Chengtao Zhang

Submitted For
Module 6 - Points to Ponder
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Please share your comments on 2 of the following Points to Ponder questions. (Choose 2 of the questions below.)

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 for quick testing into different shapes, sizes, and designs, which is way harder to change later on in the project.
  • Massing automatically generate gross floor area, surface area, and volume, which is great if there is a set constraint or goal.
  • Once the massing is approved and finalized, it can easily be directly converted into building elements in Revit.
  • Mass models can be viewed and edited by stakeholders and can help with visualization in the early stage of design.

Should all buildings be modeled first using conceptual masses?

When is it needed/appropriate? And when not?

  • Conceptual masses are needed at the early-stage of the design, when the building’s form, scale, and spatial relationships is still being determined.
  • Masses are best for large or complex projects like multi-story or urban/campus-scale buildings, which allows for quick comparison and visualization between several conceptual designs.

For example, should you create a conceptual mass model of a small house?

  • Conceptual masses are not needed for small, simple, and well-defined projects (like a small house) because it is more efficient to directly model those with basic building elements.
  • Masses are not needed if the design goal is to fit a strict requirement rather than be creative and innovative. If there is an existing drawing or structural plan the building has to follow, the using masses is not appropriate.

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