by the user, the tool of the present invention synthesizes both the site specific spatial matrix and the design data, in order to generate the development specific Masterplan Model or town plan.

Figure 3 provides a summary of the main steps in the process flow for the generation of the site specific masterplan model, which takes place once the user has provided all of the required input data parameters set out above.

In step 1 , the target population of the site entered by the user is assigned a value X. A level 2 cell is then generated in accordance with the process steps of the geometric algorithm set out previously, depending on whether development is to occur on a greenfield site or around an existing settlement. This population must then be divided between the plurality of cellular zones which make up this level 2 Cell, namely four level 1 cells, four gateways, sixteen sections of free area and a central zone. In order to determine how the population should be divided between these zones, the area within each of the zones which is available for development must first be calculated (step 2). This is achieved by first calculating the area of each individual cellular zone, and then subtracting the area previously entered by the user as being unsuitable for development which lies within that zone. This gives a figure for the available area for each of the four level 1 cells, four gateways, sixteen sections of Free Area and the Central Zone. Once this is obtained, the process moves to step 3. In step 3, the available area within each cellular zone is multiplied by the distribution factor which has been assigned to the particular zone by the user to give a distribution value y. In step 4, the resulting figures for each zone are added together to give a figure z. In step 5, the population target for the Level 2 Cell is divided by this total z to give a population factor a. In step 6, the target population for each of the cellular zones is generated by multiplying this population factor a by the distribution value y, for that zone. In step 7, building elements are assigned to each of these zones in accordance with the population size and zonal category allocated to the building element as previously entered by the user. In step 8, it is determined whether the population contained within each zone is less than the smallest population size associated with any building element allocated to that zonal category by the user. Where this is the case, no further iterations of the site specific masterplan model generation procedure are required to be carried out on that zone. Where this is not the case, the relevant zones are recategorised as Level 2 Cells, as explained in step 9 of the geometric algorithm set out above, and steps 2 to 8 of this process for the generation of the site specific masterplan model are repeated, with the population target for each cell being set to that calculated for the relevant zone in step 6 of the previous iteration of the site specific masterplan model procedure described above. When no further zones remain which accommodate a population greater than the smallest population size associated with any building element linked with that zone, the process is complete and the masterplan model of the proposed settlement is output as a graphical representation. It will be appreciated that the generation of a town plan in accordance with the spatial matrix model of the present invention provides a number of advantages over existing methods.

Firstly, it allows expansion to occur without interference, avoiding the problems associated with urban feedback so as to provide a sustainable town plan.

Furthermore, the fractal nature and functional flexibility of the spatial matrix model of the present invention allows it to be used in the planning of developments of any scale and type, from small groups of single dwellings to high density urban communities.

The present invention is also capable of overcoming the many problems which are associated with the phased completion of large scale building projects by providing a strategy which ensures that the appropriate level of infrastructure is provided at each stage of development.

Furthermore, when free-areas are zoned for the preservation of natural habitat, the spatial matrix model of the present invention results in the generation of a widely distributed and interconnected eco-system integrated throughout the masterplan. This also ensures that all circulation pathways adjacent to cellular boundaries are surrounded by areas of organic growth capable of absorbing and transforming the chemical, sound and light pollution associated with modern systems of mass transit.

In addition, the matrix is designed so that the principle of proximity can be applied to economic activity within any proposed settlement. This means that the resources required by those living within each cell should be produced within the boundaries of that cell where possible. This enables production to become oriented to meeting local needs at a local level, so as to free functional zones at higher levels of the matrix to accommodate larger scale activity, as economics of scale dictate. This also enables travel distances to be minimized. By dispersing traffic flows in this way, the matrix helps to avoid the problem of congestion, and reduces pollution, with a resulting improvement in the quality of life for its citizens.

Furthermore, the cellular structure of the present invention provides an efficient administrative framework for the management of public resources within the settlement, whilst the pathway network provides an efficient framework for the planning of transport and utilities infrastructure.

