Structure Management

Last updated for version `1.8.0-BETA-7`

*Main article:* Architect

Structure management is possible via controller objects, utility objects that reveal a complex selection, in form of a trade menu, of structure presets to the player. Usage is similar to Control Panels in certain settlements.

## Controller Object

Buildings can be moved manually, by moving the controller object or nudged around via the menu after they are placed. Multiple building designs can be selected via a UI system (smiliar to a trade menu), based on the category of the structure. The master controller object can be used to access the options menu per structure. The controller objects are generally small immersive objects, such as mailboxes and power boxes. You can lock the structure in place, so that you can move the small master object around afterwards.

Building structures is easy with Architect:

1. Simply place the appropiate **Controller Object** located in the Buildings or Foundations menu in the workshop.
2. Use the controller to bringt up the menu, and click on **Select Building Design**.
3. In the design screen, click on whichever design you want the system to pick, then click **Accept**, then close the window.

The structure menu has many options to customize each building you place. Many structures have multiple **Layers** which contain different levels of detail and objects. Some of these layers: are beds, chairs, lights, doors, stairs, clutter, detailing, furniture, etc. Each layer can be independently toggled on or off using the Default Building Layers menu located int the Architect Options menu. Click the **Expand** button below to see its functions:

This menu allows to set which building layers (such as detail, doors, beds, etc.) will default to On/Off when a building design is selected using any Controller Object.
* Default Beds: On/Off
* Default Chairs: On/Off
* Default Detail (Clutter): On/Off
* Default Detail (Debris): On/Off
* Default Detail (Signs): On/Off
* Default Detail (Main): On/Off
* Default Devices (Lights, etc.): On/Off
* Default Doors: On/Off
* Default Stairs (Main): On/Off
* Default Stairs (Alternate): On/Off
* Default Turret: Random/Last Selection

* Controller Object 1
* Controller Object 2
* Controller Object 3
* Controller Object 4
* Controller Object 5
* Controller Object 6 (Defense)

## Main Menu

Each controller object can access the following options:

* Select Building Design – Designs based on Architect category.
* Nudge Base – Allows to move/rotate structures to any position in space.
* Lock All Objects – On/Off, the building can be "Locked", which allows to move the controller somewhere else, without it moving the building too.
* Main Building – On/Off, the building can be hidden.
* Architect Options – The Architect options menu can be accessed.
* Locking Plate Options – Unlocks locking plates in certain settlements that can be connected to controller objects and structures can be precisely aligned.

📝 **Note:** Design options take time to load, the position should be set before starting to decorate. Beds are "Off" by default. Not all designs have beds, seats, devices, doors, etc.

## Select Building Design

Selecting multiple designs will randomly choose one of them. Designs are based on Workshop Levels (Construction and Population) and the choosen Architect category (Buildings or Foundations).

## Nudge Base

The controller can be used to move and rotate the selected building design. Either by moving it around easily re-position the structure, or the object can be nudge from the menu, which is best used for moving it up or down.

Both moveing and rotating can be reset to the first position.

### Design

Design options take time to load. Position should be set before "decorating".

* Beds: On/Off
* Chairs: On/Off
* Devices (Lights/Machinery): On/Off
* Detail (Main): On/Off
* Detail (Clutter): On/Off
* Detail (Debris): On/Off
* Detail (Signs And Extras): On/Off
* Doors: On/Off
* Stairs: On/Off
* Main Building: On/Off

## Architect Options

The "Default Building Layers" in the global Architect Options menu can be changed at will. This effects all newly placed buildings.

## Locking Plate Options

This new system is designed to drop **Locking Plates** down in certain settlements, such as Hangman's Alley, to help align colossal structures (The Gallows). The menu can be accessed from any controller object. Hangman's Alley is currently the only settlement allowing this so far.

* The Gallows
* properly locked
* view from the top

To lock a structure into place, a controller object (colossal building or foundation) is required. Using the object will bring up the **Structure Management** menu, in which the option "Locking Plate Options" can be found. It contains a selection of settlements that can unlock a locking plate. In this case, "Toogle Hangman's Alley" and a small metal post will appear in Hangman's Alley. The locking plate is located right next to the door, towards the east of the settlement.

When standing next to the metal post, the workshop menu must be called up and thus the controller object manoeuvred onto the metal post. It should jump right into place. As soon as the object is set into place, the workshop menu must be closed and the controller object used again to call up the structure menu. It is important to select the appropriate structure. In this case The Gallows. After selection it should appear perfectly in place.

## Developer Notes

* Architect has support for authors to add their own buildings via an addon module
* Alternatively, authors can contact Zawinul about contributing structures directly to Architech:

💾 **Developer Note:** Instructions, tips, and discussions will be provided to help you assemble all the parts of your building. I've worked out many easy shortcuts and processes to help make buildings relatively quick. Navcuts are NOT needed for Architect buildings, providing you follow my tips. Navmeshes work fully upon placement in Architect. Keep in mind, I don't have time to teach authors the basics on building structures in the creation kit, you need to have some understanding yourself.

## Technical Issues

🌀 *The content below transcludes to Technical Issues.*
* Known: Rotate left/right is not working. The controller object must be re-placed manually in order to rotate the structure. This issue is known but it will most likely not be fixed much more the selection will disappear from the menu.

## See Also

* Architect
* Default Building Layers
* Control Panel

## References

1. ↑ https://discord.com/channels/436824471295361025/436824471295361027/514965612318162955