What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?
One of the advantages is exploring design alternatives. In our case, we had 3 proposals that we ran analysis on to find the one that was best analytically. This allows us to find the best design without having to go very in-depth and need to redo it all.
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?
I think it is mainly needed for large-scale buildings. With a small house, you already know most of the effects that the building will have on the landscape. But, with a large commercial building, more mass will provide more change to the landscape. In addition, large buildings need to be modeled out in a conceptual mass in order to make sure structurally that it would look and work well.
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?
- One World Trade Center: https://www.archdaily.com/795277/one-world-trade-center-som
- CMG Headquarters: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CMG_Headquarters#/media/File:China_Central_Television_Headquarters_2.jpg
- Twisting torso: https://www.archdaily.com/771471/santiago-calatravas-turning-torso-wins-ctbuhs-10-year-award
- Apple campus: https://www.archdaily.com/804970/apple-campus-2-held-to-fantastical-standard-of-detail-new-report-reveals
- Salesforce tower: https://www.archdaily.com/889519/salesforce-tower-pelli-clarke-pelli-architects