Why Units Are Deleted When Exterior Walls Move in ArkDesign.AI
Unit deletion following exterior wall adjustments is an intentional system behavior designed to preserve design validity and prevent the creation of non-compliant residential layouts. This feature reflects a core architectural principle: unit layouts are fundamentally dependent on the building envelope, especially the exterior walls that provide access to natural light and ventilation.
Why Moving Exterior Walls Deletes Units
In ArkDesign.AI, every unit is generated based on its relationship to surrounding boundaries—most importantly, the exterior walls. When these walls shift, the unit’s spatial logic becomes invalid. To ensure accuracy and code compliance, the system automatically deletes affected units instead of attempting to force them into incorrect shapes.
There are three key reasons for this behavior:
1. Preventing Units Outside the Building Footprint
If an exterior wall moves inward or outward, previously valid units may now extend beyond the building envelope. Such configurations would be physically impossible to construct.
2. Maintaining Required Light & Ventilation
Exterior walls provide the window access that makes units habitable. If a wall moves, a unit may lose its required natural light, making it non-compliant with building codes. Automatic deletion prevents this.
3. Avoiding Invalid or Distorted Unit Shapes
Shifting boundaries may create awkward or unusable unit proportions. Rather than distorting layouts, the system removes them so users can regenerate clean, optimized configurations.
Why the System Prefers Deletion Over Auto-Adjustment
While automatic reconfiguration might seem convenient, it often leads to inefficient or code-violating designs. ArkDesign.AI prioritizes design integrity, ensuring that all units remain feasible, buildable, and compliant.
By requiring intentional regeneration, the platform gives designers full control over the updated layout rather than making assumptions that could compromise project quality.
Design Best Practices
To avoid unnecessary rework and maximize efficiency:
• Finalize the building envelope first
Exterior wall placement should be established early, before generating detailed unit layouts.
• Expect unit regeneration after major envelope changes
This is not a setback—it’s an opportunity to explore improved configurations based on the updated building form.
• Use envelope adjustments strategically
Changes in massing often lead to better unit efficiency, more light exposure, or improved circulation.
Conclusion
ArkDesign.AI’s unit deletion behavior is not a limitation—it is a quality-control mechanism that ensures your project remains code-compliant, structurally accurate, and architecturally sound. By treating the building envelope as a foundational design decision, architects can streamline their workflow and achieve more refined, efficient unit layouts with each iteration.
