Urban Design Skills

A Claude Code Skills Plugin by Abhinav Bhardwaj

18 interconnected skills covering urban design theory, quantitative standards, and computational tools. Draws from 40+ theorists, 6 sustainability certification systems, 5 international frameworks, and hundreds of numeric benchmarks. Includes 7 Python calculators for density, FAR, walkability, parking, green space, block optimization, and cost estimation.

35,000+ lines | 75 files | 18 skills | 7 Python calculators

Quick Start

Option 1: Use as a Plugin

claude --plugin-dir "/path/to/Urban Design Skills"

Option 2: Copy to Your Project

cp -r skills/ your-project/.claude/skills/

Once installed, just ask Claude anything about urban design. The system activates automatically - no slash commands required for most tasks.

How It Works

Urban Design Skills uses a progressive disclosure architecture to stay lean while encoding deep knowledge:

User asks anything about urban design
        |
        v
urban-design-foundations (auto-fires, invisible to user)
  - Applies baseline knowledge from 40+ frameworks
  - Routes to specialized skills as needed
        |
        v
Specialized skill loads (e.g., street-design, masterplan-design)
  - Follows structured workflow
  - Loads deep reference files on demand
        |
        v
urban-calculator provides precise computations when needed
  - 6 Python scripts for density, FAR, walkability, parking,
    green space, and block optimization

Three-Layer Context Management

Layer	What Loads	When	Size
Layer 0	Skill names + descriptions only	Always in context	~16KB
Layer 1	Full SKILL.md body	On skill invocation	~350-670 lines each
Layer 2	Reference files, templates	Only when explicitly needed	Varies

This keeps the context window efficient. Claude never loads knowledge it doesn't need for the current task.

Skills Reference

1. Foundation (Auto-Activated)

`urban-design-foundations`

Invocation: Automatic (invisible to user) - Claude-only, not user-invocable

The foundation layer. Auto-fires on any urban design context and provides:

Theorist Quick-Reference Matrix - 14+ theorists with key contributions, principles, and application contexts
Quantitative Rules of Thumb - 35+ metrics with min/optimal/max values (density, FAR, block dimensions, street widths, H:W ratios, green space, walkability, parking, and more)
Movement Frameworks - New Urbanism, TOD, Complete Streets, 15-Minute City, Smart Growth, Space Syntax, CPTED, Biophilic Urbanism
Climate Zone Summary - Hot-arid, tropical, temperate, cold strategies at a glance
Design Quality Criteria Checklist - Gehl + Bentley + PPS + Healthy Streets composite
Anti-Pattern Catalog - Common urban design failures and how to avoid them
Skill Router - Decision tree that activates specialized skills based on user context

Reference files (loaded on demand):

theorists-and-movements.md - Full treatment of all theorists and modern movements
quantitative-standards.md - Complete numeric standards organized by category
global-frameworks.md - UN-Habitat, WHO, C40, NACTO, ITDP, TfL, PPS
rules-of-thumb.md - Quick-lookup tables for 10+ design situations

2. Analysis & Research

`site-analysis`

Invocation: /site-analysis or auto-activates on site analysis context

Multi-scale site analysis framework operating at three scales:

Regional - Economic drivers, transport networks, growth corridors
Neighborhood - Street network, land use patterns, community facilities
Site - Topography, microclimate, boundaries, constraints, opportunities

Includes a 10-step analysis workflow with checklists, 12 analysis layers (topography, hydrology, climate, ecology, transport, utilities, zoning, heritage, noise, views, access, social), and a complete site analysis report template.

Reference files: analysis-layers.md, data-sources.md Templates: site-analysis-report.md

`design-evaluation`

Invocation: /design-evaluation or auto-activates on evaluation context

Composite 30-criteria scorecard synthesizing the best of:

Jan Gehl's 12 Quality Criteria
Ian Bentley's 7 Responsive Environments
PPS Placemaking principles
CPTED safety principles
Transport for London Healthy Streets

Each criterion has a 1-5 scoring rubric with clear descriptors. Total score out of 150, with thresholds for Poor / Below Average / Good / Very Good / Excellent. Includes quantitative benchmark checking against 15 exemplar projects worldwide.

