My first attempt at creating a custom map using Valve Software's Hammer world editor tool. The map was designed for the bomb site version of CS:GO's competitive game mode. Village features the standard two bomb sites, A and B, with multiple entrances onto each site for both teams.
Both sites have elements of verticality, offering vantage points for both teams when they enter the sites, allowing skilled players to take advantage of higher up, but more exposed positions.

Looking back on de_village there are few significant changes I would make. T side's long entrance to B site could be reworked or potentially removed as it didn't offer much outside of being a one way unexpected flanking position. The lower area of the red building which looked out onto the squeaky door could have done with some changes to improve the visibility of players inside the red building.
Considering it was my first attempt at creating a map, Village felt like a success as it presented interesting strategies for players whilst retaining some unique characteristics to distinguish it from other maps, particularly bomb site A.
The process for designing and developing the map was enjoyable and inspired further experimentation with maps such as cs_centre.

The map underwent multiple design iterations with feedback gathered through testing. The area that received the most significant changes was the Counter-Terrorist's spawn area and their entrance to the B bomb site. The area originally featured a ramp which allowed CT's to headcamp and kill the enemy team if they entered the site. As a solution the ramp was replaced with a ladder and platform, still providing a vantage point, but a less well covered one where they were more visible.
Bomb site A's main feature was the water which surrounded the plant zone, This allowed players to rely more on audio to determine when somebody tried to plant or defuse the bomb. Aside from some technical and visual fixes, this area of the map remained relatively unchanged.