abhinavbwj/masterplan-design
>- Generate complete urban masterplans with spatial structure, land use distribution, street network, block layout, density strategy, phasing plan, and implementation framework. Use when the user asks to design a masterplan, create an urban layout, develop a neighborhood plan, design a district, plan a new community, lay out a development, structure an urban area, or create a site plan at the urban scale. Also use when the user provides a site and asks for a development proposal, a design concept, or a spatial framework. Handles greenfield, brownfield, and infill development scenarios.
npx skills add https://github.com/Abhinavbwj/Urban-Design-Skills-Claude --skill masterplan-design
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.
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 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
The structuring framework is the spatial DNA of the masterplan. It establishes
the primary organizing systems before any building is placed. Three overlapping
frameworks -- movement, green-blue, and built form -- are developed in parallel
and then overlaid to create the composite spatial structure.
Establish the hierarchy of movement from regional connections down to the
individual street.
surrounding road network, transit system, and cycling/pedestrian paths. These
are the fixed anchors of the movement framework.
across the site. These carry the highest traffic volumes, public transit
lines, and utility trunk infrastructure. Typical right-of-way: 24-36 m.
Align with topography to minimize grading. Avoid routing through sensitive
ecological areas.
>20 ha), designate a transit corridor. Locate stops at 400-600 m intervals
(5-minute walk catchment). Orient the highest density and mixed-use
development toward transit stops.
structure. Typical right-of-way: 18-24 m. Distribute traffic across multiple
routes to avoid bottlenecks.
right-of-way: 12-18 m. Design for low speeds (30 km/h or less). Consider
shared surfaces in residential areas.
over vehicles -- the town center, market streets, school zones, waterfront
promenades. These may be fully pedestrianized or designed as woonerven.
citywide system. Protected cycling facilities on primary and secondary routes.
Shared lanes acceptable only on local streets with speeds below 30 km/h.
Establish the network of open spaces, ecological corridors, and water
management systems.
significant tree stands, ridgelines, steep slopes (>15%). These are the
non-negotiable anchors of the green-blue framework. Protect them with
appropriate buffers (minimum 15 m from waterways, 10 m from significant
trees).
not buried infrastructure. Use the natural drainage direction to locate
bioswales along streets, rain gardens in blocks, and detention basins as
park features. Target: detain the first 25 mm of rainfall on site.
fields, playgrounds, passive recreation, community gardens.
500 m walk of all dwellings. Playground, seating, lawn, shade trees.
200 m walk. Seating, planting, public art, play elements.
at least 10 m wide. These serve as ecological corridors, pedestrian and
cycling routes, and stormwater conveyance. Align with street tree planting
to create a continuous urban canopy.
species for at least 70% of plantings. Create habitat diversity: meadow,
woodland, wetland, hedgerow.
Establish the three-dimensional organization of buildings and spaces.
of highest intensity, typically at the intersection of primary routes or at
transit stops. Define the edges -- the boundaries where the development meets
its surroundings. Edge treatment must mediate between the new and existing.
the edges. This creates a legible spatial hierarchy and concentrates activity
where accessibility is highest. Apply a smooth gradient, not abrupt steps.
buildings at the center, stepping down toward edges and sensitive adjacencies.
Define maximum height zones. Ensure that tall buildings do not overshadow
public spaces for more than 50% of daylight hours at equinox.
religious), gateway buildings (marking entry points), and terminated vista
buildings (closing axial views). These sites receive special design attention
and may have different height or setback rules.
type. Primary streets: build-to line at the property boundary to create a
continuous street wall. Local residential streets: may have a 3-5 m setback
for front gardens. Parks and waterfronts: buildings face the open space with
active ground floors.
The Transect provides a gradient of human habitat from rural to urban core.
