What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?
By creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling is advantageous because it allows you to quickly and explore different design options for a building or multiple buildings, allows you to run preliminary test (daylight potential, microclimate, wind, etc.). Conceptual design modeling also allows you to see how your model will fit into the larger content of infrastructure and topography around it which is useful.
Should all buildings be modeled first using conceptual masses?
Conceptual mass modeling is most appropriate for larger scale building projects, like apartment complexes, office buildings, large stores/malls, stadiums, etc. This is because these types of buildings can typically have multiple design options where it would be beneficial to quickly model and analyze the options before going into detailed design and building element modeling. Conceptual mass modeling is not necessarily needed for a small house, where the design options are pretty standard and the building envelop is small. Instead, just diving into the detailed design and building element modeling is sufficient for small building projects like that.
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