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 design with massing offers a streamlined way to explore a building’s overall shape, volume, and relationship with its surroundings before committing to detailed elements. This approach enables designers to evaluate key aspects like sunlight exposure, airflow, and shadow impact, which are crucial for both aesthetic and environmental considerations. Conceptual massing allows for flexible experimentation, making it easier to adjust forms and assess spatial relationships early on. Additionally, it provides a clear, high-level visualization of the project that’s accessible to clients and stakeholders, supporting alignment on design intent from the start.
Should all buildings be modeled first using conceptual masses?
Not all buildings require conceptual massing. For larger, complex projects like high-rises, commercial centers, or structures with unique forms, massing is valuable for testing design options and understanding how the building will integrate with its surroundings. However, for smaller, simpler structures, such as single-family homes or straightforward low-rise buildings, directly starting with detailed modeling may be more efficient.
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