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 model using masses allows architects and designers to explore the overall form, scale, and spatial relationships of a building before committing to detailed elements. This approach offers flexibility, making it easier to experiment with and visualize different shapes, proportions, and orientations in relation to the site and environment. Conceptual massing helps in quickly evaluating daylight potential, ventilation, and the impact of shadows on surrounding areas, which are essential factors in sustainable design. Additionally, massing allows stakeholders to understand the general design intent without being overwhelmed by specifics, helping with early decision-making and alignment. By establishing a strong foundation through massing, designers can ensure a smoother transition into detailed modeling.
Should all buildings be modeled first using conceptual masses?
Not all buildings necessarily need to start with conceptual massing. Large, complex projects—such as high-rise buildings, mixed-use developments, or buildings with unique forms—often benefit from a conceptual massing phase, as this provides an opportunity to refine the building’s overall form and relationship with the surrounding environment. However, smaller or simpler projects, like single-family homes or standard low-rise structures, may not require this step, as the form and layout can often be directly established in the detailed design phase. Conceptual massing is particularly valuable when the project involves unusual shapes, innovative design elements, or a significant impact on the surrounding context, allowing for more thorough exploration of the design possibilities before committing to details.
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