Submitted For
Module 6 - Points to Ponder
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?
The above is the UAE Pavilion by Santiago Calatrava. His studio explicitly talks about using a ‘conceptual framework’ in designing this building.
What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?
From a design perspective, it allows the designer more freedom to consider the structure as a sculptural whole and is generally less constraining. Using masses can also allow one to define the interior space/levels by the exterior shell in an efficient manner (especially for large corporate/civic projects).