What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?
Creating a conceptual mass model first lets you explore design ideas quickly without getting bogged down in details. It helps test building form, scale, and how spaces relate to each other or the site. You can also run early performance studies, like sunlight or shading. This approach makes it easier to communicate ideas, get feedback, and build a solid foundation before diving into detailed modeling.
Should all buildings be modeled first using conceptual masses?
Not all buildings need a conceptual mass model first. It’s most useful for large, complex, or form-driven projects such as offices, campuses, or towers where you need to test overall shape, scale, and site relationships before detailing.
For smaller or straightforward projects like a simple house, it’s often faster to start modeling directly with walls, floors, and roofs since the design intent is easier to visualize and adjust.
In short, use conceptual massing when you need to explore form and performance at a big-picture level, and skip it when the design is simple or already well-defined.