Abstract： Aimed at the pipe layout environment which is complex and changeable, the pipe layout space model which includes cabin model, obstruction model, pipe model and layout area model was proposed. Based on the characteristics of ship pipe layout, the pipe intelligent layout direction guidance mechanism was established and the direction parameter was proposed. Based on this space model and direction guidance mechanism, the improved genetic algorithm was used to solve the pipe layout problem. The simulation tests show that this approach is feasible and valid.