What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?
Conceptual design stays at the conceptual level and is carried out in response to a certain point of view or problem and does not have a design that must be realized. Conceptualization is the first step of architectural design. And it can recognize many solutions. Through the conceptual design, clients and engineers can objectively and clearly understand and analyze the various properties of the building structure and the overall performance of the building, so as to choose a low-cost and effective solution.
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?
(1) No. (2) High-rise buildings, buildings with complex structures, buildings with difficult construction, etc. (3) Small houses, simple structures. (4) No. For small houses, such as two-story villas, we can use the modeling time to build a more specific and accurate model and provide it to clients and engineers.
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