Module 6 - Points to Ponder

What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?

Alignment with investors related to spatial placement and generall footprint, key materials, functionalities, and aesthetics

Should all buildings be modeled first using conceptual masses?

When is it needed/appropriate? And when not? Appropriate for large infra projects, where material, footprint and overall functionality drive capex and opex. For smaller projects, it is more efficient to dive into the direct design specifics.

For example, should you create a conceptual mass model of a small house? No, because the mass and the specifics can be shown easily and without much effort into a 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?

1. One World Trade Center: https://www.archdaily.com/795277/one-world-trade-center-som
2. CMG Headquarters: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CMG_Headquarters#/media/File:China_Central_Television_Headquarters_2.jpg
3. Twisting torso: https://www.archdaily.com/771471/santiago-calatravas-turning-torso-wins-ctbuhs-10-year-award
4. Apple campus: https://www.archdaily.com/804970/apple-campus-2-held-to-fantastical-standard-of-detail-new-report-reveals
5. Salesforce tower: https://www.archdaily.com/889519/salesforce-tower-pelli-clarke-pelli-architects