Guide to Map Layouts/Design (work in progress)

This is a work in progress and will eventually be posted to the guides section of my Bungie.net group if you guys deem it good enough. Please give me some feedback! I've written this guide based on information I've gleaned from other guides in addition to my own personal experience.

The biggest problem with mapmaking in its current form isn't the vast amount of maps that are being made - it's the quality of those maps. People tend to become so obsessed with the technical side of Forge (interlocking, geomerging, teardropping, etc.) that they neglect to even consider basic principles of map design. This guide is one of many that I plan on writing to help remedy this problem.

The purpose of this guide is to inform potential map designers of the various "standard" map layout types that have worked for level design, as well as to explain each layout type in detail. Map designers should not feel limited to only using these layout types, however!


Atrial Map Layouts
The most common (and often the most effective) layout type for competitive Halo maps is some variation of an atrial design. Atrial maps are maps based around one or more atria - maps with multiple atria often connect them in interesting ways to promote movement about the map.
There is no concrete definition of what constitutes an atrium; however, an atrium is generally considered to be a large, somewhat open playspace with great height differences that encloses the player physically by means of outer map geometry. When thinking atria in the standard sense, think of a big, multi-storied hotel lobby.

Single Atrium Design
Single Atrium design is as it sounds: the map is based around one large atrium. Single Atrium maps often feature tunnels and other sub areas that all somehow link to the main atrium. Usually it is located at the center of the map, with the other (smaller) areas surrounding it. These maps tend to be smaller than other Atrial maps, and usually they're smaller than Natural maps as well. Versatile Single Atrium maps usually have many stories to them and promote vertical movement.
Pros: Easy-to-learn layout for newcomers, easily balanced, easy to build
Cons: Difficult to support large amounts of players, concentrated flow can lead to "kill zones," fast gameplay makes objective games less strategic
Examples: Assembly, Boarding Action, Chill Out, Cold Storage, Colossus, Construct, Damnation, Derelict, Desolation, Elongation, Epitaph, Foundation, Foundry, Gemini, Hang 'em High, Heretic, Isolation, Ivory Tower, Longest, Midship, Prisoner, Rat's Nest, Tombstone, Warlock, Wizard

Double Atrium Design
Double Atrium design revolves around the concept of two interconnected atria. Double Atrium maps aren't seen often, but usually tend to be symmetrical. These maps are usually of a medium size. There are usually two somewhat vertically oriented atria connected horizontally.
Pros: Excellent for symmetrical map construction, excellent for symmetrical objective games
Cons: A lack of large neutral spaces means that chaotic fighting is effectively halved, atrium-to-atrium flow can create "kill zones" in the connections between the atria if they are not designed properly
Examples: Sanctuary, The Pit

Triple and Greater Atrium Design
These types of maps have three or more atria, which means that they're huge in traversable size. Not only that, but often their layouts provide for interesting combat encounters the likes of which aren't typically found in Halo gameplay. This layout can provide very strategic gameplay, but at the cost of fairly dispersed flow and few "hot spots." Combat on a map with this many atria is usually of the long-range sort, as engagements are harder to come by. A map built in this manner will be flatter than other styles of map, and won't have more than 3 (or so) distinct floors and height levels.
Pros: Strategic gameplay, combat is varied, interesting lines of sight
Cons: Difficult-to-learn layout for newcomers, difficult to build
Examples: N/A


Suspended Network Layouts
A design style that has proven to be a fan favorite in Halo, Suspended Network Layouts are among the most difficult layouts to design properly but can also be the most rewarding and interesting to play. Suspended Network Layouts are maps constructed from varying catwalks, small rooms, and open hubs that are suspended above some sort of death barrier that penalizes players for falling off.

A good Suspended Network Layout will be a noticeably three dimensional space. There should be multiple changes to elevation as well as interesting inter-level lines of sight. Rails should be placed around almost all death barrier-exposed edges. There should usually be at least one large hub in the center of the map connected to other areas of the map. The rest of the map should consist of catwalks and small rooms interconnected in an asymmetric manner.
Pros: Fun and memorable gameplay, varied combat, interesting lines of sight, good verticality
Cons: Difficult to design, difficult to build, difficult to balance, usually sub par for symmetrical objective games
Examples: Ascension, Blackout, Guardian, Lockout


Natural Layouts
Pros:
Cons:
Examples:


Linear Map Layouts
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Cons:
Examples:


Flat Map Layouts
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Cons:
Examples:

 

I added Suspended Network Layouts, which are your standard Lockout/Guardian type designs. Tell me what you think.