What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?
The principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling are that masses allow you to test multiple building forms, orientations, heights, and configurations very quickly without worrying about construction details. As well as earth evaluation of the site and environmental factors, it allows for the client and stakeholders to communicate early on decisions about the building, allocates space accordingly, prevents rework during detailed modeling, enables early cost and feasibility studies, and supports IPD and collaborative decision making.
Should all buildings be modeled first using conceptual masses?
Not all buildings need to be modeled with conceptual masses first. Massing is most useful for large, complex, or uncertain projects where overall form, zoning fit, solar studies, and early cost estimates must be explored before detailing. It is typically used in high-rise, campus, urban infill, or IPD projects where many early design variables are still flexible. For small, straightforward projects—such as a single-family house on a simple site—it is usually more efficient to begin directly with real building elements rather than a mass model, unless the form or site conditions are unusually complex.