What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?
The biggest advantage to creating with masses before actual design is that you can model more without getting into minute details. I was able to model over 30 floors and get a rough idea of the square footage and all of those details before I ever actually did any detailed designing. Its good for getting a start when you have an idea of what you would like to do.
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?
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 feel like the Burj Khalif in Dubai could have been made using a conceptual mass before it was actually built. I say this because the building has a shape that could be built using the ovals in the forma conceptual massing program, and I think it would make sense to start with a conceptual idea for a tall and gutsy building like that.
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