6.11. Floor Area Ratio

Floor area ratio (FAR) = Total covered area of all floors / plot area

The Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is a measurement used in urban planning that determines the allowable floor space of a building relative to the size of the land (or plot) on which it is built. The formula states that the FAR is calculated by dividing the total covered area of all floors of the building by the plot area. For example, if a plot has an area of 1000 square meters and the total area built on all floors is 500 square meters, the FAR would be 500/1000 = 0.5.

Imagine you have a piece of land, like a blank canvas, where you can build a painting of a house. The total covered area of the house is like the amount of paint you put on the canvas. The plot area is the size of the canvas itself. If you use more paint (build a bigger house) without increasing the canvas size, your painting can become overcrowded, which is not allowed in urban planning. That's what FAR helps prevent, ensuring buildings fit well within their land.

FAR: 1 to 2 depending on type of construction

The FAR can vary depending on the type of construction and the zoning regulations set by city planners. A FAR of 1 means that the total floor area of the building is equal to the plot area. A FAR of 2 means that the total floor area can be twice the plot area. The range of FAR, from 1 to 2, implies that for specific types of buildings, planners often allow greater density, leading to taller or more expansive structures within certain urban contexts.

Think of a gardening analogy. If you have a garden plot (the plot area) and you want to plant flowers. If the rule states you can only plant one layer of flowers, that's like having a FAR of 1. But if you are allowed to plant flowers in multiple layers or tiers, that’s similar to a FAR of 2, making your garden denser and taller, showcasing flowers at different heights.

Maximum building height = (1.5 x width of abutting road) + front open space

The maximum height of a building is determined by a specific formula that takes into account two main factors: the width of the road that directly abuts the property and the front open space. The formula suggests multiplying the width of the road by 1.5 and then adding the required front open space. This regulation helps ensure that buildings are safe and accessible while maintaining good urban aesthetics. For instance, if the width of the abutting road is 10 meters, then the maximum height would be (1.5 x 10) + front open space.

Imagine you're building a tower with blocks. The road width is like the foundation; the wider it is, the taller you can build your tower. Then you need to leave some space in front of your tower so it can be seen and accessed. This balance helps ensure your tower doesn't fall over and fits well in the city landscape, just as the formula helps balance density and safety.

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