What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?
Creating model using masses can help with simple visualization of spatial distribution, overall layout and analyses such as daylight potentials, wind, climate to make it more accessible in exploring different design options in early stage decisions.
Should all buildings be modeled first using conceptual masses?
When is it needed/appropriate? And when not?
For example, should you create a conceptual mass model of a small house?
No, conceptual masses method is more useful for designing large, complex buildings such as commercial buildings or a region of various buildings, where it helps us to have an early understanding of spatial relationships, overall layout, and environmental analyses.
For small-scale designs such as a small house, starting with conceptual masses is not necessary. For simple layout housing, we can go directly into detailed design.
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?
Please post and share images of these examples to this Notion page.
How would you abstract the essential form of these famous buildings using conceptual mass elements that you can create in Revit?
- One World Trade Center: https://www.archdaily.com/795277/one-world-trade-center-som
- CMG Headquarters: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CMG_Headquarters#/media/File:China_Central_Television_Headquarters_2.jpg
- Twisting torso: https://www.archdaily.com/771471/santiago-calatravas-turning-torso-wins-ctbuhs-10-year-award
- Apple campus: https://www.archdaily.com/804970/apple-campus-2-held-to-fantastical-standard-of-detail-new-report-reveals
- Salesforce tower: https://www.archdaily.com/889519/salesforce-tower-pelli-clarke-pelli-architects