Effortlessly Design Building Plans with This Automated Plugin!
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- How to Download and Install the Plugin
- Using the Rhino Version of the Plugin
- Generating Plans with Plan Finder
- Adjusting Settings and Parameters
- Exploring the 3D Version
- The Limitations of Plan Finder
- Using the Grasshopper Version of the Plugin
- Integrating Custom Libraries
- Pricing and Alternatives
- Conclusion
Introduction
Welcome to this in-depth review of Plan Finder, a plugin that offers real-time generation of plans for architects and designers. In this article, we will explore the features, functionality, and limitations of Plan Finder, along with tips and insights on how to make the most out of this powerful tool. Whether You're a student, a professional, or simply curious about this plugin, we've got you covered. Let's dive in and see if Plan Finder is worth your time and investment.
How to Download and Install the Plugin
Before we Delve into the details of using Plan Finder, let's first cover the initial steps of downloading and installing the plugin. Plan Finder is available for both Rhino and Revit, allowing users to choose their preferred platform. To get started, visit the Plan Finder Website at planfinder.xyz and navigate to the downloads section. From there, choose the installer that corresponds to your desired platform, such as Rhino and Grasshopper. The plugin is free for the first 30 days, giving you ample time to explore its capabilities and decide if it meets your needs. After the trial period, a monthly subscription fee of 50 euros applies.
Using the Rhino Version of the Plugin
Once you have installed the Plan Finder plugin for Rhino, you will Notice five new icons added to your toolbar. These icons represent different tools and options that streamline the process of plan generation. Additionally, there is a Grasshopper plugin included, which allows for automation and parametric design. To demonstrate the functionality of the Rhino version, let's start by creating a simple rectangle as the base for our plan. Select the rectangle tool and define the Dimensions of your desired floor area. With the rectangle selected, click on the "Fit Plan" button in the Plan Finder toolbar. The plugin will prompt you to specify an entrance point or segment for the plan. Once selected, Plan Finder will generate a plan Based on the given parameters.
Generating Plans with Plan Finder
Plan Finder offers a straightforward approach to generating plans. By simply selecting a rectangle and specifying an entrance point, architects and designers can quickly obtain a floor plan that fits within the defined area. The plugin allows for the generation of multiple plans, allowing users to iterate and explore different options. If you're not satisfied with a particular plan, you can easily generate another one by clicking the arrow icon in the toolbar. The further you go down the generated plan list, the less likely it is to fit perfectly within the given area. However, Plan Finder provides options for downscaling and upscaling variations to achieve a better fit. It's important to note that compromising on downscaling may result in a less organized layout.
Adjusting Settings and Parameters
Plan Finder offers various settings and parameters that allow users to customize their plan generation process. By accessing the settings menu, you can adjust the square meter requirements for living spaces, bedrooms, bathrooms, and other elements. For example, you can specify the number of bathrooms you want in a given floor area. However, keep in mind that limited space, such as a 35 square meter area, may restrict the number of bathrooms that can be accommodated. Plan Finder also provides options for tweaking wall sizes, interior and exterior wall thickness, as well as downscaling factors. It's crucial to strike a balance between fitting the plan within the given area and maintaining a Cohesive layout.
Exploring the 3D Version
In addition to generating 2D floor plans, Plan Finder offers a 3D version that provides users with an immersive visualization of their floor plan. By clicking on the 3D icon in the toolbar, you can transform your generated plan into a full-fledged 3D model. This feature is particularly useful for gaining a better understanding of how the interior space will look and feel once realized. The 3D version includes all the walls, hatches, and other details from the generated plan, giving you a realistic representation. Whether you're presenting your design to clients or simply exploring different perspectives, the 3D version of Plan Finder adds an extra layer of depth to your planning process.
