Autodesk Forma is a cloud-based planning and early-stage design platform that supports architects, engineers, urban planners and developers in creating more sustainable and data-driven projects. The platform combines AI-assisted design generation with real-time environmental analyses, including solar radiation, daylight, wind, noise, microclimate, operational carbon, embodied carbon, mobility and site context. It enables users to evaluate multiple design alternatives before detailed BIM modelling, improving decision-making during the conceptual phase. Autodesk Forma integrates seamlessly with Autodesk Revit and the Autodesk Construction Cloud, creating a continuous digital workflow from conceptual planning to detailed design and Building Information Modelling (BIM). Within the EXCEL4Housing4.0 project, Autodesk Forma directly supports the objectives of the Digital Transition pillar by promoting digital planning, sustainable design, energy-efficient decision making and the adoption of innovative digital tools for education and professional training in the construction sector.
Keywords
Main theme addressed by the tool
Digitalization; Energy Efficiency
Objectives
To support architects, engineers, planners and students in evaluating design alternatives during the conceptual phase by integrating environmental analyses, sustainability indicators and AI-assisted decision support. The tool aims to improve project quality, reduce environmental impacts, optimise building performance and facilitate the transition towards digital and sustainable construction workflows.
Target audience
Architects, civil engineers, urban planners, BIM specialists, sustainability consultants, students, VET learners, higher education institutions, researchers and public authorities involved in planning and urban development.
Benefits
Rapid evaluation of multiple design alternatives, AI-assisted conceptual design, Integrated solar, daylight, wind and microclimate analyses, Operational and embodied carbon assessment, Better sustainability decisions during early design stages, Reduced project risks and design iterations, Seamless integration with Autodesk Revit and BIM workflows, Cloud collaboration among multidisciplinary teams.
Data requirements
Site location or GIS coordinates; terrain and site boundaries; surrounding buildings (optional); basic building geometry or massing; climate data (automatically available for most locations); project parameters such as floor area, height limits, land use, and design constraints.
Learning Profiles addressed
- BIM for Energy & Lifecycle Specialist
- Circular Construction & Resource Recovery Specialist
- Deep Retrofit Site Coordinator
- Digital Construction Monitoring Specialist
- Energy Renovation & Performance Specialist
- Green Construction Strategy Leader
- HVAC & Renewable Integration Specialist
- Lifecycle Carbon & Climate Compliance Specialist
- Smart Building Systems Integrator
- Sustainable Construction Project Manager
Examples of application
How to use the tool – Tutorials
Learning materials
Autodesk University courses: https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university ; Autodesk Forma Learning Hub and official documentation.
Language
English (primary), French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese and several other languages supported through Autodesk products and regional settings.
Cost
Commercial (subscription). Free educational licences are available for eligible students, educators and academic institutions through Autodesk Education.
Other information
Integration with Autodesk Revit, Autodesk Docs and Autodesk Construction Cloud; supports IFC-based BIM workflows and collaborative cloud environments.
