# 3D zoning envelopes

> Visualize an existing zoning analysis in interactive 3D.

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## Start here

- [Install](https://architecturestudio.ai/capabilities/skill-zoning-envelope#capability-setup)
- [New to skills?](https://architecturestudio.ai/docs/agents)
- [All skills](https://architecturestudio.ai/capabilities?kind=skills)

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## What it does

Give Norma a zoning analysis report with envelope data. Norma translates the documented geometry into an HTML viewer with scenario controls and labels. The viewer preserves the report’s date and uncertainty rather than performing a new zoning analysis.

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## Install

Connect Arch Studio in Claude or ChatGPT, then return to your conversation and ask Norma for the task. Your assistant uses its available file access and tools to carry out the skill.

- [Add to Claude](https://architecturestudio.ai/docs/install?host=claude&surface=app&method=mcp)
- [Add to ChatGPT](https://architecturestudio.ai/docs/install?host=chatgpt&surface=app&method=mcp)
- [Setup guide](https://architecturestudio.ai/docs/install)

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## Versions and source

Arch Studio 1.5.1.2 · MCP — Available as MCP workflow instructions in compatible Claude and ChatGPT connections. The assistant performs the work with its own tools and permissions and verifies the actual result before reporting completion.

Arch Studio 1.5.1.2 · Open source — Included in the public plugin for Claude Code and Codex. In this version: 3D zoning envelopes — Turn an existing zoning analysis into an interactive browser-based view of the buildable envelope.

- [Hosted release details](https://architecturestudio.ai/releases/hosted-1-5-1-2-0692a162)
- [Read public source](https://github.com/AlpacaLabsLLC/skills-for-architects/blob/b85cba155ddbabe8e721fc79044e5a9ef4aa7540/skills/zoning-envelope/SKILL.md)
- [Public release details](https://architecturestudio.ai/releases/public-1-5-1-2)

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## Usage

Ask Norma in plain language. With Arch Studio connected through MCP, no $ or / command is required. Norma is your assistant working with Arch Studio.

```text
Use Arch Studio to create an interactive envelope viewer from this zoning report’s two scenarios. Preserve the report’s units, analysis date and unresolved conditions. Do not redo the zoning analysis or present the model as an approval.
```

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## What the viewer shows

### Lot and volumes

Norma renders the supplied lot geometry, setbacks and envelope volumes using the report’s units.

### Scenarios and labels

Norma adds controls for documented alternatives and displays relevant height and area labels.

### Report limitations

Norma carries unresolved conditions and preliminary-review limitations into the viewer. The viewer’s external 3D modules need a network connection when first loaded.

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## Workflow

1. **Read** — Norma verifies the selected report, site and available envelope data.
2. **Render** — Norma builds the viewer from the documented geometry.
3. **Inspect** — Norma checks the geometry and labels against the report and delivers the HTML file.

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## Pairs with

Norma uses the analysis report as the source for the viewer; the renderer does not perform the zoning lookup.

- [NYC zoning analysis](https://architecturestudio.ai/capabilities/skill-zoning-analysis-nyc)

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## Related skills

NYC zoning analysis — Understand a NYC site’s use and envelope constraints.

HTML slide decks — Turn an outline or report into an HTML presentation.

- [NYC zoning analysis](https://architecturestudio.ai/capabilities/skill-zoning-analysis-nyc)
- [HTML slide decks](https://architecturestudio.ai/capabilities/skill-slide-deck-generator)