What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?
There are multiple benefits of using masses before actually doing detail designs. It helps to have quick iterations that can help explore multiple designs quickly. We can see how the building interacts with the site and surrounding environment. We can run multiple analysis such as sun hours, daylight potential, solar energy, etc. which can help understand your design better.
Should all buildings be modeled first using conceptual masses?
It is depended on the complexity of the project and the final goals of the design phase. While conceptual masses are highly useful, they may not be required every time.
When is it needed/appropriate? And when not?
Conceptual Mass models should be created if the project is complex or of large scale, to explore design options that may be site specific, communicate with stakeholders in a basic and quick method. But they should be made if we require a simple residential building, need interior renovations, or for small projects that are not complex.
For example, should you create a conceptual mass model of a small house?
We should generally not make conceptual mass model of a small house.
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