Archinect - News

Major uptake in artificial intelligence use across creative industries, Autodesk survey finds

2024-04-10T11:53:00-04:00

Autodesk has released a report on the state of digitization and technological adoption across creative industries. The 2024 State of Design & Make Report found that companies see artificial intelligence “as a current tool rather than a futuristic pipe dream.”

The report’s findings were derived from survey results of 5,400 industry companies and figures across architecture, engineering, construction, design, manufacturing, media, and entertainment. Among the findings was a high level of optimism, with 73% of companies believing they were prepared to handle unforeseen economic or geopolitical changes.

76% of professionals said they trust AI in their industry, with application areas including productivity and sustainability. “More than half of companies say they are approaching or have already achieved their goal of incorporating AI,” Autodesk said about the report findings. “While AI adoption is high, we still have a long way to go to maximize AI’s potential.”

Related on Archinect: Au...

Autodesk develops AI-powered embodied carbon tool for early-stage design

2024-04-03T11:39:00-04:00

Autodesk has developed an embodied carbon analysis tool to be integrated into the software maker’s AI-driven Forma application.

Powered by the C.Scale data model developed by U.S.-based architecture firm EHDD, the tool “enables designers to better understand the carbon impacts from primary material choices and building form during site feasibility and massing studies at the beginning of a project planning process,” Autodesk says.

Image credit: Autodesk

The tool allows architects working in Forma to subject their early design concept to an AI-powered analysis that can evaluate design concepts and iterate toward reducing carbon emissions.

Located in the ‘analysis’ tab in the Forma web application, the analysis allows users to define site-wide analytical properties as well as those specific to individual buildings. Parameters that can be specified include building function, structural system, and envelope factors such as cladding and window-to-wall ratio.

Image credit: Autodesk

Accordi...

Autodesk founder John Walker dies aged 74

2024-03-08T14:45:00-05:00

The New York Times is reporting Autodesk founder John Walker to have died on February 2nd at the age of 74.

The technologist and Case Western Reserve University alumnus is credited with the development of AutoCAD, a software tool which revolutionized architectural design and paved the way for the industry to expand considerably in regards to output beginning in the 1990s.

Walker, along with 12 programmers, formed the company with $59,000 in 1982 and served on its board as chairman and president until he stepped away from leadership roles in 1986, penning a memoir of his experiences titled The Autodesk File three years later.

Since then, he lived mostly in Switzerland, working on programming for the company until 1994. Autodesk grew during those years to become one of the world's ten largest software companies. Autodesk, which had to shutter its San Rafael, California, location amidst the recent recession in the tech industry, now has more than twenty offices and reported a total o...

Autodesk launches VR tool for reviewing BIM models with Workshop XR

2023-11-16T19:24:00-05:00

Autodesk has unveiled a virtual reality tool described as an “immersive design review experience for the AEC industry.” Named Autodesk Workshop XR, the tool offers multiple users the ability to explore design models in real-time using Meta virtual headsets, including abilities to flag and update issue items.

“Workshop XR will transform how architects and building engineers plan and review projects,” said Nicolas Fonta, Senior Director & General Manager, XR at Autodesk, in a statement. “Most building projects that go over budget do so because issues are discovered once construction has begun. We’ve heard many customers share the challenges of reviewing designs across dispersed teams.”

Image credit: Autodesk

In the Workshop XR environment, multiple users will be able to track issues, catch errors, and explore working BIM models linked to the Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC). “With automatically connected data from ACC, no-prep model loading, and synced issue tracking, Workshop XR make...

Autodesk unveils Forma, an AI-driven tool for generating and analyzing BIM models

2023-05-08T11:28:00-04:00

Autodesk has unveiled a new software program that integrates automation and artificial intelligence-powered insights. Autodesk Forma is described by the company as an “industry cloud” that will use AI to “simplify the exploration of design concepts, offload repetitive tasks, and help evaluate environmental qualities surrounding a building site, giving architects time to focus on creative solutions.”

Forma’s initially-released capabilities target the early-stage planning and design process, with new features and capabilities to be added on a continual basis. For existing Autodesk subscribers, Forma is included in the Autodesk AEC Collection.

