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 design using masses allows for a quick modeling outline without having to know what the exact final model will look like. It is sort of doing macroscopic design prior to doing microscopic design. It is really helpful when there are many structures in the near vicinity of a building plot to see how a certain design shape may fit in the surroundings. Furthermore, it is helpful when trying to assess the relationship of a design to environmental factors such as sun direction and average wind directions.
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?
Conceptual mass model of an average size house is not necessary unless there is some unique feature that is going to be placed in the design. Mass modeling is probably helpful if a structure is over 10000-20000 sq ft, as smaller units can be handled relatively quickly with micro-designing in Revit. Usually, small structures will have specific necessary orientations already, like facing a city street, and therefore wind and sun analysis most likely will not be necessary.
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