why would massing studies take time to model on the computer? They’re massings. It’s not like you’re detailing the heck outta them. Or are you not comfortable modeling in 3d? but if it’s a quick brainstorming, I do lend more towards sketching since its quick and dirty, hence the name brainstorming.  

thnx tuna, im comfortable using 3d, but i would want something tangible to look at on random times of the day that does not require me to boot the pc... and look at the screen. yup im also sketching . the pt of this question is if it helps to get a lego set or something similar.

not really. they are toys. try using modeling clay if you want something sculptable and reusable.

I prefer duplos when doing quick massing studies of the town that is about to be attacked by the pirate spaceship.

IMO legos are great for doing quick studies of how a smaller mechanical system works - but buildings?  I don't see how they'd be faster than cardboard and masking tape if you're doing physical massing models- plus you're pretty limited by the unit.

I've seen them used before, but I think they are limiting.  I like sketching, modeling on the computer and cardboard/tape.  Cardboard only takes forever if you are being precise about it.  It's not a presentation model though, so it should come together quickly if you are just trying things out.

(Vacant NL,  Rietveld Landscape at the 2010 Venice Biennale)

Blue foam! (or pink)

I'll second the foam. You can get sheets of them from Home Depot / Lowes. Typically in the building material section. It's super easy to manipulate; all you really need is a knife, sandpaper and possibly a few sculpting tools!

Even easier with a hot wire tabletop cutter ($150 for a decent one)

Or a cheese wire cutter, a 9-volt battery and alligator clips if you're a badass.

... thanks guys, imma go for foam ... found this on amazon

$14+ shipping styro cutter

http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Wire-Hobby-Foam-Cutter/dp/B004IA8CK8/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1315886064&sr=8-6

make sure you're in a very well ventilated space when you do it.

yep, toasterover.  We're all probably getting cancer.  It's the price of design ;-)

just kidding.. if you're concerned though, wear a standard nose mask while cutting... always a good $0.99 investment when doing stuff in a workshop that involves resin or fibers.

The foam is great, I've used that a few times for massing models. If you mess it up, it dosent matter, because it so cheap and you usually have a lot left over. The hot wire cutter can be a pani in the ass, but the more you use it, the more you get used to its mannerisms. A table saw works well for cutting the huge sheets down, bandsaws too.

I used to enjoy playing with Jenga blocks, I would try to make skyscrapers out of them and get them as tall as I could. I usually got them up to about 5 ft before I ran out of blocks. I guess I should have been an engineer.