Among Forma’s initial capabilities is contextual modeling, which allows users to set up a 3D BIM model of a project area “within minutes” in Forma by either inputting their own design data or buying data sets for selected geographies. Forma’s automation functions will also allow users to use parametric tools to “quickly develop many design conce...

Autodesk breaks ground on new Technology Engagement Center at Cal State Northridge

2023-04-18T17:00:00-04:00

Autodesk has shared a video of an extended reality (XR) walkthrough animation to coincide with their recent groundbreaking ceremony for the new Autodesk Technology Engagement Center at California State University, Northridge.

The 32,000-square-foot facility will support research labs and other endeavors essential to the College of Engineering and Computer Science while serving as the new home of the Global HSI Equity Innovation Hub, which aims to increase underserved communities’ participation in the STEAM fields over time.

Autodesk CEO Andrew Anagnost was instrumental in organizing a $5 million gift to the institution, which is his alma mater. This gift kicked off the project that is particularly meant to help cement the university’s place in a network of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). As a press release noted, currently, only 8% of all workers in the STEAM fields identify as Hispanic or Latino.

Video courtesy Autdodesk

“In the world of technology, it is common to celebrate...

Autodesk announces layoffs of 250 employees

2023-02-07T15:41:00-05:00

Software company Autodesk is cutting its total global workforce by less than 2 percent, with about 250 workers affected. A spokesperson for the San Francisco-based firm said the layoffs are part of Autodesk’s plans for its 2024 fiscal year, which began this week.

The company maintains it is still hiring for a number of positions in different locations globally. The layoffs come as an increasing number of non-architect AEC professionals are using BIM software in their day-to-day workflows, despite criticism from firms of a lack of “serious development” regarding Autodesk's proprietary software.

The move puts the company squarely in line with Amazon, Meta, and other tech giants whose cutbacks call into question employment prospects of workers. CRN also reported the company’s stock to be down 7% in the last twelve months.

Nordic architects' open letter reignites scorching Autodesk criticism

2022-09-21T15:47:00-04:00

Some of Northern Europe’s leading architecture firms have signed an open letter lamenting the lack of “serious development” laden in Autodesk’s proprietary design software, an aging suite of tools the authors claim is asking usurious prices despite neglecting years of industry-wide complaints.

The letter addressed to Autodesk CEO Andrew Anagnost was written by the Association of Consulting Architects in Norway (AiN), the Association of Finnish Architects’ Offices (ATL), the Association of Architectural Firms in Iceland (SAMARK), and the Danish Association of Architectural Firms — each the largest professional architectural bodies in their respective Nordic home countries and representing more than 14,000 architects combined. Its contents included pointed criticisms of the multi-user license system, the incompatibility and lagging interoperability of Autodesk products to each other and to modern computing systems, and continual price gouging.

Their invective offers an update to a 202...

New study links higher BIM use with client satisfaction

2021-10-22T18:18:00-04:00

A new study published by Dodge Data & Analytics, in partnership with Autodesk, has concluded that stronger BIM use on architectural projects results in higher client satisfaction. The findings, set out in the free Accelerating Digital Transformation Through BIM SmartMarket Report, offers an overview of how architects, engineers, and contractors use BIM and its associated workflows.

The report’s central finding is a “correlation between the depth of engagement with data-driven BIM processes, the intensity of BIM, and the degree to which the benefits of using BIM are experienced.” In other words, the report suggests that the higher the use of BIM on a project, and the more a project team exploits BIM’s various processes and workflows, the higher the reward.

According to the report, these benefits include improved client satisfaction and design qua...

Autodesk announces new features for Construction Cloud, including scheduling tool and Microsoft Teams integration

2021-10-06T14:12:00-04:00

Autodesk has announced a series of new updates to their Autodesk Construction Cloud, a software solution seeking to connect design and construction team members through a single ecosystem. The latest updates are centered on Autodesk Build, a software that focuses on construction management, including quality, safety, and cost control.

