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circle-playFinch 101: Massing Studio

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to use the Massing Studio in Finch to assign programs, customize calculations, and fine-tune floor heights and wall widths based on your imported massing.

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1. Open Your Project in Finch

Start by opening your Finch project. In this example, we’re using a mixed-use tower imported from Forma.

You should see:

  • Your building mass

  • Any context (e.g., buildings, trees, terrain)

On the right, you’ll see a breakdown of data drawers used to manage and analyze your mass.

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2. Assign Programs to Floors

  • Select individual or multiple stories

  • Choose from default programs like:

    • Retail

    • Office

    • Residential

    • Circulation

View Program Distribution

As you assign programs:

  • A ring chart updates to show usage breakdown

  • Assigned areas are color-coded

  • You can view program percentages and GFA allocation in real-time

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3. Adjust Your Massing in External Software

If you’re not meeting target GFA or program ratios, you can:

  • Modify your massing in the modeling software (e.g., Forma/ Revit/ Rhino)

  • Re-upload the revised model to Finch

This gives you full control while maintaining a flexible early-stage workflow.

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4. View and Edit Custom Metrics

Finch allows you to add custom calculations per program. For example:

  • Add a budget estimate:

    • Set $1,500 per GFA

    • Select "Budget" to see cost totals

You can repeat this for each program (e.g., Retail, Office), and even extend it down to space types in your floor plates.

Example: Add a specific kitchen cost in an apartment unit for more detailed estimates.

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5. Modify Story Heights

By default, all floors have the same height. To adjust:

  • Select a specific program (e.g., Penthouse, Retail)

  • Enter a new height (e.g., 6000mm for retail)

Note: The wireframe of your original mass remains unchanged, as it reflects your external model. Finch adjusts internal divisions only.

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6. Adjust Outer Wall Width

Open the "Outer Wall Width" Drawer

  • Default outer wall width is 350mm

  • To change it, simply update the value (e.g., 450mm)

This creates a visual buffer between your wireframe (external shell) and interior walls in Finch.

Reminder: Your original model represents the exterior volume. Finch works internally, offsetting with the wall thickness you define here.

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You're Ready to Generate Floor Plates

With programs, story heights, and wall settings in place, you’re ready to move into the next phase!