Reference files: evaluation-criteria.md, benchmarks.md

`precedent-study`

Invocation: /precedent-study or auto-activates on precedent/case study context

Systematic case study methodology with:

5-dimension analysis framework - Context, design, performance, process, transferability
Selection criteria - How to choose relevant precedents
Built-in database of 30+ exemplar projects - Vauban, Hammarby, Masdar, Poundbury, HafenCity, King's Cross, Eixample, and more
Data collection protocol - Site visits, photography, interviews
Transferability rubric - How to adapt lessons to new contexts

Reference files: methodology.md

3. Design & Generation

`masterplan-design`

Invocation: /masterplan-design only (user-triggered, not auto-activated)

The main orchestrator. Runs an 8-phase masterplan workflow that invokes 7 other skills as needed:

Brief & Vision - Program, goals, constraints
Site Analysis - Invokes site-analysis
Framework Design - Movement network, block structure, open space system
Land Use & Density - Invokes block-and-density + mixed-use-programming
Street Design - Invokes street-design
Public Space - Invokes public-space-design
Technical Resolution - Invokes climate-responsive-design + zoning-and-codes
Evaluation & Iteration - Invokes design-evaluation + sustainability-scoring

Covers greenfield, brownfield, and infill scenarios. Includes design parameter ranges by context (suburban to urban core), phasing strategies, and implementation roadmaps.

Reference files: design-process.md, typologies.md (10 neighborhood typologies), phasing-strategies.md Templates: masterplan-report.md

`street-design`

Invocation: /street-design or auto-activates on street/road design context

Complete streets design using NACTO standards:

Street hierarchy classification with right-of-way dimensions
Cross-section design methodology - Building face to building face, with ASCII diagram generation
Complete NACTO element dimensions table - Lanes, sidewalks, bike facilities, medians, parking, buffers, transit
Intersection design - Signalized, roundabouts, raised, mini-circles
Traffic calming toolkit - 15+ interventions with selection guidance
13 street typologies - Boulevard, avenue, main street, residential, shared space, woonerf, and more

Reference files: nacto-standards.md, street-typologies.md, intersection-design.md

`public-space-design`

Invocation: /public-space-design or auto-activates on parks/plaza/public space context

Parks, plazas, and waterfronts using Gehl's 12 Quality Criteria and PPS Placemaking:

12 space typologies - Civic plaza, neighborhood park, pocket park, linear park, waterfront, playground, community garden, and more
6-step design process - Analysis, programming, concept, detail, management, evaluation
Dimensional standards - Plaza sizing (min 15m width), seating ratios (1 seat per 3m of edge), tree canopy targets (40-60%)
Programming guide - Activity types, user groups, seasonal programming, event infrastructure
Service radii - 400m for neighborhood parks, 2km for district parks

Reference files: space-typologies.md, gehl-criteria.md, programming-guide.md

`block-and-density`

Invocation: /block-and-density or auto-activates on block/density context

Urban block typologies and density optimization:

15 block typologies - Perimeter, courtyard, tower-on-podium, slab, row house, mews, superblock, kampung, and more - with full dimensional specs
Density calculation methodology - Site area to GFA to FAR to units to population, with worked examples
Height-density trade-offs - How the same FAR can be achieved with different height/coverage combinations
Daylight and solar access rules - BRE guidelines, courtyard proportions, spacing ratios
9-typology quick matrix - For rapid selection by context

Reference files: block-typologies.md, density-metrics.md, far-calculations.md

`mixed-use-programming`

Invocation: /mixed-use-programming or auto-activates on land use/programming context

Land use programming and mix optimization:

Land use categories with subcategories - Residential (6 types), Commercial (5), Civic (4), Open Space (4)
Mix optimization framework - Demand-based, supply-based, standards-based approaches
Recommended ratios by context - CBD, urban center, neighborhood center, suburban
Retail sizing - Expenditure-based methodology, floorspace-per-capita norms
Community facility requirements - Schools, health, libraries, recreation by population threshold
Vertical mixed-use rules - Ground floor activation, upper floor compatibility, servicing

