Module 6 - Points to Ponder

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Please share your comments on 2 of the following Points to Ponder questions. (Choose 2 of the questions below.)

No, not all buildings should be modeled first using conceptual masses. For example, one should not create a conceptual mass model for a small house as models of this size can be created fairly quickly and assessed in the fully modeling state. The use of conceptual mass modeling should be reserved for design projects located in complex environments or in dense urban spaces, or for projects involve expansive or tall proposals. For such projects, a given design will have a significant impact on the conditions in both the local and broader site contexts, whether it be local climate conditions, wind flow patterns, sunlight and shadowing, etc. As such, conceptual modeling would help designers test out the impact and feasibility of broad/preliminary ideas and concepts relatively quickly without having to invest significant time into modeling every specific detail for a design which turn out to be incompatible with the site or even detrimental to local conditions.

Please post and share images of these examples to this Notion page.

Buildings such as Antwerp’s Port House, or recent additions to the New York skyline such as 30 Hudson yards and One Vanderbilt were most likely created by first exploring the forms using conceptual mass models.

Antwerp Port House

30 Hudson Yards

One Vanderbilt