What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?
Should all buildings be modeled first using conceptual masses?
It will depend on the complexity and stage of the project. If we are dealing with a big project at an early stage, there might be multiple alternatives and paths to follow, so it is a good idea to use conceptual modeling so we can have an idea of how the project will look like before proceeding in detail. For a smaller project though, for example a small house, it may not be as necessary as we have fewer options, and the amount of work required to model the project is substantially less than the one required for a bigger one.
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?
I would think that most buildings by Santiago Calatrava are most likely created using conceptual models, as he is famous for his innovative and rupturist designs. Some examples would be the Chicago Spire he had designed, or the Turning Torso in Malmo, Sweden.
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