Masterplanner for CityEngine Is Here!

Archive notice: This article was originally published on September 18, 2017. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.

CityEngine, the procedural Swiss army knife for procedural landscapes, is sufficiently well known (if not, you will find a free download at the end of the article, from the current DP issue). And Vrbn is now presenting its first plug-in for it: “Masterplanner” builds on CityEngine and allows dynamic models to be created with just a few key data points in only a few clicks – intuitively and interactively, you work with simplified models and can read the associated data in real time.

The data includes room volume, storeys, floor area and more, and can be readjusted directly – so the orders of magnitude are estimated correctly right from the start. The plug-in with a minimal learning curve should not be missing from any team, especially when different departments have to work together. In use, it looks like this:

Features

The Basic version for US$49 per month (excluding CityEngine licence) offers the following features:

Statistics / Dashboards: Data such as room volume or living space is updated and displayed in real time – interactive changes are shown immediately.
Floor Usages​: Different usage variants (office space, living space and the like) can be defined and weighed against one another.
Built Volume​: The volume of the building and usage scenarios is displayed – and should correct the familiar “Oh, that’s so much” error in the planning phase.
User-defined Footprints​: Building outlines can simply be entered or drawn by the user.

The Advanced version for US$99 adds the following functions:
Facade Patterns​: Common facade types are selected and applied with a click – a step towards visualisation. All facades can of course be adjusted in their characteristics.
Footprint Typologies​: Various basic housing shapes such as I, U and L shapes are already predefined and can be added in any number using simple means.
In the Premium variant (price on request), you then get a starter package (setup and training), localised setbacks and transportation values, as well as a library of facade elements that greatly simplifies the personalisation of buildings, from balconies through loggias to entrance areas.

Beta Testers Wanted!

vrbn is also currently looking for beta testers for a new product – the “Camp Planner” is in the starting blocks, a custom version of CityEngine for the 3D planning of camps – as support for refugee protection, evacuations, or any other situations involving short-term accommodation. The procedural framework is currently seeking support from professionals in this field – perhaps you know someone who can help with real-world experience? If interested, write to: info@vrbn.io