What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?
Just like how I would start a painting, it helps to get the bigger forms down onto the canvas (or revit, in this case) and gradually get more and more granular. With this method, I'm able to get a basic idea down without having to get distracted by the details.
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?
I don't think so. For example, in the smaller vacation house project I think it was very appropriate to start off a house with simple lines and worked my way up (bottom-up approach). I think smaller projects don't necessarily need to be blocked in by larger forms because it's important to think about the details from the beginning of such a small space.
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