What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?
Main advantages are that you are able to make high-level design changes before modeling projects, it is fast to edit and compare different models alongside one another using several analysis tools, and this can prepare a simple geometric model to be imported into modeling software such as Revit for easier translation from the planning to modeling process. This easy translation is due to the ability for Revit to automatically generate walls and other features of the building after loading the model into the software. The easy visualization of design concepts and building plans allows designers to focus on the overall appearance of the project before considering other building elements that can be modified later. This allows for more rapid evaluation of various building forms and shapes, especially more complex ones, and can serve as a solid foundation for more detailed models.
Should all buildings be modeled first using conceptual masses?
I think the decision to use conceptual masses should be made on a case-by-case basis. It may be more appropriate when you plan to model larger, more complex buildings perhaps those incorporating a wider range of geometries. Using conceptual masses may not be needed for smaller scale, less geometrically-complex projects because there are not as many complicated elements that may need to be reworked. Conceptual masses may be beneficial when creating simple visual representations as a starting point for modeling and visualization of larger projects. As for the example of creating a conceptual mass model of a small house, this may be less helpful as houses typically follow simple layouts and use mainly rectangular/boxy shapes that are easier to model. Therefore, this additional planning step may not be as helpful or necessary and may take longer in reality than getting into modeling right away due to simplicity in 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