What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?
The initial conceptual modeling allows you to see how the building will look in the surrounding space, and how different building shapes will look in the surrounding space. This allows you to design different models quickly and easily and analyze which advantages each design would have, in terms of sunlight, daylight potential, wind, noise, and other environmental impacts. After all this is figured out, more detailed internal design can come later.
Should all buildings be modeled first using conceptual masses?
All buildings do not need to be modeled first using conceptual masses. For example, if there is one building on a relatively empty plot of land, or a building whose design is mass produced or simplistic, modeling conceptually is not necessary. For a small house, the design will likely not entail any large eye-catching details and will not have as much impact on the surrounding environment, so it does not need to be modeled.