How to design layouts?

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Originope

L1: Registered
Jul 3, 2012
11
12
I've been messing around with Hammer for about 5-6 years now and so far I've only made small square rooms and a few test maps for messing with various Source tech stuff, and now I'm looking at making a proper KOTH map for TF2 but I don't really know where to start with actually designing a layout for it. Could I please get some tips on where to get started?
 

Billo

aa
Feb 8, 2016
920
397
Here's what I like to do,
First of all find a theme, an idea. For instance I imagine a map taking place on a old town and there is a windmill and the town is taking place medieval time.

I wrote only 1 line but only from that you imagine the whole thing. Thats my point. start with an Idea as your reference and expand from there. Good luck
 

Originope

L1: Registered
Jul 3, 2012
11
12
crash has a video specifically about koth layout
I've already seen that and have been trying to use the viaduct formula for my KOTH map but I'm also stumped on stuff like how big the courtyards should be and how long and wide the smaller corridor paths between the courtyards should be etc.

start with an Idea as your reference and expand from there.
That's where I get stuck when I've tried coming up with an original layout. I don't know how to expand from there; that's what I'm asking you guys
 

Billo

aa
Feb 8, 2016
920
397
Alright to be honest I am making a payload map and I get stuck while trying to make the first point. I did actually finish point B and D but not the rest. I noticed that when I <knew> what I wanted to do with those points it was easy to expand. for instance on point B, the main Idea was a waterfall inside the cave. I made that be in the center of the area and I just kept adding stuff and balancing the teams accordingly. With point D on the other hand I started with the payload tracks since it was the final point I wanted to do a circlular design. something like PD_Monster_Mash. When i got the size right I added the buildings and the doorways which lead to the point and I was free to go.
Maybe its all about imagining and planning what you want to do.