Ceiling Soffits

[BBP-Arch]

ACA2011

So for modeling a tray type ceiling...that is, flat ceiling at 8' high, by about 3' wide around the perimeter of the room, and steping up to 9'-6" for the rest of the ceiling, would I be better off modeling that with slabs or mass elements? Just curious... 

[ntellery]

I like using spaces for lots of things because they are very easy to edit on the fly.

Slabs are good if you need an edge style (cornice) but they are a pig to edit (IMHO) in comparison.

ME's a supposed to be THE flexible object and if you have anything other than a flat plane they might be a good option but for a flat plane you cannot beat the ease of a space object.

For ceilings I use different objects depending on the shape, using the strengths and weaknesses of each aecobject.

Slabs for areas requiring a cornice (edge style)

Spaces for random bulkheads. flexible as long as flat in plane.

Walls for a running bulkhead with brick lintel. (generally a set width. Sections show complex construction).

If you have a general ceiling with cornice, with a hole in the centre with raised section (if that is what tray means) then a slab with a hole cut does well.  I have used a second slab with a special edge style for the downturn and if I did that a lot would make a custom edge style for it. That way it will section nicely.

Good time to post a question on spaces?

I use aecSpace objects to track the overall size of a building and each separate bit. (Since aecArea objects were killed).

But if you have a space already over the building, I couldn't create auto room space objects.  It seems there are limitations to having mutiple space objects in the same space.  I use space objects for any floor coverings, Paving etc.

Since spaces should cover overall areas + room sizes I don't understand what everyone else is doing here?