Urban rules define the constraints Sustainable Planner's generative model works within. This article explains how the tool estimates rules automatically, how to enter your own, how microclimate conditions are calculated and what to keep in mind about data quality.
Microclimate simulations
Sustainable Planner pre-calculates Hots days, Wet bulb days, and Tropical nights based on your site's location, for both present-day and future scenarios.
Present day calculations are based on Copernicus ERA5 data from 2000-2020.
Future simulations are based on CMIP6 climate projections from the CanESM5 model, for 2030-2050.
Metrics definitions
Hot days: Days where the maximum temperature ranks among the top 10% hottest days historically recorded.
Tropical nights: Nights where the temperature does not drop below 20 degrees Celsius.
Wet bulb days: Days where high humidity combined with heat makes it difficult for the body to cool itself through sweating.
Where estimated rules come from
Rule estimation is based on publicly available open-source data, primarily from OpenStreetMap and Mapbox. In some cases this data may be outdated or incomplete, and certain sites may lack key information.
If data is missing for your selected site, you will be notified. You can then choose to proceed with AI-based estimations or manually input your own urban rules.
Building height
Sustainable Planner estimates building height rules by analysing available height data and building footprints. The AI identifies the most plausible zoning heights based on nearby building profiles.
Setback and distance rules
For distances to public, side, and back borders, as well as inter-building distances, the model analyses the spatial relationships between existing buildings and adjacent streets.
Site coverage, green, and open space
These values are determined by analysing local land use patterns and coverage ratios in the surrounding area to provide an informed estimation.
Parking
Parking rules are estimated based on the selected building typology and the typical parking requirements associated with it.
Entering rules yourself
You can edit the AI estimated rules or use simpler rules in the 'Manual rules' section without AI input.
AI rule interpretation
You can paste regulatory text into the advanced rules section, and the AI interprets and converts it into structured constraints. Make sure the text is placed in the correct rule field for proper parsing. Examples of rule inputs:
"Maximum building height: 18 meters"
"Maximum 6 floors"
"Mandatory setback of 5 meters from street boundary"
A full rule summary is available for transparency, so you can always see exactly which constraints are applied.
Note: Urban rules always take precedence over building typologies in case of conflict. Typologies guide design intent; rules define the constraints.
Validate before relying on estimates
Estimated rules are indicative only. Always validate them against the actual local regulations and climate data for your site before relying on them for decisions. Sustainable Planner supports early direction-setting; it is not a substitute for detailed compliance verification.