Is there a way to convert one large area object into multiple smaller objects?
Yes select the object by clicking on it with the Select button active and go to the Edit > Divide Areas command and select from any of the divide area options. It is important to note that this procedure is fundamentally different than meshing meshing is internal to the object, while dividing creates additional objects. Dividing is useful when you need to create clearly defined areas and/or joints for openings, connections and load assignments.