What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?
Modeling using conceptual models first allows the building to be put in context with the surrounding landscape, buildings, and city. Also, being able to analyze the concepts with the sun, wind, and other natural occurences/adjacent buildings was nice to be able to adjust the mass if needed. Conceptual modeling also allows for abstract ideas to be realized and broadly tested before putting in small details that would need to be deleted if the building did not end up being practical.
Should all buildings be modeled first using conceptual masses?
I would consider created a conceptual mass model of a small house if the house were, for example, a town house being built in the middle of a big city. But if it were more of a suburban house, I do not think there is a need to create a conceptual model given the context would just be other houses. I think, for the mostpart, building being constructed amongst other buildings in more dense areas, where wind and sun are major factors should first be built conceptualy. I also think bigger, more comercial, buildings should almost always be modeled using conceptual masses before diving into the smaller building details.