Conceptual designs are early stage solutions to design problems that define the basic parameters of the project. Typically light on detail so that key stakeholders can easily grasp the core concept, this early design phase allows designers to explore fresh ideas and often helps determine project feasibility.

In any industry, conceptual designs are key to communicating a design strategy and gathering initial feedback. Addressing the conceptual design needs of architecture, engineering and construction professionals, Autodesk is announcing two new technologies at AIA 2013 in Denver, CO that further the evolution of our Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools for conceptual design.

• Autodesk FormIt 4.0:
  • With a seamless workflow to Autodesk Revit, FormIt is a mobile app available worldwide and has been downloaded in more than 108 countries since its debut in November 2012; the latest version supports fast, fluid model creation and presentations on the iPad.
• Dynamo:
  • Dynamo is an open-source, visual programming device for BIM that extends and enhances the capabilities of Autodesk Revit and Vasari for computational design. Dynamo provides designers with a flexible platform to easily create parametric geometry and flex it via rules and logic. This approach allows them to test numerous concepts quickly, and use analysis tools to optimize designs.

Autodesk FormIt

Dynamo

FormIt and Dynamo uniquely support a BIM workflow at the earliest stages of design. Their connection with Revit reduces inefficiencies between the conceptual and production stages of design by maintaining a seamless workflow and integrity of data between applications. This connection to Revit also allows designers to access to richer analysis tools and insight from an intelligent building information model earlier in the process, helping to add more value to the conceptual stage.

“Our designers use a variety of tools in the early stages of design. Dynamo is a promising new tool because it lowers the barrier to entry to create complex designs within the Revit environment,” says Sean Burke, LEED® AP, Associate/Design Technology Manager at NBBJ. “Autodesk’s tools simplify the process of going from concept to production by allowing designers to work with tools that are deeply
integrated.”

“The AEC industry has widely embraced BIM for detailed design, documentation and construction. Conceptual design is now the stage in the design process that stands to benefit most from BIM technologies,” said Amar Hanspal, Autodesk senior vice president of information modeling products. “The release of FormIt 4.0 and Dynamo demonstrate Autodesk’s ongoing commitment to providing BIM-based conceptual design tools that are intuitive, flexible and connected, and that supports idea generation across multiple platforms.”

By taking a holistic approach to conceptual design, Autodesk software empowers architects to capture ideas anywhere, test those ideas quickly, and integrate them into the larger design process with ease. With today’s announcement, Autodesk now provides support for architects to explore BIM-based conceptual design across every digital medium – mobile, web, and desktop applications. Visit Autodesk Booth #3713 at AIA or www.autodesk.com/aia2013 to learn more.