What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?
Building with conceptual models allows you to explore quickly and loosley analyze your forms before diving into heavy detail. When Viewing at eye level, you can quickly get understanding of the usage of space and where attention might be needed. It also helps you understand where to start with your building. Breaking up the design into simpler forms can allow you to understand the complex building before you build it.
Should all buildings be modeled first using conceptual masses?
This isn’t true for all scenarios, but modeling conceptual masses tends to be more advantageous for larger buildings. Their larger volumes and surface areas have a larger impact within their environments when compared to a single family home.
You can model a home in conceptual masses to quickly understand it’s impact, but something more finite and higher resolution might be a better option.
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?
I believe Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim was created very conceptually before designing it in detail. However, I doubt that it was done using conceptual mass models in current day programs. Use of modern day program was probably done to do most of Zaha Hadid’s buildings(before she died and her ongoing company post mortem)
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