Massing models and feasibility studies in early real estate development: Montenegro case

Original article: www.image.org.in/post/massing-models-feasibility-studies-in-early-real-estate-development-montenegro-case-study (11 June 2026)

By Ivan Moiseenko, our collaborator. Retelling of the original article published on 11 June 2026.

Why massing models matter

In RIBA stages 0, 1 and 2, until the concept design is approved and completed, massing models are a powerful and necessary tool. They give a qualitative interpretation of the quantitative and economic data and of the prerequisites set by the client and the other real estate development stakeholders.

The project

Together with Anton Medennikov, IMAGE recently developed the feasibility studies and massing modelling stage for a rental apartment and mixed-use complex in Montenegro. This was the first step towards the pre-concept design stage: to test different hypotheses and unit economics, to check the financial model and feasibility, and to arrive at the most balanced scenario across the financial, architectural, spatial, customer-journey and other components of a successful real estate venture.

The method: CRD and Spatial Project Programme

The project follows the RIBA roadmap, so the feasibility stage took on some of its attributes. The first step was a Client Requirements Document (CRD) that combines and summarises the weights and interests of all stakeholders.

On this basis a Spatial Project Programme (SPP) was issued, built on the plot's floor-area ratio and other limitations together with the qualitative and quantitative parameters from the CRD. Both documents are essential prerequisites for efficient feasibility studies and massing modelling, and for testing and controlling the economic, spatial and architectural components of the project.

Two scenarios

Because construction methods are not defined at this RIBA stage, two scenarios of the Spatial Project Programme were tested: a classical development programme, and a DfMA programme suitable for both prefab and modular development. The two options keep the project flexible in later RIBA stages and allow a mixed scenario in which traditional and off-site methods together produce an effective project programme.

Generative and AI design tools were partly used as well: 20 options were developed with partial assistance from Autodesk Forma and Snaptrude, an AI-powered concept design tool, to speed up the discussion between stakeholders in the early development cycle.

The lesson

The final option has not been selected yet. The main lesson of this exercise is that proper homework and preparation, the CRD and SPP documents together with an iterative, step-by-step design logic, are an essential part of successful project development and realisation.