Place a point (or curve) in the design and let a property of every element (size, rotation, opening) be a function of its distance from that point.
r(panel) = r_min + (r_max − r_min) · d ⁄ d_max
Heights set by a field
Govern the height and density of every block by a continuous field that rises towards the main axis and the centres, so that the skyline is a smooth landscape rather than a set of isolated peaks.
The field is the same kind of rule as the attractor of a parametric façade (The attractor), applied to a city: each block reads its height and type from its position. Landmark towers and the cultural building mark the peaks of the field rather than breaking it.
Related rules
Take the lines of the roads that arrive at the site from its surroundings and bundle them into a grid that bends and swells to meet them, instead of imposing a rigid orthogonal grid.
Make the building types a continuum governed by parameters: let the perimeter block morph by gradual steps into a block with a tower, and into towers alone, so that neighbouring blocks differ by degree, never by collage.
Cite this page Chris Paton, “Heights set by a field”, The Textbook of Architecture, https://textbookofarchitecture.com/rule/kartal-height-field. Text, drawings and models licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.