Area Calculation AI

Building area calculations seem straightforward but involve multiple definitions that serve different purposes: gross area (for cost estimating), net area (for programming), rentable area (for leasing using BOMA standards), and code area (for building code height and area calculations). Each definition has specific measurement rules about what is included and excluded, and getting them wrong has real consequences.

AI area calculation reads floor plans and calculates areas according to the applicable definition, handling the measurement rules automatically. For BOMA rentable area, AI accounts for the load factor calculations, common area allocations, and floor-level adjustments that determine the rentable square footage — calculations that affect lease economics across the building's life. For code area, AI calculates building area per IBC definitions, applying the specific inclusions and exclusions that affect allowable building height and area.

The automation value increases with building complexity. A simple rectangular office building has straightforward area calculations. A mixed-use building with residential, commercial, retail, and parking components — each with different area calculation rules — requires careful tracking of areas by use type. AI maintains these separate calculations and updates them automatically as the design changes, ensuring that area-dependent decisions (code compliance, lease projections, cost estimates) are always based on current calculations.