Module 6 - Points to Ponder

What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?

It allows designers to make multiple renditions of similar designs…later we will learn how these can be helpful for understanding the sustainability perspective for specific building designs.

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?

Maybe not for a small house, but for larger buildings it definitely saves lots of time to communicate general design choices for the client.

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?

1. One World Trade Center: https://www.archdaily.com/795277/one-world-trade-center-som
2. CMG Headquarters: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CMG_Headquarters#/media/File:China_Central_Television_Headquarters_2.jpg
3. Twisting torso: https://www.archdaily.com/771471/santiago-calatravas-turning-torso-wins-ctbuhs-10-year-award
4. Apple campus: https://www.archdaily.com/804970/apple-campus-2-held-to-fantastical-standard-of-detail-new-report-reveals
5. Salesforce tower: https://www.archdaily.com/889519/salesforce-tower-pelli-clarke-pelli-architects