BIMtopia

Module 6 - Points to Ponder

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Module 6 - Points to Ponder
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Please share your comments on 2 of the following Points to Ponder questions. (Choose 2 of the questions below.)

What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?

Creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into detailed design and building element modeling offers several advantages.

  1. First, massing models provide a simplified 3D visual representation of the building's overall form and spatial relationships with the surrounding site and buildings. This allows designers to quickly explore and iterate through various design concepts with different shapes, sizes, and arrangements. In this assignment, I have opted for a circular shape as the core element in my design. This circular form distinguishes itself prominently from the standard rectangular buildings in its vicinity, imparting a dynamic, fluid, and daring character to the design. I verified this idea by checking how my design in Forma was looking from different aerial views.
  2. Massing models help clarify the fundamental design concept, which is essential for conveying the project's vision to clients, stakeholders, and team members. The focus during this stage of the design is on the big picture, and massing models make it easier to communicate the initial design intent.
  3. Massing models are useful for site analysis and site context studies. Architects and designers can study sun and shadow patterns, views, and how the building interacts with neighboring structures, landscapes, and weather conditions. Autodesk Forma offers many types of analyses, four of which (solar energy analysis, sun hours analysis at summer and winter solstice, and daylight potential analysis) I used to make an informed decision on my final design choice. These analyses also aid in the early integration of sustainable design strategies.
  4. Thanks to these analyses, massing models can be used for early feasibility studies, helping to evaluate if the design aligns with project goals, budget constraints, and zoning regulations. It can identify potential challenges and constraints before construction. Resolving design issues at the conceptual stage is often more cost-effective and less time-consuming than making changes in detailed design or during construction!

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?

I have included a list of buildings that most likely began as conceptual mass models. In fact, they represent iconic and complex, groundbreaking architectural designs that seem to have required a thorough exploration of form and spatial relationships during their initial design stages.

  1. The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Spain: designed by architect Frank Gehry
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  2. Sydney Opera House, Australia: designed by Jørn Utzon
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  3. Sagrada Família, Barcelona, Spain: designed by Antoni Gaudí
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  4. Dancing House, Prague, Czech Republic: designed by Frank Gehry
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How would you abstract the essential form of these famous buildings using conceptual mass elements that you can create in Revit?

  1. One World Trade Center: https://www.archdaily.com/795277/one-world-trade-center-som
  2. CMG Headquarters: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CMG_Headquarters#/media/File:China_Central_Television_Headquarters_2.jpg
  3. Twisting torso: https://www.archdaily.com/771471/santiago-calatravas-turning-torso-wins-ctbuhs-10-year-award
  4. Apple campus: https://www.archdaily.com/804970/apple-campus-2-held-to-fantastical-standard-of-detail-new-report-reveals
  5. Salesforce tower: https://www.archdaily.com/889519/salesforce-tower-pelli-clarke-pelli-architects