To start a concept design study, architects often use simple geometric shapes to represent the building's overall volume. These shapes can be adjusted and arranged to explore different spatial arrangements, orientations, and proportions. With Snaptrude, designers can rapidly iterate through multiple design ideas using the flexible drawing options. For detailed instructions on drawing spaces on Snaptrude, refer the topics below:

Step 1: Navigate to the design tab and select either the draw line, arc (Shortcut 'L' or 'A') or the draw circle tool, depending on your design needs.

Step 2: Once the tool is activated, an object type panel will appear on the right side of the screen. Ensure 'Space' is activated. Then select 'Free form' mode.

Step 3: Begin drawing by clicking the left mouse button. Move the cursor in the direction you want your shape to be. Create closed loop to convert these lines into a space (this particularly important when working with 'Free form' mode of drawing).

Pro-tips:

1. Lock the axis using the arrow keys for precision in cursor movement.

2. Enter the dimensions for accuracy.

Step 4: By default a space created will be labeled as 'Default'. Double click on the space to open the label enter the space label as 'Site'. (This site area is also registered in the Area Dashboard which can then be used to define FAR for the project.)

Note: On Snaptrude, you can 'Smart Label' spaces which convert the space dimensions & materials corresponding to the label name. Refer Smart Labelling section to know more.

Create spaces using the freeform sketching mode using various drawing options available in the Design tab. Follow the steps below to draw spaces using the line, arc & circle tools:

Step 1: Activate the Draw Line tool from the design tab or use the shortcut 'L' to start drawing the spaces.

Step 2: Repeat the steps used to create a site to form a closed loop and create a space using the free form draw mode.

Step 1: Next, let's draw some spaces using arcs. Navigate to the design tab and select 'Arc' or use 'A' as a shortcut key.

Step 2: Click the left mouse button to start modeling. Define the distance as well as the radius of the arc by either dragging the cursor or entering a precise value. Follow the same steps to form a closed loop and create a space.

Step 1: Now, let's draw some spaces using the draw circle tool. Select the Draw circle tool in the design tab.

Step 2: Click where you want the center of the circle to be and drag the mouse away or enter the radius value and press enter to create the space.

Pro-tip: You can work with both Line & Arc tools consecutively while by toggling between both the tools from the design tab or using the shortcuts 'L' and 'A' as shown below.

Offset modes work by taking the points you provide as reference and then offsetting the space centrally, externally, and internally within a defined width. This method of drawing particularly useful when you wish to create surrounding spaces such as pathways, roads, lawns, etc.

Step 1: Start by activating the draw tool (line, arc or circle). Make sure 'Space' is active in the 'Object type' tab. Then, select one of the offset modes, i.e., center, external or internal, as per your requirement and input the offset width as needed.

Step 1: If you wish to create spaces using offset mode which has a continuous geometry, check the 'Make geometry continuous box'.

Step 2: Then, begin sketching the space on the design canvas. Drag the cursor to define the sketch boundary (you can also input the dimension value manually accuracy). Press enter to finish.

Step 1: If you wish to create spaces using offset mode which has fragmented geometry, uncheck the 'Make geometry continuous box'.

Step 2: As mentioned above, begin sketching the space geometry on the canvas. Press enter to finish. Here, the spaces created are independent entities with their own label, geometry & area.

1. Splitting Spaces: To divide a large space into smaller areas, activate the draw tool (line or arc) and click on the 'Free form mode'. Start drawing from one edge of the space and continue the sketch until you reach the opposite edge. The large space will then be split into smaller sections based on your sketch.

2. Creating Embedded Spaces: Enabling embedded mass enhances the draw tool, allowing you to create masses within larger ones without overlap. This enables flexible space manipulation, including creating space for courtyards or atriums.

3. Erase Edges: Navigate to the design tab and choose the 'Erase' tool, or press 'E' as a shortcut. Hover over the edge you want to delete, and press Tab to toggle between different spaces. This is useful for selecting between adjacent spaces with different labels and ensures the new space created after erasing the edge inherits the appropriate label.

4. Other editing options: Use the available editing tools available in the design tab such as Push/pull, Copy/Array, Rotate, Flip, etc to further edit the spaces created. TFor detailed information on using these tools, visit the Model Editing Tools help page.

In the next tutorial, learn how to label spaces on Snaptrude.