Gen 2 organic vs Gen 1 ladder
Airship has two layout engines. Pick one with the algorithm selector at the top of the sidebar before you generate.
Gen 2 — organic (default)
The newer engine designs like a UK masterplanner: it runs a primary street in from the entrance following the natural "spine" of the site, then hangs courts, loops and cul-de-sacs off it, and fronts houses onto every street. Results look like real housing estates — flowing, hierarchical and efficient, especially on irregular sites.
Gen 1 — ladder grid
The original engine sweeps parallel access streets across the site at the best angle and packs houses along them. It is fast and very regular — useful on simple rectangular sites, or when you want a grid.
Which to use
| Use Gen 2 when… | Use Gen 1 when… |
|---|---|
| The site is irregular, concave or sloping in shape | The site is a simple rectangle |
| You want a natural, adoptable-looking street pattern | You want maximum regularity or a grid |
| You want the highest plot count on an awkward shape | You want the fastest possible result |
Remembered per design. Your choice is saved with the design and template, so reloading a scheme keeps its engine. The option counter shows "· Gen 2" when the organic engine is active.
Try it on your own site
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