The Limitations of Plan Finder
While Plan Finder offers a convenient and efficient way to generate plans, it's essential to acknowledge its limitations. The plugin is currently restricted to working with rectangular shapes only. If you attempt to generate a plan with complex or irregular shapes, Plan Finder may not deliver the desired results. Additionally, the downscaling and upscaling variations can impact the overall layout and organization of the plan. It's advisable to avoid extreme downscaling or upscaling, as it may lead to suboptimal plan arrangements. Despite these limitations, Plan Finder remains a valuable tool for quickly generating plan options and serving as an Idea Generator for interior space planning.
Using the Grasshopper Version of the Plugin
Plan Finder also offers a Grasshopper plugin, which extends its functionality to the realm of parametric design. With the Grasshopper version, users can Create custom scripts that automate the plan generation process. By connecting various components and defining parameters, designers can achieve a more flexible and dynamic approach to plan generation. For example, you can design scripts that generate plans based on specific rules or algorithms, allowing for greater control and customization. The Grasshopper version empowers designers to explore complex design iterations and create unique plan variations.
Integrating Custom Libraries
One of the advanced features offered by Plan Finder is the ability to integrate custom libraries of plans. This feature is particularly useful for larger offices or teams that have already developed a library of pre-drawn plans. By creating a library within the plugin, you can leverage the existing plans and generate new ones based on your specific requirements. This semi-automatic plan generator allows designers to Align their generated plans with their office aesthetics or preferred planning strategies. It streamlines the plan generation process by eliminating the need to create everything from scratch. However, it's important to note that this feature is only available with the Enterprise version of Plan Finder, which is priced on a custom basis.
Pricing and Alternatives
When considering the cost of Plan Finder, it's important to weigh its benefits against your specific needs and budget. The plugin offers a free 30-day trial period, allowing you to explore its capabilities before committing to a subscription. After the trial period, Plan Finder requires a monthly subscription fee of 50 euros. While some may find this pricing a bit on the expensive side, the efficiency and time-saving potential of the plugin can justify the investment. However, if you're seeking alternatives, Finch is another plugin worth exploring. Although similar to Plan Finder, Finch offers additional functionality and a more advanced feature set. Their product is still in early stages, requiring users to request access directly from the team.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Plan Finder is a powerful plugin that provides architects and designers with a user-friendly and efficient solution for plan generation. With its intuitive interface, 2D and 3D versions, and customization options, the plugin streamlines the planning process and serves as an excellent idea generator. While there are some limitations to consider, Plan Finder remains a valuable tool for professionals looking to quickly generate plans and explore different iterations. By leveraging its features and adjusting settings, architects and designers can optimize their planning workflow and save time in the design process.
Highlights:
- Plan Finder is a plugin that offers real-time generation of plans for architects and designers.
- The plugin is available for Rhino and Revit, with a free 30-day trial period.
- Users can generate multiple plans by specifying a rectangle and an entrance point.
- The generated plans can be visualized in 2D and 3D, providing a realistic representation of the interior space.
- Customization options allow users to adjust settings and parameters to achieve the desired plan layout.
- Plan Finder also offers a Grasshopper plugin for parametric design and integration with custom libraries.
- The pricing for Plan Finder starts at 50 euros per month, with alternative options like Finch available.
- Despite some limitations, Plan Finder is a valuable tool for architects and designers seeking fast and efficient plan generation.
FAQ:
Q: Is Plan Finder compatible with both Rhino and Revit?
A: Yes, Plan Finder is available for both Rhino and Revit platforms.
Q: Can I generate multiple plans with Plan Finder?
A: Yes, Plan Finder allows you to generate multiple plans by specifying different parameters.
Q: Can I Visualize the generated plans in 3D?
A: Yes, Plan Finder offers a 3D version that provides users with an immersive visualization of their floor plans.
Q: Are there any limitations to using Plan Finder?
A: Plan Finder is currently restricted to working with rectangular shapes only. Extreme downscaling or upscaling may impact plan layout.
Q: Are there any alternatives to Plan Finder?
A: Finch is another plugin worth considering as an alternative to Plan Finder, offering advanced functionality and features.