What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?
An advantage of creating a conceptual design with masses is that this allows for rapid creation of options without the need to model specific building components. This means that you can explore different models and asses their performance before detailed design takes place.
Should all buildings be modeled first using conceptual masses?
When is it needed/appropriate? And when not?
For example, should you create a conceptual mass model of a small house?
I think conceptual masses are best utilized for buildings where there is greater design flexibility and a need to measure environmental impacts. This would most likely include larger projects that span multiple connected buildings or landmark buildings. For projects like a small house, it may not be necessary to create conceptual masses since the design will likely not be very complex.
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