By ensuring that infrastructure created at any particular stage of development retains its functionality even as the settlement expands, the stability of the matrix allows for the reorientation of investment towards the longer term. Thus, the life-span of bridges, roads and other infrastructure is extended, resulting in a more efficient use of raw materials and energy within any settlement planed.

The matrix of the present invention can also provide a simple colour coded address system within the settlement. This can be achieved by allocating one of four colours to each of the four sub-cells contained within each Cell. Due to the exponential multiplication of potential combinations introduced with every phase of expansion, an address of five colours allows one thousand and twenty four cells to be individually identified, with this number multiplying by a factor of four with each new colour introduced into the address. Furthermore, when colours are assigned according to a consistent orientation at all levels of the matrix, this system can also provide a method of locating any cell within the network.

Finally, the present invention can not only be used in the planning of new development, but also provides a useful toll in the ongoing governance and administration of any settlement which is organised according to the geometric principles of the Fractal Matrix.

Claims

1. A method of generating a plan of a site development for a target population, the plan comprising at least one cell divided into a plurality of zones of a plurality of categories, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) selecting at least one building type for the site, the at least one building type having an associated population size and allocated zonal category; (b) distributing the population among the plurality of zones as a function of a zonal distribution factor;

(c) determining the number of building elements of each of the at least one building type allocated to each of the plurality of zones required for accommodating the population distribution of each zone; (d) assigning this determined number of building elements to each of the plurality of zones.

2. The method of Claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

(e) recategorising selected zones as a cell divided into a plurality of zones, and (f) carrying out steps (b) to (d) for each of the cells in turn, wherein the population is the population of each cell; and repeating steps (e) and (f) until the population contained within each cell is less than the smallest population size associated with any building element allocated to the cell; and (g) displaying the resulting assignments to each of the plurality of zones as a graphical representation.

3. The method of Claim 1 or Claim 2, further comprising the initial steps of providing site data to establish the context within which the at least one cell is to be positioned and providing a population target value for the site.

4. The method of Claim 3, wherein the site data comprises one of: the co-ordinates of the centre point, boundary and the primary axis of the proposed development; the co-ordinates of the centre point, boundary and primary axis of an existing settlement, or the co-ordinates of the centre point, boundary, primary axis and orientation of an existing settlement.

5. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the step of distributing the population among the plurality of zones as a function of a zonal distribution factor comprises the step of: a) determining the area within each of the zones which is available for development; b) multiplying this area by the zonal distribution factor associated with each zone to give a distribution value; c) adding the distribution value for each zone to give an accumulated value; d) dividing the population of the cell by the accumulated value to give a population factor; and e) multiplying the population factor by the distribution value for each of the zones.

6. The method of Claim 4 or Claim 5, wherein the location of the zones relative to the centre point is determined in accordance with a predefined geometric algorithm.

7. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of zones in each cell comprises the following categories: four cellular zones, four zones for use as gateways between adjoining zones, one centre cell, and wherein pathways are provided between the centre points of each of these zones.

8. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein each zone is associated with an intended use.

9. The method of Claim 8, wherein the centre cell is associated with services and civic spaces.

10. The method of Claim 8, wherein the gateway zones are associated with industry.

1 1. The method of Claim 8, wherein the pathways are associated with transport and service infrastructure.

12. The method of Claim 8, wherein the area within the at least one cell but outside the zones is associated with recreational areas.

13. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one building type is selectable from a set of building types.

14. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the population size associated with each building type is user definable.

15. An apparatus for carrying out the method of any of the preceding claims, the apparatus comprising: means for converting site survey data into a graphical representation of the site; means for categorising the area within each of the zones which is available for development; means for entering site data parameters; means for entering the population target and zonal distribution factor; means for entering infrastructural data on the at least one building type and associating a population size and zonal category with the building type; and means for synthesizing the entered data in accordance with the predefined geometric algorithm in order to generate the plan of the site development for the target population.