Vectorworks Tip 440 – Adjacency Matrix

Vectorworks spaces have the ability to create and read Adjacency Matrices. OK, but what are they and how do you read one. In simple terms, the Adjacent Matrix tells you the relationship between rooms. The Adjacancy Matrix uses and scale from o to 5. 0 means that the rooms have no need to be near each other, 5 means that the rooms have a strong relationship.


For example, the relationship between the master bedroom and ensuite bathroom might have a number 5 relationship, they should be next to each other.
In this example we will use the master bedroom. We want to find the relationship between the master bedroom and the ensuite. Start with the the room name and follow this to the right. Now follow the diagonal down.
Now go to the other room, in this case the ensuite. Follow this room to the right and follow the diagonal until you intersect the diagonal from the other room.

The next example is the relationship between the master bedroom and the double bedroom. Start with the the master bedroom and follow this to the right, then  follow the diagonal down. Now go to the other room, in this case the double bedroom. Go to the right and follow the diagonal until you intersect the diagonal from the master bedroom.

In this example the relationship is a -, or no relationship. So if I was the designer, I would make sure that these rooms are not near each other.
My final example is the relationship between the master bedroom and the outdoor area. If you follow the matrix you find that the score is 3. This means that the rooms have to be close to each other. You have to be able to easily access the outdoor area from the bedroom, but they do not have to be right next to each other.

Once you have this Adjacency Matrix, you can use many other Vectorworks tools and commands to create spaces, create a concept design, and later on, use the spaces to create the walls.