What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?
Starting with a conceptual massing model before detailed design enables designers to quickly visualize and communicate the overall form and spatial relationships, providing essential flexibility to explore design options. In this way, designers are able to save time by focusing resources on refining core aspects of the design and facilitate the discussion with the clients in terms of providing the “big picture” of the design without going into too much details in case the design plan is not aligned with the client. Consequently, the client is also able to provide productive feedback based on their clear understanding of the concepts from the designers, which ultimately expedite the overall design process for both parties.
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?
In my perspective, not all buildings need to be modeled first using conceptual masses. Even though mass modeling boasts the benefit of reserving room for design options, especially for large and complex projects, it is not the most ideal method for every scenarios. For example, for simple structures (such as an ADU unit) where there are not too many options to choose from structurally and architecturally, it is more efficient to just proceed forward with the detailed modeling as it is an overkill and very limited value of using mass modeling on such simple tasks. However, since there is no defined line between a “simple” and a “complex” structure, therefore, it really depends on the builder to define of level of complexity for that specific project.