Controlling Massing Model Graphics

You can control the graphic on a massing model, but you can not use the Attributes Palette. The graphics on a massing mode are controlled by the classes on the massing model.

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Step 1 – Create the Classes for the Massing Model
You can use the Navigation palette, the Organization dialog box, or you can click on the Class button on the View bar. If you have Vectorworks Architect, Landmark or Designer, use the Navigation palette, it is quicker.

• Right click on the Navigation palette.
• Choose New…

• Name the class.
• Choose a class name that will make it easy. I’m a fan of using the hyphen to group my classes together.
• Click on the option to Edit Properties After Creation. This will opent he dialog box for you to choose the line weights colors and so on.

• Check the name of the class, just in case you made a mistake with your spelling.
• Click on the option Use at Creation. This tells Vectorworks to use these attributes on the objects of this class.
• Set the Fill style, color, line weight, line color and so on.

• If you want to assign a texture to the 3D part of the massing model, then click on the tab for other. The massing model does not actually use walls and roofs, so set the texture here under other. Make sure you click on the options to Use Textures at Creation, and choose the texture you want.
• Click on the OK button.

• Return to the Navigation palette.
• Right click on the Navigation palette.
• Choose New…
• Name the class.
• Click on the option to Edit Properties After Creation. 
• Click on the option Use at Creation.
• Set the Fill style, color, line weight, line color and so on.
• If you want to assign a texture to the 3D part of the massing model, then click on the tab for other. The massing model does not actually use walls and roofs, so set the texture here under other. Make sure you click on the options to Use Textures at Creation, and choose the texture you want.
• Click on the OK button.

 
Step 2 – Set the Preferences for the Massing Model

• Go to the Site Modeling tool set.
• Go to the Tool bar.
• Click on the Preferences button, the last button on the Tool bar.
• For the Wall Class, choose the class you created.
• For the Roof Class, choose the class you created for the roof.
• Fill in any other typical settings. Notice that I have changed the height, roof, roof thickness, and so on.
• Click on the OK button.

Now when you draw a massing model, it will have the graphic attributes you assigned through the classes.

Now you can go back to the class dialog box and edit the settings.

The massing model will update.

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