Apply the following zones, selecting those appropriate to the project scale
and context.
| Zone | Character | Density (DU/ha) | Height | Street Type | Use Mix |
|------|-----------|-----------------|--------|-------------|---------|
| T1 Natural | Preserved nature, parks | 0 | N/A | Trails only | None |
| T2 Rural Edge | Agricultural, estate lots | 1-5 | 1-2 stories | Rural roads | Residential |
| T3 Suburban | Detached houses, gardens | 10-25 | 1-3 stories | Local streets | Residential + convenience |
| T4 General Urban | Attached houses, walk-ups | 25-60 | 2-4 stories | Urban streets | Mixed residential + retail |
| T5 Urban Center | Mid-rise mixed-use | 60-150 | 4-8 stories | Boulevards, avenues | Full mix |
| T6 Urban Core | High-rise towers | 150-400+ | 8-40+ stories | Ceremonial streets | Commercial + residential |
How to apply the Transect:
T4, T3, and (if applicable) T2 and T1.
and building typologies from the zone specification.
major streets -- not in the middle of a block face.
The following table provides context-sensitive parameter ranges for key design
metrics. Select the appropriate row based on the site's intended character and
position in the urban hierarchy. All ranges are indicative; local codes and
market conditions may require adjustment.
| Context | Net Density (DU/ha) | FAR | Height (stories) | Coverage (%) | Green Space (%) | Block Perimeter (m) | Street Area (%) |
|---------|-------------------|-----|------------------|-------------|----------------|--------------------|----|
| Rural edge | 5-15 | 0.1-0.3 | 1-2 | 20-35 | 40-60 | 600-1000 | 15-20 |
| Suburban edge | 15-30 | 0.3-0.8 | 1-3 | 40-50 | 30-40 | 400-600 | 25 |
| Urban neighborhood | 40-80 | 1.0-2.5 | 3-6 | 50-65 | 20-30 | 300-500 | 28 |
| Urban center | 80-150 | 2.0-5.0 | 4-12 | 60-75 | 15-25 | 280-450 | 30 |
| High-density core | 150-400+ | 4.0-10.0 | 8-40+ | 65-80 | 10-20 | 250-400 | 32 |
| Context | Parking (spaces/DU) | Street Width (m ROW) | Min Block Length (m) | Max Block Length (m) | Population per ha |
|---------|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|-------------------|
| Rural edge | 2.0-3.0 | 10-14 | 100 | 300 | 10-35 |
| Suburban edge | 1.5-2.0 | 14-20 | 80 | 200 | 35-70 |
| Urban neighborhood | 0.8-1.5 | 16-24 | 60 | 150 | 90-180 |
| Urban center | 0.3-0.8 | 20-30 | 50 | 120 | 180-350 |
| High-density core | 0.1-0.5 | 24-36 | 40 | 100 | 350-1000 |
| Context | Residential (%) | Commercial (%) | Civic/Institutional (%) | Open Space (%) | Streets/Infrastructure (%) |
|---------|----------------|----------------|------------------------|---------------|---------------------------|
| Suburban edge | 60-75 | 5-10 | 5-8 | 10-15 | 15-20 |
| Urban neighborhood | 45-60 | 10-20 | 8-12 | 8-12 | 20-25 |
| Urban center | 30-45 | 25-40 | 8-12 | 5-10 | 22-28 |
| High-density core | 20-35 | 35-50 | 5-10 | 5-8 | 25-30 |
When generating a masterplan, follow these twelve steps in order. Each step
has a defined input, process, and output. Do not proceed to the next step
until the current step is resolved.
Input: Site boundary, topographic data, existing infrastructure, regulatory
information, environmental data from Phase 1 site analysis.
Process: Create a composite constraint map by overlaying:
infrastructure only; no habitable structures below base flood elevation
ecological habitats, archaeological sites
easements (typically 15-30 m)
Output: A constraint map showing buildable area, partially constrained area
(buildable with mitigation), and unbuildable area. Calculate net developable
area = gross site area minus unbuildable area.
Input: Constraint map, surrounding street network, transit routes, existing
pedestrian and cycling paths, adjacent land uses.
