Measures of Architectural Mass: From Vague Impressions to Definite Design Features

Architectural mass is widely discussed and regulated but there have been few experimental studies on just which design features influence impressions of architectural mass. I investigated the effect of four design features (visual area, partitioning, fenestration, and facade articulation) on comparative choices made on the basis of the criterion of mass. Results suggest a large effect for visual area, a moderate effect for fenestration, and very small effects for facade articulation and partitioning.