Finch 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Last updated