Among the new updates in Autodesk Build is a Schedule tool that allows teams to centralize schedule management. Office and construction teams can now share digital schedules in real-time and link documents, sheets, photos, and RFIs into their communications. Schedules can now be viewed in calendar or chart formats, display activity status in real-time, and integrate with the Cost tool to display schedule-related expenses such as material handling and clean-up costs.

Additional updates rolled out to Autodesk Build include sheet sharing across accounts, whereby cu...

Autodesk's new look has the architecture and design community talking

2021-09-12T09:00:00-04:00

A strong visual identity is essential to propelling a company's product, service, and overall brand. However, when it comes to logo designs in architecture, for example, the design's overall look on top of its size, type, and color choice can spark polarizing responses from the community. While not everyone is a trained graphic designer whose expertise and critical analysis of a logo goes beyond the general public, everyone has an opinion on whether a logo satisfies their perspective of the company or goes against what "they" envision.

A while back Archinect conducted a special feature reflecting and reviewing new logos from 10 of the most followed firm profiles on Archinect. During this review, the Archinect team collaborated with Armin Vit, co-founder of the graphic design firm UnderConstruction. Vit, a seasoned graphic designer, and writer lent his knowledge and provided expert analysis on logos from firms like OMA, Snøhetta, BIG, Gensler, and Zaha Hadid Architects, to name a fe...

Autodesk and the Associated General Contractors of America launch media library to boost diversity in the construction industry

2021-06-29T18:16:00-04:00

Autodesk and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) have launched the Construction Diversity Image Library, a joint initiative that aims to increase representation and attract a more diverse AEC workforce.

The library is a collection of photographs, for use by media outlets, featuring diverse individuals in the construction workforce. Photos are of real construction teams on real job sites. The library launched with an established collection of photos provided by several AGC member firms. Autodesk and AGC hope to attract and encourage more organizations across the design and building industry to submit their own workforce photos.

This photo was sourced from the Construction Diversity Image Library. Photo: James Kim Photography + PC Construction in Accokeek, Maryland.

As noted in a press announcement, in 2019 and 2020, the annual workforce survey conducted by the AGC and Autodesk highlighted a growing demand for more talent. Eighty percent of contractors reported that th...

Smithsonian exhibition will allow visitors to build cities together in virtual space

2021-04-29T10:20:00-04:00

The Smithsonian has announced plans for an interactive exhibition inviting visitors to collaborate with AI, and each other, in designing their ideal city. The “FUTURES” exhibition, opening in November 2021, will be among the first to pilot an experimental new way of designing inclusive cities, which the organizers say, “invites the public to bring their creativity and sense of play to co-design better, greener communities in real time, introducing a powerful generative artificial intelligence as their new design partner.”

'Futures that Work' of FUTURES, in the West Hall of the Arts + Industries Building, rendering, Courtesy of Rockwell Group

Hosted by the museum’s historic Arts + Industries Building, FUTURES will feature exhibits that explore human collaboration, and puts forward visions for how people can become more connected and inclusive in everyday life. Designed by architect David Rockwell and his award-winning firm Rockwell Group, the exhibition offers almost 32,000 square fee...

“The market is back” – construction outlook for 2021 published by Autodesk

2021-04-23T11:54:00-04:00

Autodesk has published its 2021 Construction Outlook, aimed at uncovering the evolving state of the industry for the year ahead. As major economies begin to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, the report sets out the risks and opportunities to be addressed by those in design and construction across the United States.

Speaking to Forbes about the report, Autodesk Senior VP and General Manager Jim Lynch struck an optimistic note. “The big takeaway is that the market is back,” he says. Increased bidding activity shows that the sector is emerging from the pandemic quicker than expected, with a 36% year-on-year increase in bidding activity in January 2021 representing an all-time-high for Autodesk’s BuildingConnected platform. 2021 is also expected to see a rebound in construction commencements, with growth expected in commercial, healthcare, and transportation sectors.

The report, available to download for free here, analyses the year ahead through five lenses: growth, health & safet...

