What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?
The advantages of creating a conceptual design are being able to compare and contrast large building structures where the shape of the building is crucial to safety and the environment around it. The geometric features play a very important role in building tall building because of saftey as well as something as simple as the way the sun shines on it. A lot of things come into play when building a big skyscraper. This makes features such as forma very useful to help start the building process the right way. When building something really expensive you also want to make sure the job is done right the first time!
Should all buildings be modeled first using conceptual masses?
The need for conceptual mass depends on the building. if you are building a tiny home in the middle of a dessert the geometric shape will most likely not play a huge role in the building process. However when building a skyscraper in a dense city it is important to refine the geometric shape. This is because the skyscraper will affected a lot more people in the city than a tiny home will and it is important to build it right.