What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?
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?
Buildings that are large scale or have complex design should use conceptual masses, rather than simple small scale buildings - so, not all buildings initially need conceptual masses. Furthermore, complex design can entail abstract shapes, high-rise towers, unconventional facades or roof structures, and may need contextual site design consideration to fit within an urban environment. It is not necessary to incorporate conceptual mass models for a simple or small building (including a small house), where design flexibility is limited and when time/budget constraints direct the nature of 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.
Jewel Changi Airport (Singapore)
The Burj Khalifa (Dubai, UAE) - Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture
The Walt Disney Concert Hall (Los Angeles, USA) - Frank Gehry
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