July 2020 saw leadership troubles at the AA, exposed corruption with PPP stimulus monies, highlighted struggles for new architecture graduates and Revit blowback

2020-12-24T13:15:00-05:00

By the start of July most of the world was more than three months into the COVID-19 pandemic, far surpassing the original hopes that we would have had it contained enough to return back to schools and workplaces. New architecture graduates were a couple of months into a job search at a time when most firms couldn't even think of hiring new staff. Summer travels plans were abandoned or drastically altered in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus, while many were throwing caution to the wind to regain their freedom. Little did we all know, we were still in the infancy of the pandemic. In the world of architecture, these were the stories that dominated the month of July...

Wa-Di Housing, a tribal transit-oriented development. Looking north towards Colorado Peak (left) and Tetilla Peak (right). Photo Credit: AOS Architects

This Land is Your Land, This Land is My Land—COVID-19’s Impact on Indian Country

For July 4th this year we opted to publish an op-ed by Joseph Kunkel, a citizen o...

Autodesk acquires tech company that uses AI to help architects make design decisions

2020-11-18T18:05:00-05:00

Autodesk, Inc. today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Spacemaker for $240 million net of cash... The acquisition of Spacemaker provides Autodesk with a powerful platform to drive modern, user-centric automation – powered by AI – and accelerate outcome-based design capabilities for architects.

According to Autodesk, the Oslo, Norway-based Spacemaker "uses cloud-based, artificial intelligence (AI), and generative design to help architects, urban designers, and real estate developers make more informed early-stage design decisions faster and enables improved opportunities for sustainability from the start. By evaluating the best options from the outset, Spacemaker helps architects maximize their clients’ long-term property investments."

Autodesk: "We have underinvested in architectural modeling functionality in recent years and are working to make that right"

2020-08-03T15:58:00-04:00

Software developer Autodesk has issued a second response to a previously published open letter from leading architectural practices speaking out about design, development, and cost issues associated with Revit software.

Addressing the lack of product development for the Revit software suite decried by an open letter signed by Zaha Hadid Architects, Grimshaw, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, and others, Amy Bunszel, senior vice president of Design and Creation Products at Autodesk, explains in a blog post that the company commands "finite resources" while also making "investment decisions and trade-offs based on our understanding of customer and industry needs."

Previously on Archinect: "ZHA, Grimshaw, and other large firms pen open letter decrying issues with Revit." Photo: Laurian Ghinitoiu.

Taking responsibility for some the issues raised in the initial open letter, Bunzel adds that "We have underinvested in architectural modeling functionality in recent years and are working to ...

Autodesk responds to Revit criticism

2020-07-30T12:18:00-04:00

Autodesk has issued a public statement following the publication of an open letter signed by a constellation of BIM-forward architecture firms decrying the lack of development and rising costs of using Autodesk Revit.

Earlier this week, firms that include Zaha Hadid Architects, Grimshaw, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, and at least a dozen others published an unprecedented open letter speaking out against the maker of the industry standard BIM software.

In their letter, the firms speak out against the increasingly difficult task of utilizing Revit to pursue design innovation in the face of advancing production and fabrication capabilities while also highlighting the fact that the software's constantly changing fee structure has forced firms that rely on the software to endure additional costs with little added benefit to their work or employees.

Previously on Archinect: ZHA, Grimshaw, and other large firms pen open letter decrying issues with Revit. Photo of Zaha Hadid's ME Dubai...

Autodesk acquires AI construction tech company Pype

2020-07-27T11:23:00-04:00

Autodesk announced last week it has signed an agreement to acquire Pype, a construction software provider of solutions for automating project management workflows. The acquisition will strengthen Autodesk's Construction Cloud, allowing general contractors, subs, and owners to automate tasks such as submittals and closeouts, among many other job related workflows.

"I could not be more optimistic about the future of the building industry," said Andrew Anagnost, CEO of Autodesk in a statement. "Even in challenging times such as those we are currently facing, Autodesk remains focused on making the jobs of people who build easier. Pype’s robust machine learning capabilities will empower Autodesk customers to connect workflows across the building lifecycle in new ways and optimize their businesses for long-term resiliency."

Autodesk offers free commercial use software to help firms transition to remote work

2020-04-24T18:30:00-04:00

In an effort to facilitate the transition toward remote-work setups in response to COVID-19, Autodesk is extending free commercial use software licenses for some of its remote- and team-based products.

