The Design toolset of HighDesign Pro now features a brand new Zone tool, a powerful way of creating uniform space subdivisions distinguished by their function, technical properties or conformity with rules and adopted criteria.
With the Zones tool you can create rooms in a floorplan, define functional areas, present analysis diagrams, and more.
Whether we are talking of zoning Codes that outline the rules that a property must comply with, building zoning to define the energy and lighting performance analysis and HVAC simulations, or functional areas that correspond to the different functions within a building, the Zone tool provides the designer with all the functions needed to accomplish that important task.
Advantages of Using Zones
Why is it convenient to adopt the zone Tool when approaching a new project from the very first phase of sketching site and functional diagrams? Well, there are several reasons and below we'll outline the most significant:
- Zoning in Architecture planning. Zoning is essentially a set of codes that outline the rules for what may be built on a particular property. Zoning codes limit the size, shape, use, and location of buildings.
- Organizational Tool. Zones help in breaking down a large project into smaller, more manageable parts. This makes it easier to manage and coordinate different aspects of the construction process.
- Functional Areas. Zones can represent different functional areas within a building, such as residential, commercial, or mechanical spaces. This helps in planning and designing each area according to its specific requirements.
- Analysis and Simulation. Zones are used for various analyses, such as energy performance, lighting, and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) simulations. By defining zones, you can perform more accurate and localized analyses.
- Resource Management. Zones help in tracking and managing resources like materials, labor, and equipment within specific areas of the project. This can lead to more efficient resource allocation and cost management.
- Conflict Resolution. By dividing the project into zones, it becomes easier to identify and resolve conflicts within specific areas, improving overall project quality.
- Enhanced Collaboration. Zones facilitate better communication and collaboration among team members by clearly defining areas of responsibility. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and working towards common goals.
The Zones Tool
The Zone Tool in HighDesign Pro comes with automatic properties such as numbering, layer, data label, color presets, calculated area, etc. All these computable values are available as arrangeable parameters when you create a schedule of the zones. The resulting schedule can also be used to represent the legend of the project's zones diagram.
The main idea behind the Zone tool is that it should be as automated as possible while still making it super easy to edit and adjust to the needs of the designer. You can create rooms simply by clicking inside the rooms enclosed by walls in your floorplans and automatically get progressive identification number, name and color.
The legend of the zones in the project is updated automatically while you work. As you add, edit and remove zones in your project, the list of the active zone names and colors is always up-to-date.
You can also create your own, reusable lists of zone names and colors for different disciplines: residential, urban, landscaping, HVAC, etc.
Conclusions
Zones help you manage and coordinate different aspects of the construction process more effectively. This ensures that each section receives focused attention, reducing the likelihood of conflicts and errors.
With the automated list of the current zones in the project, you can allocate resources more efficiently, keep an active overview of the various elements and manage the parts of the project with Zone schedules.
