CADD2

MODULE 4 Conceptual Design using Massing

Benefits of Mass Modeling for

Architectural Concepts
Mass Modeling to Define Shape, Form and Relationship

While the end result of an architectural project is to satisfy the technical and functional
requirements the stakeholders desire of the building project, the fuller objective is to
accommodate human activity through the proper arrangement of spaces and forms.
Mass modeling contributes to the conceptual design process by allowing the architect
to create a design that promotes the endeavors of its occupants while also eliciting an
emotional response in both the interior and exterior environment.

Visualizing distance and volume of absolute space prior to detailing function allows the
engineer or architect to resolve forces of opposition – or structural relationships that are
not in harmony. Designers create masses to explore ideas and manipulate forms until
the conceptual design reaches maturity. A conceptual masses workflow involves
extruding two dimensional elements to create volume, then applying parametric
components (dimensional and geometric restrictrions) and patterned surfaces to
create massed building frames, walls, floors, and roofing.
Revealing Light and Shadows With Mass Modeling

An interested application of mass modeling is to determine how light and

shadow will react on the structure and the surrounding landscape. Shadows
can actually be used constructively, to add depth and form to a
structure. Manipulating shadow, shading, and cast shadows can be used to
add bright and dark contrast, such as the shadow of a cantilever roof on the
facade of a building.

Shadows can also invoke a sense of quiet or awe on a structure. Using shadow
tools, allow for the manipulation of transparency values of masses along with
environmental shadows and shading tools to accurately determine the pattern
of light and dark surfaces for both interior masses and exterior surfaces. Similarly,
structures that are meant to bright and open will benefit from mass modeling
to reveal optimum fenestration and orientation for maximum daylighting
resources.
Modeling Scale and Mass Distribution

Mass modeling has typically been the first tool used by architects and engineers to
determine scale and volume, or mass distribution. Whether through a series of manual
sketches or through the use scale model-making materials, evaluating or expressing the
general volume of a structure and their relationships to one another will establish the
tone for the remainder of the creative and technical design process. In today’s
congested urban landscapes, a two-dimensional figure-ground drawing can be
extruded to depict solids and voids within the landscape to determine building
orientation, foot traffic paths, and view shading from neighboring structures.

Mass distribution and space analysis seeks to translate the architect’s intent into a
three-dimensional context that also reflects the needs of the project owner and future
occupants. Overlapping spaces, abutting spaces, and spaces within spaces will all
contribute to a harmonious mass distribution while reflecting economy of design. Even
complex, multi-level and organic flowing structures are more easily assimilated using
mass modeling software techniques.
Using Mass Modeling for Energy Analysis

Conceptual mass modeling is a useful tool for preliminary analytical energy studies
which is a required component of 3D BIM modeled structures. Once the model has
been completed, pertinent data such as building location, building type and zones,
regional climate, and construction material is input to generate whole building heating
and cooling loads and to compare the performance of alternate building design
strategies. From this mass modeling analysis, changes to the structure’s orientation,
building form, or envelope design can be qualified early in the design process.

A 3D BIM model will require a building performance analysis. A part of determining

building performance includes a thermal model simulation and an energy analysis. It is
important to note that a conceptual mass model for energy analysis is used to guide
design decisions by gaining insight into fenestration, thermal R-values, and alternate
building forms. The resulting performance metrics are used to validate the design, but
does not guarantee performance or compliance achievement.
Abstract Mass Modeling of Organic Forms

Mass modeling can create surfaces from curves and to precisely blend those
surfaces to create volumized mass spaces. Abstract and geometrically
complex mass models can be developed intuitively, similar to how a sculpture
forms a figure from non-structured material, or by formula – which relies on
mathematical rules to influence the form of the structure. Mass studies for these
complex structures can be used to rationalize the buildings geometry and may
also indicate the need for a conceptual structural analysis before making a
final decision to the building structure.
Mass Modeling as a BIM Tool

Architects can use 3D mass modeling as an early-stage feasibility tool from one
platform, as opposed to using several different design applications. It can also
be to flesh out design form and coordination conflicts throughout the entire
project cycle. A mass site analysis affords early visualization of the
environmental and solar impact upon the proposed structure, and an addition
application is the ability to render the model for client presentations and
approval.

The mass model can serve as the starting point for the design layout phase of
the project using the dimensions and arrangements of walls, floors and roof for
elevations, sections, and two-dimensional or 3D detailed documentation by
assigned building elements to the per-conceived surfaces.