Autodesk’s Extended Access Program, which launched in late March and was recently extended through May 31, 2020, offers free commercial use of programs that include BIM 360 Docs, BIM 360 Design, Fusion 360, Fusion Team, AutoCAD Web and Mobile, and Shotgun.

Previously on Archinect: “How CO Architects Transitioned a 110+ Team to Work From Home.” Image courtesy of CO Architects. Before COVID-19. Photo by Nils Timm.

Andrew Anagnost, Autodesk’s President and CEO, explains in an update posted to the company’s website: “Let me be clear: we’re not introducing this program to convert customers into paying users. Our goal, instead, is to get a program up and running as quickly as possible to provide customers increased flexibility in what’s become a challenging work environment.”

The process f...

Explore collaboration, BIM & smart building technology at Microsol Resources’ TECH Perspectives in Seattle

2020-01-15T18:45:00-05:00

This post is brought to you by Microsol Resources

Microsol Resources, an Autodesk Platinum Partner and a premier provider of technology solutions to the building industry, will host its TECH Perspectives conference at the Seattle Art Museum on February 11, 2020.

TECH Perspectives is Microsol Resources’ technology and innovation conference that brings together thought leaders at the forefront of building innovation to discuss new and existing technologies that are reshaping the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. TECH Perspectives conferences are held in New York,Boston, Philadelphia, and this year for the first time in Seattle. With two keynote presentations and two exciting industry panel sessions, each TECH Perspectives conference enables the building community to benefit from lessons learned by industry professionals. For more information and to register, please go to www.techperspectives.com.

The opening keynote address will be delivered by Maria Mackey, R...

Sharpen your Autodesk CAD and BIM skills with Microsol Resources and CADLearning by 4D Technologies

2019-11-07T08:00:00-05:00

This post is brought to you by Microsol Resources

Microsol Resources Corporation—a recognized leader in building information modeling (BIM) technology solutions, as well as a leading Autodesk Platinum Partner serving the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industries—announces its most recent technology partnership with CADLearning by 4D Technologies, an Autodesk Authorized Publisher and a premier learning portal for all things Autodesk.

CAD and BIM users and administrators can manage talent, knowledge, and competencies in one easy-to-navigate interface.

CADLearning provides the most comprehensive library of Autodesk learning content for over 40 products, including AutoCAD, Revit, and Civil 3D. CAD and BIM users and administrators can manage talent, knowledge, and competencies in one easy-to-navigate interface. CADLearning helps firms identify and fill skills and knowledge gaps, improve performance, and save time and resources by providing product support to maximize ...

Explore BIM workflow and visualization tools at Microsol Resources' TECH Perspectives seminar in Boston

2019-09-19T09:00:00-04:00

This post is brought to you by Microsol Resources

Technology is transforming the way that buildings and infrastructure are designed, constructed and operated. It is helping improve decision making and performance across the buildings and infrastructure lifecycle.

Join us at TECH Perspectives on September 26, 2019 in Boston where we will discuss and showcase the most exciting technologies driving significant change in the design and construction industry.

Taking place at 9 OFS, a conference center located on the open-air terrace on the 9th Floor of One Federal Street in Boston’s Financial District on Thursday, September 26, 2019, Microsol Resources will host a half day program of architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industry thought leaders.

“Technology is changing how designers and builders collaborate more effectively throughout the project lifecycle,” said Emilio Krausz, President of Microsol Resources. “TECH Perspectives will share the newest innovations shaping our ...

Projected statistics on building for massive urban density in 2050

2018-08-27T13:28:00-04:00

If you live or work in a city, then you probably see the impact of growing urbanization every day—gridlock traffic, construction cranes peppering the skyline, soaring housing costs. Sure, these are major challenges and annoyances for city dwellers, but they also represent a huge opportunity for the global architecture, engineering, and construction industry: one that requires building the future for a 10-billion-person planet.

According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 68% of the world population are projected to live in urban areas by 2050. Autodesk explores the implications for architectural growth in this timeframe with market research firm Statista. Take a look at the projected statistics on building for this massive upcoming urban density.

