Getting Floorplan Information from a Solid Model

If a solid model has been used to develop a massing study, VectorWorks Architect can extract information from the model to begin work on the floorplans. Specifically, gross area polylines can be created automatically for each building level directly from the solid model with the Model to Floorplan command. A stacking diagram can display the sum of the areas of these polylines, which makes it easy to determine the amount of floor area provided by a solid model before creating the floorplans. In addition, exterior walls can be created automatically. If the model changes after the polylines and walls are created, run the Model to Floorplan command again to update the polylines and walls.

The Model Setup command must be run prior to using the Model to Floorplan command.

To create a floorplan from a model:

1.	Select the model. The solid model should be a CSG solid (addition, subtraction, union), solid primitive (sphere, hemisphere, cone, cylinder), extrude, or multiple extrude.

2.	Select AEC > Space Planning > Model to Floorplan.

The Model to Floorplan dialog box opens. Specify the layers to include and set the type of floorplan elements to create.

 

Parameter	Description
Layer list	Lists the layers with heights that intersect the solid. Select the design layer(s) to include in the floorplan, and deselect layers, such as sheet layers or site model layers, which should not be included in the floorplan. A selected layer displays with a check mark.
Create Gross Area Polylines	For each selected layer, creates a polyline from the exterior perimeter of the model
Create Stacking Diagram	Creates a stacking diagram showing the available area on each layer (see Creating a Stacking Diagram)
Create walls	Creates walls based on the model perimeter
Position	Creates exterior walls based on the model perimeter, along the inside, outside, or center of the perimeter
Wall Style	Specify a wall style to use for the exterior walls from either the default resources or the current file’s resources; see VectorWorks Design Series Default Resources

3.	Click OK to create the floorplan objects. If selected, polylines, walls, and a stacking diagram are placed on the drawing. To update the floorplan objects based on model changes, select the Model to Floorplan command again.