Reference files: land-use-guide.md

`tod-design`

Invocation: /tod-design or auto-activates on transit-oriented development context

Transit-oriented development using ITDP TOD Standard 3.0:

TOD typology by transit mode - Metro, LRT, BRT, bus with appropriate density ranges
ITDP 8 Principles - Walk, Cycle, Connect, Transit, Mix, Densify, Compact, Shift - with full scoring
Density-distance gradient - Graduated intensification from 0-200m through 600-800m from station
21 scoring indicators - Complete ITDP v3.0 evaluation framework
First-last mile design - Pedestrian and cycling access to transit
Station area design - Interchange, forecourt, wayfinding, commercial activation
Parking management - Maximum ratios, shared parking, park-and-ride sizing

Reference files: itdp-standard.md, tod-typologies.md

`mobility-and-transport`

Invocation: /mobility-and-transport or auto-activates on transport/mobility context

Comprehensive mobility and transport planning:

Trip generation tables - ITE 11th Edition rates for 25+ land use types (residential, commercial, civic, hospitality)
Mode split framework - Target mode splits by 7 context types, 10 mode shift levers with evidence-based effectiveness
Street network connectivity - 6 metrics (intersection density, link-node ratio, route directness, cul-de-sac %)
Transit planning - Mode selection (metro/LRT/BRT/bus), coverage standards, stop spacing, station area design
Cycling network design - CROW 5 requirements, infrastructure selection by road context, parking standards
Pedestrian accessibility - Walking catchments, Fruin pedestrian LOS, crossing standards
Freight and servicing - Delivery rates by use, loading bay standards, last-mile solutions
Mobility hubs - 3-tier hub typology with sizing standards
Transport impact assessment - 6-step workflow from baseline to monitoring
TDM toolkit - 10 demand management strategies with effectiveness ranges

Reference files: trip-generation.md, transit-planning.md, cycling-design.md

`cost-estimation`

Invocation: /cost-estimation or auto-activates on cost/budget/feasibility context

Development cost estimation and financial feasibility:

Building construction cost - $/m2 GFA for 20+ building types at 4 specification levels (low/medium/high/premium)
Regional cost adjustment - 16 regional multipliers from India (0.35x) to Northern Europe (1.45x)
Height premium - Cost multipliers from 1-3 floors (1.0x) to 60+ floors (2.0-2.5x)
Sustainability premium - Additional cost for LEED Silver through Net Zero
Infrastructure costs - Roads, utilities, transit, green infrastructure per linear meter
Soft costs - Professional fees, contingency, finance, marketing by percentage
Total development cost assembly - Full cost stack methodology
Revenue and feasibility - Residual land value, profit on cost, yield on cost tests
Value engineering - 10 strategies ranked by saving potential
Phased costing - Infrastructure triggers by dwelling count
Exemplar project benchmarks - 8 real projects with $/m2 and $/dwelling data

Scripts: cost_estimator.py (Python calculator with 16 regional profiles) Reference files: construction-costs.md, infrastructure-costs.md, feasibility-analysis.md

`urban-regeneration`

Invocation: /urban-regeneration or auto-activates on brownfield/regeneration context

Urban regeneration, brownfield redevelopment, and heritage-led renewal:

Regeneration context classifier - Decision tree routing to brownfield, heritage-led, neighborhood revitalization, adaptive reuse, or infill pathway
Brownfield remediation - Contamination assessment phases, contaminant profiles by 12 previous use types, 10 remediation strategies with cost/duration
Vacant land strategy - 6 vacancy typologies, meanwhile/temporary use toolkit with 8 activation types
Heritage-led regeneration - 5-criterion significance assessment, character area appraisal (10 mapping layers), 8 conservation design principles
Adaptive reuse - Feasibility checklist (10 factors), conversion potential matrix (14 building types x 6 new uses), conversion cost premiums, 10 exemplar projects
Neighborhood revitalization - Decline diagnostic (5 categories), 8 revitalization strategies, catalyst project design methodology
Anti-gentrification toolkit - 10 displacement prevention tools, gentrification risk monitoring indicators
Infill and intensification - 6 infill site types, contextual design rules, 7 gentle density strategies
Community engagement - Stakeholder engagement ladder (5 levels), design charrette protocol
Regeneration delivery - 7 delivery models, phased delivery framework, 15 precedent projects

