What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?
Using masses allows for a focus on the geometry and structural form of the design concept prior to the detailed design that starts in the later design stages.
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?
Conceptual masses are necessary with complicated geometries that cannot be modeled easily with basic drawing tools. Thus, a small house doesn't require a conceptual mass.
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.
The Gherkin:
John Hancock Center:
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
Extruded rotated rectangular floors with reducing floor area at the above levels.
- CMG Headquarters: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CMG_Headquarters#/media/File:China_Central_Television_Headquarters_2.jpg
A void mass floor section joined with a solid floor mass.
- Twisting torso: https://www.archdaily.com/771471/santiago-calatravas-turning-torso-wins-ctbuhs-10-year-award
Rotated floors with increasing floor area up the levels.
- Apple campus: https://www.archdaily.com/804970/apple-campus-2-held-to-fantastical-standard-of-detail-new-report-reveals
A revolution of floors at an axis with a joined void.
Decreasing, trimmed corner floor areas up the levels.