At the AIA26 Conference on Architecture and Design in San Diego, Autodesk made one message clear: the future of its architecture, engineering, construction, and operations portfolio revolves around the Forma platform. Rather than highlighting individual applications, the company demonstrated how its expanding cloud ecosystem connects design, simulation, and project management into a unified workflow, reflecting Autodesk’s long-term strategy for integrated building delivery, tells this Architosh article.
The centerpiece of Autodesk’s exhibit was Forma Building Design, a relatively new application that supports schematic building design at Levels of Development (LOD) 200 to 300. During demonstrations, Autodesk showcased parametric façade modeling tools that allow architects to rapidly explore alternative façade configurations while maintaining flexibility for modifications such as grouped façade elements, adjustable openings, and floor-level adjustments. The emphasis was on enabling fast design iteration without sacrificing precision.
A key differentiator of the Forma platform is its continuous cloud data model. Instead of transferring geometry between separate applications, design information remains within a shared cloud environment. This allows architects to move seamlessly from Forma Building Design into Forma Carbon Insights to evaluate the environmental impact of design decisions. Designers can immediately analyze how façade geometry, orientation, and material choices influence energy performance and embodied carbon, helping balance aesthetics with sustainability early in the design process.
Autodesk also demonstrated how these sustainability analyses continue after projects transition into Revit. Because Forma Carbon Insights integrates with Revit models, architects can refine building performance throughout later design stages rather than limiting analysis to conceptual design. This illustrates Autodesk’s broader workflow strategy of linking design directly with simulation, allowing performance feedback to remain available across the project lifecycle.
The exhibit reflected Autodesk’s reorganization of its AEC portfolio into three connected categories: Design, Simulate, and Manage. Products such as Revit, AutoCAD, Forma Site Design, Forma Carbon Insights, Forma Data Management, and Navisworks now operate as components of a broader cloud ecosystem rather than isolated applications.
Overall, Autodesk’s presence at AIA26 highlighted its continued investment in cloud-based collaboration, sustainability analysis, and integrated BIM workflows. By positioning Forma as the foundation of its AEC strategy, the company aims to provide architects with a more connected environment that supports informed design decisions from early concepts through construction and building management.