Module 6 - Points to Ponder

Should all buildings be modeled first using conceptual masses?

I believe that most buildings should first be modeled with conceptual masses to understand what relationship the shape of the building creates within the context of its environment. In smaller scale models, like a house we may not need to do wind or sun analysis as rigorously, but they are still elements to consider as we build new buidlings.

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 James H. Clark Center looks like it was created from a conceptual mass model because the strongest notation of the building are the curves within the overall rectangular exterior. Conceptual mass modeling may have made it easier to analyze what elements like wind and sum might have had on the overall curved interior courtyard.