Process: Mark every point where the site can connect to the surrounding
context:
Output: A connection map showing all mandatory and optional connection
points, classified by mode (vehicular, pedestrian, cycling, transit, visual).
Input: Connection map, constraint map, target population (from Phase 2).
Process: Draw the primary streets that connect the most important connection
points across the site. These are the bones of the masterplan.
with the surrounding fabric (avoid cul-de-sac plans unless topography demands)
Output: Primary movement structure showing 2-8 main routes with approximate
alignments and connection points.
Input: Primary movement structure, transit stop locations, site analysis
(views, solar orientation, existing features).
Process: Locate the center(s) of the masterplan -- the point(s) of highest
density, activity, and urban intensity.
or near a transit stop
topographic barriers, best connections to surroundings)
amenity (waterfront, major park, existing high street)
residents; 2-5 ha for 5,000-15,000; 5-10 ha for 15,000-40,000
Output: Center locations with approximate extent, intended character, and
relationship to primary movement structure.
Input: Primary movement structure, center locations, block size targets
from the parameter matrix (Section 3).
Process: Draw secondary streets (collectors) that connect primary routes
and create the block structure.
center (250-350 m), longer blocks at edges (400-600 m)
streets create south-facing building frontage; north-south streets create
morning and afternoon sun
(they slow traffic and create terminated vistas for landmark buildings)
index target: at least 1.4, meaning 40% more links than nodes)
Output: Complete street network with block structure. All blocks should be
labeled or numbered for reference.
Input: Street network, center locations, Transect zone definitions
(Section 2), parameter matrix (Section 3).
Process: Assign a Transect zone (T3-T6) to each block based on its
distance from the center and its adjacency conditions.
mixed-use)
transitioning to residential)
responding to adjacent character)
neighbors): T3 maximum to ensure transition
Output: Density plan showing Transect zone assigned to each block, with
corresponding FAR, height, and coverage parameters.
Input: Density plan, block typology catalog from block-and-density skill.
Process: Assign a specific block typology to each block.
blocks need minimum 50 m face-to-face width for adequate courtyard)
streets have more flexibility than primary routes)
that are independently developable
Output: Block plan with typology assigned to each block, block dimensions
verified, and parcelization logic indicated.
Input: Block plan with typologies, program brief (from Phase 2), use mix
targets (Section 3).
Process: Assign land uses to blocks and parcels.
located in T5-T6 blocks
with convenience retail at key corners
clinics based on population thresholds (one primary school per 3,000-5,000
residents, one community center per 5,000-10,000 residents)
space, cluster it near transit and at the center
beverage, community uses) on all streets classified as "active frontage"
(typically primary streets and the central area)
Output: Land use plan showing use assigned to each block/parcel with GFA
per use. Verify totals against the program brief from Phase 2.
Input: Green-blue framework (Section 2), park hierarchy, population
distribution from density plan.
Process: Size and locate public spaces to meet the service radius standards.
least 0.5 ha in size
public plaza
center, adjacent to the main civic or commercial buildings
building heights (width-to-height ratio of 2:1 to 4:1 for comfortable
enclosure)
bioswales, rain gardens) to minimize separate infrastructure
Output: Public space plan showing all parks, plazas, and greenways with
dimensions, areas, and character descriptions.
Input: Climate data from site analysis, building orientation from block plan.
Process: Review and adjust the masterplan for climate performance.
of direct sun at winter solstice. Adjust building heights or positions to
eliminate critical overshadowing
prevailing cold-season winds. Use buildings as windbreaks; avoid creating
wind tunnels between tall buildings
capture prevailing breezes. Ensure building depths allow cross-ventilation
(maximum 14 m depth for naturally ventilated buildings)
colored paving and roofs. Ensure shade on at least 50% of pedestrian routes
Output: Climate overlay map showing shadow analysis results, wind comfort
zones, ventilation corridors, and urban heat island mitigation measures.
Input: Complete masterplan with all layers resolved.