Reference files: brownfield-remediation.md, heritage-and-reuse.md, community-engagement.md

4. Technical & Compliance

`climate-responsive-design`

Invocation: /climate-responsive-design or auto-activates on climate/thermal context

Urban-scale climate strategies for four climate zones:

Hot-arid - Compact form, shading, thermal mass, evaporative cooling, wind towers
Tropical - Cross-ventilation, elevated structures, rain gardens, shade canopy
Temperate - Solar access, wind protection, mixed strategies, seasonal adaptation
Cold - Compact form, wind barriers, solar orientation, heated ground, snow management

Includes strategy matrix (orientation, H:W ratio, vegetation, building mass, open space, wind, water, ground cover), urban heat island mitigation toolkit, thermal comfort standards (UTCI, PET, Lawson wind criteria), solar access analysis, and stormwater management.

Reference files: climate-zones.md, mitigation-strategies.md

`zoning-and-codes`

Invocation: /zoning-and-codes or auto-activates on zoning/regulatory context

Zoning analysis and form-based code generation:

5 zoning system types - Euclidean, performance-based, form-based, hybrid, overlay - compared
Complete Transect T1-T6 - Rural-to-urban spectrum with full specifications for each zone
Form-based code elements - Building form standards, frontage types (10 types), building dispositions, architectural standards
Building envelope controls - Setbacks, height, FAR, lot coverage, step-backs, sky exposure plane
Code generation workflow - From analysis through drafting to adoption
Model code excerpts - SmartCode, Miami 21, Denver Form-Based Code

Reference files: code-types.md, transect-guide.md

`sustainability-scoring`

Invocation: /sustainability-scoring or auto-activates on sustainability/certification context

Score designs against 6 international certification systems:

System	Coverage	Detail Level
LEED-ND v4.1	110 points across 3 categories	Credit-by-credit quick scoring
BREEAM Communities	Full categories and credits	Category-level assessment
WELL Community Standard	All 11 concepts	Concept-level evaluation
Green Star Communities	Full framework	Category scoring
CASBEE Urban Development	Environmental quality framework	BEE scoring
Estidama Pearl Community	Abu Dhabi rating system	Pearl-level assessment

Includes cross-certification comparison matrix, scoring workflow, and optimization recommendations organized by cost-effectiveness tiers.

Reference files: leed-nd.md, breeam-communities.md, well-community.md

5. Production & Tools

`design-brief`

Invocation: /design-brief only (user-triggered, not auto-activated)

Professional design document generation:

5 document types - Design brief, design report, competition submission, presentation script, design code
Complete structures - Section-by-section outlines with fill-in guidance
Professional writing guidelines - Tone, terminology, visual description conventions
Metric tables - 40+ metrics with compliance columns

Templates: design-brief-template.md, report-template.md

`urban-calculator`

Invocation: /urban-calculator or auto-activates when computation is needed

6 Python calculators for precise urban metrics. See Urban Calculator section below for full usage.

Scripts: density_calculator.py, far_calculator.py, walkability_scorer.py, parking_calculator.py, green_space_analyzer.py, block_optimizer.py Reference files: formulas.md

Urban Calculator

All calculators output human-readable formatted text by default, with a --json flag for structured output.