Escape the most common design inefficiency traps

2017-12-04T09:00:00-05:00

This post is brought to you by Autodesk

Pave the way to project success

The AEC industry is changing. Technology is opening up new opportunities, but for a lot of firms, increased productivity seems just out of reach.

But when you start to upgrade to a smarter way of working, you can easily break out of the inefficiency trap - sharing information more quickly, helping your clients understand your models better, cutting costs, and more.

Interested in delving a little deeper? Then read our eBook and discover a more efficient, competitive way of working.

Scan-to-BIM Starts with Reality Capture

2017-11-13T13:05:00-05:00

This post is brought to you by Autodesk Reality Capture

Unless you’re designing a new building that’s slated for construction in the middle of a flat and empty landscape, context matters.

Whether it’s a renovation, an addition, or new construction, the as-is geometry of adjacent buildings, nearby structures, and the surrounding terrain is critical for the design process. But conventional as-built drawings are notoriously unreliable, prompting expensive surveys and time-consuming manual measurements.

However, new technology is quickly changing this situation. Laser scanning and photogrammetry solutions enable the digital capture of spatial information for integration into building design processes. Reality capture technology is not new, in fact, laser scanning originated in the early 1960s. But historically, the technology has been very expensive, data-intensive, and difficult to use.

In the last several years, the cost of capture technologies dropped significantly while ease of us...

Designing Together in the Cloud: How architects and engineers use cloud collaboration to increase productivity

2017-02-13T09:00:00-05:00

This post is brought to you by BIM 360 Team

Your latest building design project is moving forward quickly. But you discovered a small hitch yesterday: the MEP engineers referred to an old version of the structural model while modifying the duct work. Luckily, the team spotted and resolved the issue before it created serious problems or caused more than a couple hours of rework. Not a big deal, but it could have led to the kind of design error that 21% of architects consider to be a top cause of uncertainty and potential issues on projects. Working in the cloud delivers the power to prevent those kinds of errors.

According to the Construction Industry Council, cloud computing is on track to become the leading way firms store and share design models. That’s because when design teams work in the cloud, they get anytime, anywhere access to the latest design information. They can also quickly review any up-to-date changes without even opening the latest version of the model in their Build...

Carl Bass, CEO of Autodesk, on why computers are superior to human designers

2017-01-23T12:19:00-05:00

Essentially people, all of us when we go to design something we often go out and do it and will make one or we’ll have three designs and…then we run out of time or money or patience and we say good enough. The computer doesn’t get bored in that same way. It doesn’t run out of time so you can literally test millions of versions and get a much better answer. So really what we are doing is automating the building of these prototypes.

Efficiency-enhancing drones could dramatically reduce construction costs

2016-09-27T13:32:00-04:00

According to this Fortune article, it's estimated that the construction industry wastes billions of dollars annually in poorly organized and distributed materials, a practice that could be eliminated with omnipresent flying drones. The trick is to create software that can process what the drones see on each construction site into data that humans can quickly comprehend and efficiently implement. Autodesk is investing in developing software and hardware that can convey this information, which may dramatically cut construction costs (and perhaps make architects rethink how they bill for projects).

For more on drones:

Editor's Picks #385

2014-09-18T17:50:00-04:00

The latest entry in the Showcase: series featured Barkow Leibinger 's Stadthaus M1, located in the "sustainable model district" of Vauban in the already so-called "green city" of Freiburg.

Plus, Nicholas Korody looked at Factory Berlin, a "start-up campus" hosted by Google, built on a site where "a section of the Berlin Wall...once housed a German Democratic Republic (GDR) watchpost". Chris Teeter recommended "if you want to keep the political going in your architecture crit, you could probably look at what I have considered the 3 downtowns of Berlin; look at them historically maybe - Kuferstendamm (west), Alexander Platz (east), and Potsdamer Plat (unified)".

News
Mildred Friedman, a curator at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis in the 1970s and ’80s who helped both the museum and the contemporary design and architecture it celebrated become objects of international acclaim, died on Sept. 3 in Manhattan. She was 85.

Until October 31, the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation is...