What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?
By creating a conceptual design model using masses, a designer can quickly create the general form of the building that they are envisioning. This can help them identify key challenges within the models layout and construction before investing too much time into the project. They can also use this to show clients their general approach to receive feedback in a timely and useful manor. Masses can also allow designers to make more complicated shapes easier than what is present in the general walls tool within Revit.
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?
No, not all buildings should be modeled first using conceptual masses. Conceptual masses are better for large scale intricate buildings. By using the masses, a quick model of the idea for the building can be constructed. This is not ideal for less intricate models because it may be easier to make the building element model right off the bat. The conceptual masses model is good for a quick render but it is not ideal for accurate modeling. When transitioning from masses to actual components, there are often issues with alignment and connection of faces. A small house is better done with building element modeling because it is not very complicated and conceptual massing is not necessary to prove the idea before construction. The element model can be modified fairly quickly for this as well.