What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?
Masses allow you to quickly convert pre-existing models as in the case of importing projects from forma into revit. Masses allow a top-down approach that helps with large scale projects by starting from overall shape and form of building. Masses also allow top level comparison, whereby multiple alternatives can be considered before the final details (like individual components) are added. Masses enable quick modeling
Should all buildings be modeled first using conceptual masses?
If there isn’t any need to import the design from another software such as forma and the project scope is small. It may be helpful to use revit without the use of masses.
When is it needed/appropriate? And when not?
Masses are useful in cases when the geometry of the project is simple, the project is large scale, or another software is being utilized that imports designs as masses (e.g forma). It is less helpful if the geometry is complex, already largely defined, and of smaller scale.
For example, should you create a conceptual mass model of a small house?
Depending on what is considered “small” and the overall design detail of the house masses may or may not be useful. If the house was a small and already well defined build, it may be easier to directly input the dimensions into revit rather than approximate it with solid masses. If the design was of larger scale and less defined, then masses could help narrow down the concept through the creation of a variety of rough proposals. These proposals could then go on to serve as the basis for more detailed design.Â