Density Calculator

Calculate population and dwelling density from site area and FAR.

python density_calculator.py --site-area 30000 --far 2.5

Parameter	Description	Default
`--site-area`	Net site area in m2	Required
`--far`	Floor Area Ratio	Required
`--avg-unit-size`	Average unit size in m2	85
`--efficiency`	Net-to-gross ratio	0.75
`--household-size`	Persons per unit	2.5
`--residential-pct`	Residential share of GFA	0.70
`--streets-pct`	Streets allocation	0.30

FAR Calculator

Calculate Floor Area Ratio, GFA, and use-based breakdown.

python far_calculator.py --site-area 20000 --coverage 0.6 --floors 8

Parameter	Description	Default
`--site-area`	Total site area in m2	Required
`--coverage`	Site coverage ratio (0-1)	-
`--floors`	Number of floors (single or comma-separated for zones)	Required
`--floor-areas`	Footprint areas per zone in m2	-
`--use-split`	Use allocation, e.g. `res:60,com:25,civic:15`	-
`--bonus-far`	Bonus FAR for incentives	0

Walkability Scorer

Estimate a Walk Score (0-100) based on amenity distances.

python walkability_scorer.py --grocery 200 --restaurants 150 --parks 300 --schools 400

Parameter	Description	Default
`--grocery`	Distance to grocery in meters	9999
`--restaurants`	Distance to restaurants in meters	9999
`--shopping`	Distance to shopping in meters	9999
`--coffee`	Distance to coffee shop in meters	9999
`--parks`	Distance to park in meters	9999
`--schools`	Distance to school in meters	9999
`--intersection-density`	Intersections per km2	-

Parking Calculator

Calculate parking requirements with transit, shared, and TDM reductions.

python parking_calculator.py --residential-units 200 --office-area 5000 --transit-reduction 0.3

Parameter	Description	Default
`--residential-units`	Number of dwelling units	0
`--residential-ratio`	Spaces per unit	1.0
`--office-area`	Office GFA in m2	0
`--retail-area`	Retail GFA in m2	0
`--transit-reduction`	Reduction for transit proximity (0-1)	0
`--shared-reduction`	Reduction for shared parking (0-1)	0
`--tdm-reduction`	TDM program reduction (0-1)	0
`--space-type`	`surface`, `structured`, or `underground`	surface

Green Space Analyzer

Analyze green space provision against WHO, London Plan, or UN-Habitat standards.

python green_space_analyzer.py --population 5000 --parks "Central:8000:neighborhood,Plaza:400:pocket"

Parameter	Description	Default
`--population`	Total population served	Required
`--parks`	Park definitions: `name:area_m2:type` (comma-separated)	Required
`--standard`	`who`, `london`, or `un-habitat`	who

Park types: pocket, neighborhood, district, city, linear

Block Optimizer

Find optimal perimeter block dimensions for a target FAR.

python block_optimizer.py --target-far 3.0 --max-height 8

Parameter	Description	Default
`--target-far`	Target FAR to achieve	Required
`--max-height`	Maximum building height in floors	Required
`--min-courtyard`	Minimum courtyard dimension in meters	21
`--min-coverage`	Minimum site coverage ratio	0.3
`--max-coverage`	Maximum site coverage ratio	0.7
`--daylight-angle`	Daylight access angle in degrees	25
`--building-depth`	Building depth in meters	14

Knowledge Base

Theorists & Frameworks

Theorist	Key Contribution
Kevin Lynch	5 Elements of the City (paths, edges, districts, nodes, landmarks)
Jane Jacobs	4 Conditions for Diversity
Christopher Alexander	Pattern Language (253 patterns)
Jan Gehl	12 Quality Criteria for public life
Gordon Cullen	Serial Vision and townscape
Camillo Sitte	Artistic Principles of urban space
Andres Duany	Transect T1-T6 and New Urbanism
Leon Krier	Polycentric City and urban quarters
Ian Bentley	7 Qualities of Responsive Environments
Ebenezer Howard	Garden City model
Clarence Perry	Neighborhood Unit
Bill Hillier	Space Syntax and spatial configuration
Carlos Moreno	15-Minute City
Timothy Beatley	Biophilic Urbanism

