spaciv Academy

‍Layer Stacks

This guide explains what layer stacks are, how they are structured, and how to use them to explore different outcomes in spaciv. Use it alongside the video and slides as a reference you can return to.

1. What Is a Layer Stack?

A layer stack is a saved configuration of layers. It defines which layers are combined, and in what order, to produce a specific analysis or outcome.

Layer stacks let you explore different scenarios without ever duplicating or editing your original data. Your imported base data always stays the same — what changes is the combination of layers you place on top of it.

Think of it like different lenses on the same dataset:

Swap the modification layer to model a different scenario — a move, a growth rate, a change in attendance
Swap the space rules layer to apply a different workplace concept — Classic, Hybrid, or Activity Based Working
Add or remove layers to adjust the complexity of your analysis

Each layer stack can be saved and named, so you can build up a library of configurations and compare their outputs side by side.

2. The Structure of a Layer Stack

Every layer stack follows the same structure, from bottom to top. The order is fixed and important — layers higher in the stack reference the layers below them.

Bottom: Object layers

Object layers always sit at the bottom. These are your base data files — your employees, rooms, or assets. Everything else in the stack reads from them.

A layer stack typically includes two types of object layers at the base:

Space modules — a preset object layer defining the standard workplace module types (meeting rooms, focus desks, collaboration areas, etc.) and their sizes
Your data — your imported files, such as an employee list or a room schedule

Middle: Modification layers

Modification layers sit above the object layers. They adjust properties of specific objects without changing the base data. A typical stack might include:

A needs layer — a preset that adds benchmark data about how employees use space: how much time they spend on focused work, collaboration, remote work, and in-location activities
A growth layer — applies a headcount growth rate per year, so spaciv can project future space needs over time
Custom modification layers — any scenario-specific changes you have created, such as a planned team move or a change in attendance policy

The order of modification layers relative to each other depends on what they do and what they reference. In most cases, needs and growth layers come before scenario-specific layers.

Top: Space rules

The space rules layer always sits at the very top. It applies the calculation model that turns your configured data into spatial outputs — total area, number of desks, module breakdown, and so on.

Note: If any layer is in the wrong position, it will either reference data that is not yet available or apply calculations in the wrong order. Always check the layer order before saving a stack.

3. The Correct Layer Order

To summarise the required order from bottom to top:

Object layers — space modules and your imported data files. Always at the bottom.
Needs modification layer — benchmark data about how employees use space.
Growth or other modification layers — any additional adjustments, in order of dependency.
Space rules — the workplace concept and calculation model. Always at the top.

Note: If you are unsure about the order of your modification layers, check what each one references. A layer that uses the output of another layer must sit above it.

4. Preset Layer Stacks

spaciv comes with a set of preset layer stacks that are ready to use straight away. These are built on industry best practice and include:

Benchmark data for typical employee space needs
Commonly used headcount growth rates
Standard attendance rate assumptions
Preset space rules for Classic, Open Space, Hybrid, and Activity Based Working

Preset layer stacks are a good starting point. You can explore them, understand how they are built, and then create your own based on your organisation’s data.

How to view layer stacks in spaciv

In the sidebar, navigate to Layer Stacks under your account.
Browse the preset layer stacks. Click any one to open it.
Review the layer order, the name of each layer, and any description added.
To create your own, click Add New. You will build your first layer stack in Level 2.

Note: You can add a description to any layer stack to record what scenario it represents, which parameters it uses, or what you were trying to analyse. This is especially useful when working with multiple stacks.

5. Level 1 Recap — Core Concepts

You have now covered all the core concepts needed to understand how spaciv is structured. Here is a summary of everything from Level 1:

Account — where all your data, layers, and settings live. Your starting point in spaciv.
Project — lives inside the account. Where your analysis comes together and produces specific outcomes.
Objects — the real-world entities your data is about, such as employees or rooms.
Properties — pieces of information that describe and define your objects.
Object layers — collections of objects and their properties, imported as files.
Modification layers — logic layers that adjust specific properties of objects without changing the base data.
Space rules — calculation models that define the workplace concept and turn your data into spatial outputs.
Layer stacks — saved configurations of layers that drive calculations and analysis.

These concepts work together to give you control over your data, the flexibility to test different outcomes, and a clear structure for collaboration. Every result in spaciv is traceable back to the layers that produced it.

6. Quick Reference — Layer Stack Order

Bottom → Object layers (space modules + your imported data)
Middle → Modification layers (needs, growth, custom scenarios)
Top → Space rules (workplace concept and calculation model)

Note: Layers at the top reference layers below them. Your object layers must always be at the bottom. Your space rules must always be at the top.

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