FormIt architectural modeling software connects 3 elements of the design process that are relevant to every project: contextual information, building performance simulation, and parametric modification. Learning to connect these pieces quickly and efficiently in the architectural, 3D sketch-style environment of FormIt enables quick iteration opening new modes of design thinking. This session will illustrate a process that we're teaching architecture design students: first, how to quickly build design context (both from data acquisition sites and the creation of custom models) of buildings and topography; second, how to develop predesign simulations to inform decisions and create a baseline for building performance; and, finally, how to develop formal strategies by using parametric processes with Dynamo software connecting design ideas and simulation data. In closing, the session will cover predesign visualization beyond FormIt, pushing the file to prototyping and virtual reality.

Where do you start design? The best tool for a designer is the pencil, and every design begins with a sketch. We have several experienced designers who have embraced the digital pencil for a project-centered workflow. In this class, we will go through a process to convert surfaces to BIM (Building Information Modeling) using FormIt, and bring the results into Revit software. We will explore how to overcome the challenges of surface geometry interoperability using Dynamo. We will explore the Dynamo Script to convert surface geometry with no design intelligence or data to native Revit elements, and use Dynamo Player to help our designers iterate through changes in a model. Lastly, we will use the parameters to flex through numerous iterations on the web with Project Fractal. We will evaluate the pros and cons of automation versus starting a model from scratch in Revit. The process lets us reduce rework, helping improve efficiency in the early stages of design.

In the real world, a single program just can’t do it all when it comes to sketching, massing models, final design, animation, and rendering of architectural models. This class will discuss the workflow for using multiple Autodesk products in a production environment. Discover the ins and outs of this workflow, starting with an AutoCAD sketch, going to a FormIt massing model, and on to Revit software for final design—then using 3ds Max 2019 software and Arnold to render the final animation. Learn methods for creating models in FormIt and discover how it affects working with Revit downstream. Review the Revit-to-3ds Max linking process and how to render photo-quality images. Use Physical Materials and the Sun Positioner to simulate outdoor lighting. Learn photographic techniques and composition to create compelling images. Utilize the Physical Camera controls to adjust scene exposure and depth of field. Get ahead of the competition by learning how to create your renderings using photographic composition in a streamlined workflow.

In a crowded integration space and with only so many hours in the day, how do you choose which advanced enhancement to tackle for the highest and best use of Revit? We will look at the value added to the design process by focused learning related to BIM 360 vs. Dynamo vs. Forge vs. FormIt vs. Project Fractal. Our experts and thought leaders in each arena will focus on this discussion through the lenses of workflow efficiency, data loss, collaboration and integration into today’s workspace. Which integration will reign as champion in 2018?

Understanding building data and its application to design thinking requires seeing beyond analytical information. Placing simulation data—the analytics—requires placing the data within a context capable of informing designers, building collaboration with the design team, and educating project stakeholders. Capitalizing on virtual reality (VR) to visualize energy use, daylighting, solar radiation, wind, and relevant design options lets decisions be made with context and an understanding of cause and effect. This class will establish a strategic and replicable workflow methodology to build relevant building simulations (energy, sun, wind) in the design discovery phase, and visualize that data in a VR space with respect to multiple design strategies. Once in VR, the simulation data can then be used to educate the design team, clients, or students to help build an understanding of the role that analytics can play in forming design strategies.

Architects and engineers must increasingly consider building performance during the design process, and Insight offers them a beautiful, intuitive platform with centralized access to its building-energy and environmental-performance data and advanced-analysis engines. Through robust bidirectional BIM (Building Information Modeling) integration, direct access to leading analysis tools, and guidance and recommendations from industry benchmarks such as Architecture 2030 and ASHRAE 90.1, designers can pursue better performance outcomes throughout the building lifecycle. In this session, we will explore Insight through FormIt Pro and Revit software. We will explore the automatic analytical model-creation features, take advantage of cloud computing to consider millions of potential outcomes at once, and share these insights with the team, all in the name of achieving better outcomes continuously and consistently, from early targeting and feasibility all the way through to operation.

See how Autodesk sustainability design tools were used for the Architecture 2030 initiative with Perkins+Will, Johnson Controls, and MasterGraphics.aec. The Perkins+Will case study centers around Director of Research John Haymaker’s "Design Space Construction / Sprout Space" project. Discover how Perkins+Will and MasterGraphics.aec used Dynamo Studio, Fractal, FormIt, Revit software, and Insight to meet design, energy (2030), and view quality requirements. Learn how Johnson Controls’s Clay Nesler (VP of global energy and sustainability) and MasterGraphics.aec used FormIt, Revit, and Insight on the JCI Shanghai HQ project, where they compared the accuracy of their existing process using other competing tools to the Insight workflow. In Mr. Nesler’s words, “this is uncanny”—to see not only how close the results were, but also how few hours were used to generate the schematic design, design development, and construction documents models for the comparison, and that a large ROI was discovered.

Your firm signed up for the 2030 Challenge . . . so now what? In this presentation, BIM and energy specialists from Dekker/Perich/Sabatini will outline how they’ve implemented the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2030 Challenge. In this 90-minute session, we will discuss key considerations, from becoming a 2030 signatory through the software and best practices implemented during reporting. We will then dive into how to investigate model analysis and provide valuable feedback to clients and design teams, including how to lower the predicted energy use intensity (EUI) while targeting the reduction goals set by the 2030 Challenge. We'll also cover the deliverables provided to project teams to ensure confidence in proposed energy-saving tactics. This presentation will provide attendees with the tools needed to not only implement 2030 at their firms, but to also make a difference by reducing their carbon footprint.

Autodesk’s Architecture, Engineering & Construction Collection provides an extraordinary range of capabilities and tools that, when integrated, create incredible insights and make easy work of complex design and project problems. This class will explore the potential and power of digital construction and project management with the AEC Collection. In this class, we will dive into the complex installation of several large tanks in a highly confined facility, utilizing drone technology and reality capture with different software integrations. Some of the software this class will explore is AutoCAD Civil 3D software, Vehicle Tracking, ReCap software, ReCap Photo software, Navisworks software, InfraWorks software, and more. With the integration of all these programs, the project was able to succeed as planned, utilizing found vehicle and building clearances as well as logistical confirmation of the project's ability to succeed. This class will demonstrate the effectiveness of the AEC Collection as well as the virtual design and construction (VDC) methodology.