Modern Movements

International Standards

Standard	Scope
NACTO	Urban Street, Global Street, Transit Street, Bikeway Design Guides
ITDP TOD Standard 3.0	Transit-oriented development scoring (21 indicators)
UN-Habitat 5 Principles	Adequate street space, mixed land use, social mix, density, connectivity
WHO Healthy Cities	Public health and urban design integration
C40 Cities	Climate action for cities
Transport for London	Healthy Streets indicators
PPS	Placemaking and the Power of 10+

Certification Systems

System	Detail Level
LEED-ND v4.1	Credit-by-credit scoring (110 points, 3 categories)
BREEAM Communities	Full categories with credit-level detail
WELL Community Standard	All 11 concepts (Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, Community, Innovation)
Green Star Communities	Complete framework with category scoring
CASBEE Urban Development	Environmental quality vs. environmental load
Estidama Pearl Community	Abu Dhabi's sustainability rating system

Quantitative Standards

35+ metrics with min / optimal / max values covering:

Category	Example Metrics
Density	DU/ha, persons/ha, FAR by context
Block Dimensions	Width, depth, perimeter length, courtyard proportions
Street Widths	ROW, carriageway, sidewalk, cycle lane, median by hierarchy
Enclosure	Height-to-width ratios by street type
Green Space	m2 per capita, canopy coverage %, park service radii
Walkability	Walk Score thresholds, pedestrian catchments, crossing distances
Parking	Ratios by use and context, reduction factors
Infrastructure	Intersection density, transit coverage, utility capacities
Comfort	Noise limits, solar access hours, wind speed thresholds

Architecture

skills/
├── urban-design-foundations/      # Foundation (auto-fire, Claude-only)
│   ├── SKILL.md                   # Theorist matrix, metrics, routing
│   └── references/                # 4 deep knowledge files
│       ├── theorists-and-movements.md
│       ├── quantitative-standards.md
│       ├── global-frameworks.md
│       └── rules-of-thumb.md
├── site-analysis/                 # Analysis
│   ├── SKILL.md                   # 10-step workflow
│   ├── references/                # 12 analysis layers, data sources
│   └── templates/                 # Report template
├── masterplan-design/             # Main orchestrator
│   ├── SKILL.md                   # 8-phase workflow, invokes 7 skills
│   ├── references/                # Design process, typologies, phasing
│   └── templates/                 # Report template
├── street-design/                 # Streets
│   ├── SKILL.md                   # Cross-sections, elements, calming
│   └── references/                # NACTO, 13 typologies, intersections
├── public-space-design/           # Public spaces
│   ├── SKILL.md                   # Gehl criteria, PPS, sizing
│   └── references/                # 12 typologies, programming, scoring
├── block-and-density/             # Blocks & density
│   ├── SKILL.md                   # 9 typologies, FAR, daylight
│   └── references/                # 15 types, metrics, calculations
├── mixed-use-programming/         # Land use
│   ├── SKILL.md                   # Mix framework, sizing, facilities
│   └── references/                # Space standards, feasibility
├── tod-design/                    # Transit-oriented
│   ├── SKILL.md                   # ITDP 8 principles, gradients
│   └── references/                # Scoring, 8 TOD typologies
├── mobility-and-transport/        # Mobility & transport
│   ├── SKILL.md                   # Trip gen, mode split, transit, cycling
│   └── references/                # ITE tables, transit planning, CROW cycling
├── cost-estimation/               # Cost & feasibility
│   ├── SKILL.md                   # Construction, infrastructure, soft costs
│   ├── scripts/                   # Python: cost_estimator.py
│   └── references/                # Construction, infrastructure, feasibility
├── urban-regeneration/            # Regeneration & reuse
│   ├── SKILL.md                   # Brownfield, heritage, adaptive reuse
│   └── references/                # Remediation, heritage, community engagement
├── climate-responsive-design/     # Climate
│   ├── SKILL.md                   # 4 zones, heat island, comfort
│   └── references/                # Zone strategies, mitigation
├── zoning-and-codes/              # Regulatory
│   ├── SKILL.md                   # 5 systems, Transect T1-T6
│   └── references/                # Code types, SmartCode guide
├── sustainability-scoring/        # Certification
│   ├── SKILL.md                   # 6 systems, LEED-ND scoring
│   └── references/                # LEED-ND, BREEAM, WELL (full)
├── design-evaluation/             # Evaluation
│   ├── SKILL.md                   # 30-criteria scorecard
│   └── references/                # 7 frameworks, 15 benchmarks
├── precedent-study/               # Precedents
│   ├── SKILL.md                   # 30+ project database
│   └── references/                # Research methodology
├── design-brief/                  # Documents
│   ├── SKILL.md                   # 5 document types
│   └── templates/                 # Brief + report templates
└── urban-calculator/              # Computation
    ├── SKILL.md                   # 6 calculators
    ├── scripts/                   # Python: density, FAR, walkability,
    │                              #   parking, green space, block optimizer
    └── references/                # Formulas, conversions, assumptions

