How to Use the 'Consider Survey' and 'Consider Zones' Checkboxes

In FormSpace, you can significantly improve the quality and relevance of AI planner suggestions by using two important checkboxes: 'consider survey' and 'consider zones'. These options allow you to fine-tune concept generation, translating your personal preferences and pre-planned plot structure into concrete design solutions, whether for a 600 sq m plot or a spacious 2000+ sq m property.

What are 'Consider Survey' and 'Consider Zones'?

These checkboxes are powerful tools for personalizing landscape design in FormSpace. They allow you to control how heavily AI algorithms rely on your pre-entered data when creating concepts. 'Consider Survey' utilizes your answers from the lifestyle questionnaire, preferences, and needs. 'Consider Zones' focuses on the functional areas of the plot you've predefined, such as recreation areas, playgrounds, or a vegetable garden. By activating these options, you guide the AI to create designs that best meet your unique requirements.

More on the Survey: Personalizing Your Preferences

The FormSpace survey is your voice in the dialogue with the AI planner. It includes questions about landscape style (e.g., minimalism, classic, natural), family composition, pets, preferred materials, favorite plants, as well as budget constraints and priorities. If you activate the 'consider survey' checkbox, the AI will generate concepts that reflect this data. For example, if you indicated that you have children and prefer active recreation, the algorithm will suggest more options with play areas, sports fields, or safe paths at least 1.2 meters wide. Ignoring the survey or incomplete filling (a common mistake that leads to irrelevant results) can result in proposed concepts being too general and failing to capture your individuality.

More on Zones: The Foundation of Functional Planning

Zoning is the process of dividing a plot into functional areas. In FormSpace, you can draw and designate these zones yourself (e.g., BBQ area, swimming pool, parking, garden). The 'consider zones' checkbox forces the AI to adhere to this structure. This is especially useful when you already have a clear idea of the placement of key elements on the plot and want the AI to merely complement them with details and overall style. For example, if you designated a 25 m² lounge area in the southwest part of the plot, the AI will suggest options for gazebos, terraces, or patios specifically in that area, considering its size and orientation to the cardinal directions. Without this option, the AI might redistribute zones at its discretion, requiring more time for adjustments. Proper zoning is a key element for creating a comfortable and functional space, as we wrote in the article "5 Non-Obvious Zones to Add to Your Plot".

Usage Strategies: When to Enable, When to Disable?

The choice of strategy depends on your goal and planning stage:

• Only 'Consider Survey': Use when you don't have clear zoning but have clear preferences for style and functions. The AI will propose various options for placing zones on the plot based on your answers.
• Only 'Consider Zones': Ideal if zoning is already thought out, but you want to see different design solutions for each zone, based on its location and area. The AI will strictly adhere to your boundaries.
• Both checkboxes enabled: This is the most powerful scenario for obtaining maximally personalized and structured concepts. The AI will consider both your preferences and the defined zoning. This saves significant time, reducing the need for manual refinement by 2-3 hours, as the initial options will already be close to ideal.
• Both checkboxes disabled: Suitable for getting a wide range of general ideas when you haven't yet decided on preferences or zoning. This is a good way to start brainstorming and see the most diverse solutions.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Incomplete survey: One of the most common mistakes. If the survey is partially filled, the AI will not be able to take all your wishes into account, and the results may be general. Solution: Dedicate 10-15 minutes to filling out the survey in detail, answering as honestly and thoroughly as possible.
2. Unrealistic zoning: Creating too small or improperly located zones. For example, a BBQ area right next to a wooden house or a children's playground on the north side without sun. Solution: Before drawing zones, study the plot's features, its lighting, and wind rose. Remember that a comfortable children's playground requires at least 15 m², and a recreation area with a dining table – at least 20 m².
3. Ignoring context: Existing structures, elevation changes, or existing trees are not taken into account. Solution: Always upload an accurate plot plan with existing objects in Module 1.0 "Plot Plan" before zoning and filling out the survey.
4. Too frequent changes: Constant edits to the survey or zones between generations can confuse the AI. Solution: First, determine the main parameters, get several concepts, and then make targeted adjustments.

How to Plan in FormSpace Using These Features

FormSpace offers an intuitive process for creating the perfect landscape design. Start with module 1.0 "Plot Plan", where you upload or draw the outline of your plot, marking the house, outbuildings, and other existing objects. This is the foundation for further work. Then move to module 1.2 "Zoning", where you can draw the desired functional zones, such as a garden, vegetable garden, playground, BBQ area, or parking. The more accurately you define these zones, the more relevant the AI's suggestions will be.

After that, in section 2.1 "AI Concept", you will find those very checkboxes. Imagine you want to create a modern garden with a minimalist design, a meditation area, and a herb garden. You fill out the survey, indicating preferences for style, plants, and materials. Then, in module 1.2, you draw the zones: 10 m² for a meditation area by the pond, 5 m² for a vegetable garden next to the kitchen. Activate both checkboxes – 'consider survey' and 'consider zones' – and launch the generation. The AI will offer options that not only match your style but also place objects strictly within your defined zones, suggesting specific plants and decorative elements corresponding to your survey answers. This significantly speeds up the design process and allows you to focus on details rather than the basic layout, which you have already thought through. You can learn more about working with the planner in the article "FormSpace 2D Planner: A Complete Overview of Tools".

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Can I change the survey after receiving concepts?

Yes, you can return to the survey at any time, change your answers, and generate new concepts. This allows you to experiment with different styles and preferences, refining your requirements as you work on the project. Each time, the AI will consider the latest data from the survey.

What if the AI ignores my zones?

Make sure you have activated the 'consider zones' checkbox before generating concepts. Also, check how realistic and logical your zoning is – too small or overlapping zones can be difficult for the AI to interpret. Sometimes a slight adjustment to zone boundaries helps to get a better result.

Why do I need a survey if I've already drawn zones?

The survey and zones work in tandem. Zones define where something will be, while the survey defines how it will look and for whom it is intended. The survey adds stylistic preferences, materials, and other details that cannot be expressed solely through zoning, making the design truly individual.

Can the AI suggest new zones if I only enable the survey?

Yes, if you only activate the 'consider survey' checkbox, the AI will use information about your preferences and family composition to suggest optimal zoning. It may propose zones you hadn't even considered, but which fit well into your lifestyle. This is an excellent way to start the idea-finding stage.

How detailed should I fill out the survey?

The more detailed and accurate you fill out the survey, the more personalized and relevant the AI's suggestions will be. Try to avoid general phrases and specify your wishes regarding plants, materials, and functionality. This significantly improves the quality of the final result.

What happens if I leave both checkboxes disabled?

If both checkboxes are disabled, the AI will generate concepts based on general principles of landscape design and typical solutions for plots of your size and shape. This is useful when you are at the very early stage of planning and want to see the widest possible range of ideas without limiting the AI with your preferences or ready-made zoning.

Using the 'consider survey' and 'consider zones' checkboxes in FormSpace is key to creating a landscape design that perfectly matches your dreams and needs. Experiment with these options to find the optimal balance between your vision and the creative suggestions of artificial intelligence. Start your planning today to transform your plot into an ideal space for living and recreation.