What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?
Some advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses are that it allows for the designer to make changes to a building’s shape early in the process without affecting interior detailed design. Additionally, it is a much faster way of drawing conceptual models by adding voids and extending or pulling faces and angles. Thus, time is saved that can be put into the actual detailed design later or can help deliver a project in a timely manner.
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?
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?
The Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles was likely created by exploring form through conceptual mass models. It is actually one of the inspirations for my TwitBooK HQ design. Many of the buildings that Frank Gehry designed were probably explored using conceptual models.
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