Example Prompts

These demonstrate how skills auto-activate - no slash commands needed:

"Analyze this 5-hectare brownfield site for a mixed-use development"
  → site-analysis fires automatically

"What's the ideal block size for a neighborhood center?"
  → urban-design-foundations + block-and-density fire

"Design a complete street cross-section for a 30m right-of-way"
  → street-design fires with NACTO standards

"Score this masterplan against LEED-ND"
  → sustainability-scoring fires with credit-by-credit analysis

"Calculate the density if I have FAR 2.5 on a 3-hectare site"
  → urban-calculator fires and runs density_calculator.py

"What TOD density gradient should I use near a metro station?"
  → tod-design fires with ITDP standards

"Evaluate this public space design using Gehl's criteria"
  → design-evaluation fires with 30-criteria scorecard

"What mode split should I target for this TOD neighborhood?"
  → mobility-and-transport fires with mode split framework

"Estimate the total development cost for 50,000m2 residential in the Gulf"
  → cost-estimation fires and runs cost_estimator.py

"How should I approach this derelict gas works site for redevelopment?"
  → urban-regeneration fires with brownfield remediation pathway

Slash commands for direct invocation:

/masterplan-design 50-hectare greenfield site in Dubai
  → Full 8-phase masterplan workflow with climate-responsive design

/design-brief Competition submission for a waterfront redevelopment
  → Professional document generation with fill-in sections

/urban-calculator density --site-area 30000 --far 3.5
  → Precise density calculation with population and unit counts

Stats

Metric	Count
Skills	18 (interconnected with automatic routing)
Total files	75
Total content	35,000+ lines
SKILL.md files	18 (~350-670 lines each)
Reference files	41
Template files	4
Python calculators	7
Theorists & frameworks	40+
Certification systems	6 (credit-level detail)
Quantitative standards	35+ (min/optimal/max values)
Exemplar project benchmarks	30+
Street typologies	13
Block typologies	15
Public space typologies	12
TOD typologies	8
Transit modes covered	6 (metro, LRT, BRT, tram, bus, demand-responsive)
Regional cost profiles	16
Regeneration precedents	15
Remediation strategies	10
Adaptive reuse building types	14

Author & License

Created by Abhinav Bhardwaj

Released under the MIT License.

Urban Design Skills - A Claude Code skills plugin for urban design.

Name		Name	Last commit message	Last commit date
.claude-plugin		.claude-plugin
.github/workflows		.github/workflows
skills		skills
.gitignore		.gitignore
LICENSE		LICENSE
README.md		README.md

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Urban Design Skills

A Claude Code Skills Plugin by Abhinav Bhardwaj

Table of Contents

Quick Start

Option 1: Use as a Plugin

Option 2: Copy to Your Project

How It Works

Three-Layer Context Management

Skills Reference

1. Foundation (Auto-Activated)

urban-design-foundations

2. Analysis & Research

site-analysis

design-evaluation

precedent-study

3. Design & Generation

masterplan-design

street-design

public-space-design

block-and-density

mixed-use-programming

tod-design

mobility-and-transport

cost-estimation

urban-regeneration