Designing a conceptual model based on the primary shapes composing it’s figure is much more effective than designing a model with ample intricate detail, especially for large spaces such as this one. This method provides the designer and client with much more flexibility during the design process, making it far less complicated to make changes. At any point in the creative process, one could easily remove or add a level, or even expand the size of the structure without causing much damage to the internal aspects. Also, it ensures all elements remain consistent at each level, which makes designing a large space much more feasible, efficient, and simple.

When is it needed/appropriate? And when not?

For example, should you create a conceptual mass model of a small house?

Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Bilbao is a prime example of a structure that was most likely designed through the use of conceptual masses due to it’s organic shape.