Modeling software

designsustainable designenergy analysis

Overview
Autodesk Forma Building Design is a cloud-based application for schematic design and early-stage performance analysis. It enables rapid exploration of multiple massing and layout options, live performance testing during design, and the export of geolocated, native BIM geometry for continued development in Revit.

Key benefits

• Focused on schematic exploration: evaluate more design options and shapes before detailed modelling.
• Fast iteration and detailing: quickly create and edit facades, floor plans and unit layouts with automation tools.
• Live integrated analysis: assess sun hours, daylight potential and whole-building carbon impact as you design.
• Optioneering and comparison: generate multiple options and compare performance to select the best direction.
• Smooth Revit handover: export geolocated, native Revit models so design work continues without rework.
• Collaborative reviews: Forma Board provides a linked visual workspace for design review and decision tracking.

Features / What you can do

• Site context: automatically set up site context and geolocation data for faster project setup.
• Design automations: create and modify modular facades, floor plans and unit mixes using automation and area metrics.
• Built-in analysis: run solar, daylight and carbon assessments during schematic development.
• Direct Revit interoperability: export models with site context and families for windows, slabs and walls into Revit.
• Forma Board: capture design options, compare results and document design progression linked to BIM.

Schematic workflows
Add meaningful design detail early in the schematic phase to shape project direction before complex modelling. Use automated tools to rapidly test and refine floor plans, facades and unit mixes while continuously evaluating performance metrics.

Platform & availability
Cloud application intended for architects and design teams working on schematic design projects, particularly larger residential and mixed-use urban developments with repetitive facades or floor plans. Autodesk Forma Building Design is included with Revit subscriptions, the AEC Collection and the Forma for Buildings bundle; a trial is offered for the Forma for Buildings bundle.

Technical specifications

• Type: Cloud-based schematic design and analysis software.
• Primary use case: early-stage design exploration, optioneering and performance testing.
• Key capabilities: design automations (facades, floor plans, unit layouts), integrated solar/daylight/carbon analysis, automatic site context setup, Forma Board for reviews.
• Output / interoperability: geolocated, native Revit models with families for windows, slabs and walls; integration with Revit and the Forma Industry Cloud.
• Target users: architects and design teams on residential and mixed-use urban projects.
• Availability: included with Revit subscriptions, AEC Collection and Forma for Buildings; trial available.