What are the principal advantages of creating a conceptual design model using masses before diving into the detailed design and building element modeling?
Some of the advantages are that we get a pretty quick idea of what we are working with. We get an idea of the size and volume of the building faster than we would without using masses. Another advantage is the ability to run analysis’ on the mass. I used solar studies to figure out which building would be more efficient if it was to have solar power integrated.
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?
No I don’t think all buildings should be modeled using masses. But I do think all relatively large buildings should be modeled first using conceptual masses. Buildings such as homes or smaller scale projects don’t need the things that a larger scale project might need.
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