What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?
The conceptual design model allows you to visualize and construct the general outline of the structure quickly and easily. This way you can form the outer shell of a building and get a good idea of the square footage and aesthetic that would result from your idea, without having to go through the detail of placing walls and floors manually. Also, you can make unique and pleasing shapes that can be difficult to do manually.
Should all buildings be modeled first using conceptual masses?
The technique is most appropriate for large, multi-story, unconventionally shaped buildings. It can be used for other purposes too, depending on the application, but a conventional, angular two-story building would be better served by the standard modelling technique.
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