2.1 3D workspace parameters

3D workspace parameters are the settings that define the working environment of a model before and during modelling: the grid and work planes on which objects are drawn, the snapping and angle increments that control precision, the viewport arrangement and display style, the environment settings such as background, sun position and north direction, the section planes used to look inside the model, and the performance settings that keep large models responsive. Setting these parameters at the start of a project makes modelling precise and efficient and ensures that lighting and views behave correctly later. Example: before modelling a boutique hotel's lobby, the designer sets a 100 mm grid, turns on 15-degree angle snapping, sets the site location and north direction for accurate sun studies, adds a horizontal section plane at 1,200 mm to see inside the plan, and lowers display quality while modelling so the large file stays smooth.

2.1.1 Grid and work plane settings

The grid is a pattern of reference lines on the active work plane, and the work plane is the flat surface on which new objects are drawn. Setting grid spacing to match standard interior dimensions makes it easy to position walls, furniture and fittings. Example: a designer modelling a mobile phone retailer's shop sets a 50 mm minor grid so display units align with the 600 mm module of the shopfitting system.

Grid and work plane parameters

• Grid spacing: The distance between minor grid lines, such as 50 or 100 mm for interiors.
• Major line interval: How often a heavier line appears, such as every 1,000 mm.
• Grid extent: How far the grid stretches, set to cover the whole floor area.
• Grid visibility: Whether the grid is shown, often turned off when not needed to reduce clutter.
• Active work plane: The plane on which objects are drawn, such as the floor, a wall face or a custom angled plane.
• Custom work planes: Planes set on sloping ceilings, angled walls or tabletops to model objects on them.

Worked example: grid lines across a room

Number of grid spaces = room length ÷ grid spacing

A reception area is 12,000 mm long and the grid spacing is 100 mm with major lines every 1,000 mm.

Number of grid spaces = 12,000 ÷ 100 = 120 minor spaces

Number of major intervals = 12,000 ÷ 1,000 = 12

2.1.2 Snapping and precision settings

Snapping locks the cursor to exact points, distances and angles so objects are placed accurately without typing every value. Precision settings control how many decimal places are displayed and how small an increment the cursor moves. Example: a joinery designer modelling a pharmacy's dispensing shelves sets distance snapping to 10 mm so every shelf lands on a tidy dimension.

Worked example: angle snap steps

Number of steps = angle required ÷ angle snap increment

A chair must be rotated 135° with angle snap set to 15°.

Number of steps = 135 ÷ 15

Number of steps = 9 snap increments

2.1.3 Viewport configuration and display parameters

Viewport parameters control how many views are shown, which views they are and how the model is displayed in each. Display parameters such as edge style, shadows, background and texture visibility affect both clarity and speed. Example: a designer of a private library sets a four-viewport layout with top, front, left and perspective views while modelling bookshelves, then switches to a single large perspective for checking materials.

Viewport and display parameters

• Viewport layout: One, two, three or four viewports arranged to suit the task.
• View type per viewport: Top, front, side, perspective or camera view in each viewport.
• Display style: Wireframe, shaded, textured or realistic in each viewport.
• Edge display: Showing or hiding edges, profiles and back edges.
• Shadows in viewport: Turning shadows on for lighting checks and off for speed.
• Background and sky: Plain colour, gradient, sky and ground settings for the viewport.
• Safe frame: Showing the render boundary so the composition matches the final image.

2.1.4 Environment parameters

Environment parameters describe the model's setting in the real world, especially its location, orientation and time, which control how sunlight enters the space. Correct environment settings make daylight studies and renders believable. Example: for a coffee house on the west side of a building, the designer sets the location and north direction and checks how the afternoon sun falls across the seating area.

Environment parameters

• Geographic location: Latitude and longitude of the site, which control the sun's path.
• North direction: The angle between model north and true north.
• Date and time: The day and hour used for sun position and shadows.
• Sky and sun settings: Sky type, sun intensity and haze.
• Background or HDRI: An environment image that provides background and reflections.
• Ground plane: A surface below the model that receives shadows and reflections.

Steps for setting the location and north direction

1. Open the geo-location or sun settings: Find the location panel in the program.
2. Enter the location: Search for the site or type its latitude and longitude.
3. Set the north angle: Enter the angle between the model's Y axis and true north, taken from the site plan.
4. Set the date and time: Choose a typical day and time for the study.
5. Turn on shadows: Display shadows in the viewport to check sun penetration.
6. Review several times: Check morning, noon and afternoon to understand daylight in the space.

2.1.5 Section planes and clipping

Section planes cut through the model so the designer can see and work inside rooms, especially when ceilings and walls block the view. Clipping planes limit what the camera sees, which is useful for cutaway views and tight spaces. Example: a designer of a dental clinic places a horizontal section plane at 1,200 mm to produce a 3D cutaway plan showing all the treatment rooms.

Uses of section planes

• Working inside rooms: Removing the ceiling or a wall to model interior details.
• Cutaway plans: Creating 3D plan views by cutting horizontally above floor level.
• Cutaway sections: Showing heights and ceiling details by cutting vertically.
• Camera clipping: Hiding walls in front of the camera in small rooms.
• Presentation views: Producing cut-away illustrations for client presentations.

2.1.6 Performance parameters

Large interior models with many furniture items and high-resolution textures can become slow to navigate. Performance parameters reduce the load on the computer while modelling, without affecting final renders. Example: a designer modelling a 200-room hostel uses proxy objects for beds and wardrobes so the model navigates smoothly.

Performance settings

• Display quality: Lower anti-aliasing and texture quality while modelling.
• Level of detail: Show simplified versions of objects far from the camera.
• Proxies: Replace heavy objects with lightweight placeholders that render in full detail.
• Hide unused objects: Hide layers or groups not being worked on.
• Adaptive degradation: Allow the program to simplify the display while navigating.
• Texture resolution limits: Cap viewport texture size while keeping full resolution for renders.

Steps for setting up workspace parameters for a new interior model

1. Open the project template: Start from the office template for interior projects.
2. Set the grid: Choose grid spacing and major line interval suited to the project.
3. Set snapping and precision: Turn on needed object snaps and set distance and angle increments.
4. Configure viewports: Choose the viewport layout and display style for modelling.
5. Set the environment: Enter location, north direction, date and time.
6. Add section planes: Create section planes for plan and section views as needed.
7. Adjust performance settings: Lower viewport quality and enable proxies for large models.
8. Save the setup: Save the file, and save the settings to the template if they suit future projects.