Process: Calculate and verify all quantitative metrics.
Output: Metrics summary table. Flag any metric that falls outside the
acceptable range and propose adjustments.
Input: Complete masterplan, Transect zones, land use plan, precedent
references.
Process: Divide the masterplan into 3-8 named character areas, each with
a distinct identity.
walk through this area?)
and key public spaces
character
facade articulation, ground-floor requirements)
Output: Character area map with descriptions, typology specifications, and
precedent references for each area.
systems must be in place before buildings can be occupied. Phase
infrastructure construction to serve each development phase.
desirability of the entire masterplan. Phase 1 should include the central
public space, the first mixed-use buildings, and any civic anchors.
mix to feel like a functioning place, not a construction site. Target
30-40% of the total residential program and 20-30% of the commercial
program in Phase 1.
accommodate multiple building types. If market conditions shift, a block
planned for offices can accommodate residential, or vice versa.
host temporary uses (markets, community gardens, sports facilities, events)
that bring people to the site and build community.
| Phase | Timeline | Scope | Population Target |
|-------|----------|-------|-------------------|
| Phase 0: Enabling | Years 0-2 | Site remediation, trunk infrastructure, primary roads, first park | 0 |
| Phase 1: Catalyst | Years 2-5 | Center mixed-use, first residential neighborhoods, central plaza, primary school | 30-40% of total |
| Phase 2: Growth | Years 5-10 | Expanded residential, secondary commercial, community center, secondary streets | 60-70% of total |
| Phase 3: Maturation | Years 10-15 | Remaining parcels, refinement, infill, adaptive reuse of interim uses | 85-95% of total |
| Phase 4: Completion | Years 15-20 | Final parcels, long-term civic investments, legacy projects | 100% |
| Facility | Population Trigger | Typical Size |
|----------|--------------------|-------------|
| Convenience store / cafe | 500 residents | 100-200 m2 |
| Playground | 500 residents | 400-800 m2 |
| Primary school | 3,000-5,000 residents | 1.0-1.5 ha |
| Community center | 5,000-10,000 residents | 800-2,000 m2 |
| Health clinic | 5,000-10,000 residents | 500-1,500 m2 |
| Secondary school | 10,000-20,000 residents | 2.0-4.0 ha |
| Library branch | 10,000-20,000 residents | 500-2,000 m2 |
| Sports center | 15,000-25,000 residents | 2,000-5,000 m2 |
| Supermarket | 3,000-5,000 residents | 1,500-3,000 m2 |
The masterplan report should follow the standardized template located at:
templates/masterplan-report.md
The template provides a complete report structure covering:
When generating a masterplan report, populate every section with project-
specific data. Use quantitative metrics wherever possible. Include specific
numbers, dimensions, areas, densities, and ratios rather than vague
qualitative statements. Reference cross-skill outputs where applicable.
Detailed phase-by-phase methodology for masterplan design, including vision-
to-form translation, charrette facilitation, and design decision frameworks:
references/design-process.md
Comprehensive catalog of ten neighborhood typologies with full specifications,
design rules, metrics, and precedent projects:
references/typologies.md
Detailed phasing models, infrastructure sequencing logic, financial viability
frameworks, and interim use strategies:
references/phasing-strategies.md
This skill orchestrates outputs from multiple specialized skills. Consult
each as needed during the masterplan design process:
Consult references/design-process.md for the full Phase 1 checklist.
references/typologies.md to select theappropriate neighborhood typology and design parameters.
references/phasing-strategies.mdfor infrastructure sequencing logic and financial viability guidance.
templates/masterplan-report.md to structure the final deliverable.the movement framework, green-blue framework, density gradient, and land
use distribution reinforce one another as a coherent whole.
Take abhinavbwj/masterplan-design from the repository into ~/.claude/skills for personal
use, or into .claude/skills inside a project.
The agent identifies a skill by the name field in its header. Two skills with the
same name cannot sit side by side — one of them will be ignored.