Massing

Massing is a term in architecture which refers to the perception of the general shape and form as well as size of a building.[1][2]

For other uses, see Massing (disambiguation).
The Arts Tower in Sheffield, Britain, has a tall, lightweight, cuboid massing.

Massing in architectural theory

Massing refers to the structure in three dimensions (form), not just its outline from a single perspective (shape).[1][3] Massing influences the sense of space which the building encloses, and helps to define both the interior space and the exterior shape of the building.[1] The creation of massing, and changes to it, may be additive (accumulating or repeating masses) or subtractive (creating spaces or voids in a mass by removing parts of it).[4] Massing can also be significantly altered by the materials used for the building's exterior, as transparent, reflective, or layered materials are perceived differently.[1]

It is widely accepted that architectural design begins by studying massing.[5] From a distance, massing, more than any architectural detail, is what creates the most impact on the eye.[6] Architectural details or ornaments may serve to reinforce or minimize massing.[7] Because it has a direct relation to the visual impact a building makes, massing is one of the most important architectural design considerations.[1]

Massing also has an effect on building energy efficiency. A complex shape can present more opportunities for heat loss through the building envelope. Reducing the number of exterior walls, along with a low vertical surface area to floor area ratio (VFAR) decreases heat loss potential. [8]

Some architectural styles are closely associated with massing.[9][10] For example, the Prairie School is always low and horizontal, while the Gothic style emphasizes verticality and Georgian architecture focuses on solidity and a sense of permanence.[9]

References
  1. Jacoby, Sam (2016). Drawing Architecture and the Urban. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley. p. 52. ISBN 9781118879405.
  2. Born, George Walter (2006). Preserving Paradise: The Architectural Heritage and History of the Florida Keys. Charleston, S.C.: History Press. p. 149. ISBN 9781596291522.
  3. Thompson, Arthur (1999). Architectural Design Procedures. New York: Routledge. p. 108. ISBN 9780415502849.
  4. Dietsch, Deborah K. (2002). Architecture for Dummies. New York: Hungry Minds. pp. 30–31. ISBN 9780764553967.
  5. Leyton, Michael (2001). A generative theory of shape. Berlin: Heidelberg Springer. p. 366. ISBN 9783540454885.
  6. Charleson, Andrew (2015). Structure As Architecture: A Source Book for Architects and Structural Engineers. New York: Routledge. p. 14. ISBN 9780415644594.
  7. Glassie, Henry H. (2000). Vernacular Architecture. Philadelphia, Pa.: Material Culture. p. 69. ISBN 9780253213952.
  8. "BC Energy Step Code Design Guide" (PDF). BC Housing. July 2019. p. 15. Retrieved 23 August 2021..
  9. Yatt, Barry D. (1998). Cracking the Codes: An Architect's Guide to Building Regulations. New York: John Wiley. p. 145. ISBN 9780471169673.
  10. Lanier, Gabrielle M.; Herman, Bernard L. (1997). Everyday Architecture of the Mid-Atlantic: Looking at Buildings and Landscapes. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 121. ISBN 9780801853241.
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