What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?
Creating conceptual mass models enables rapid iteration of form, scale, and orientation, allowing designers to explore multiple options in hours instead of days. Early performance analyses—such as daylighting, solar gain, and energy efficiency—can be conducted using simplified geometry before committing to detailed modeling. These abstract volumes focus stakeholders on big-picture concepts like program distribution and urban context, minimizing miscommunication during reviews. The selected massing then serves as an efficient scaffold for transitioning into detailed BIM element modeling.
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?
Not all buildings require conceptual mass modeling; it’s a tool for complexity, not a rule. Use masses for projects with intricate forms, site challenges, performance targets, or iterative options—like mid-rise offices or urban complexes—to optimize early decisions. Skip them for simple, code-driven designs such as standard single-family homes on flat lots, where direct BIM modeling is faster. For a small house, only create a mass if testing unique geometry, solar strategies, or energy goals; otherwise, start with walls and roofs.
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