What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?
The advantage of creating a conceptual design is that it allows you to first think of the structural elements you want to include in the final design. This can be whether you want a skyscraper or flatter structure, and whether you want the walls to be joined at right angles or curved. Taking a step back also allows an architect to notice the surrounding environment and make decisions about how they want their structure to interact with the nearby buildings. Thinking about form first also raises the question of how the building will receive sunlight and wind, and be affected by climate. The building may also seek a form to allow it to stay out of the shadows of others. Using masses additionally allows the architect to design a unique building that diversifies the skyline and highlights the client’s business.
Can you think of any examples of a real building around the world that most likely was created by exploring the form using conceptual mass models?
The Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore by architect Moshe Safdie is an example of a famous building that most likely was created by using conceptual mass models. The premise of the hotel is to create a different type of skyscraper by using three structures as pillars to support a sky park. The building's form is unique to the Singapore skyline and is representative of the “beach” luxery hotel.