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Autodesk Forma

AI-powered generative design for early-stage architecture

Cloud-based AI platform for architects and urban planners that generates and optimizes multiple site design options. Analyzes environmental factors, zoning constraints, and performance metrics to guide early-stage design decisions.

$240M acquisition (Spacemaker) raised 🏢 Established
Founded 2016 • Scott Shields Architects, Drees & Sommer, Stantec, RSP, and other AEC firms
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Why This Tool Exists

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The Problem

Architects and urban planners waste 40+ hours on early-stage design studies, manually analyzing site constraints, environmental factors, and zoning requirements to explore limited design options. Traditional workflows prevent comprehensive exploration of design alternatives within project timelines.

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The Solution

AI-powered generative design platform analyzes geospatial data (terrain, wind, lighting, zoning) to automatically generate and optimize multiple site design options. Integrated environmental analysis (daylight, solar, wind, embodied carbon) provides real-time performance feedback to guide design decisions.

How You Use It

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Delivery Method

SaaS API
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Integrations

Revit Autodesk Docs Autodesk Construction Cloud FormIt Archicad SketchUp Rhino
Disciplines
Architecture, Civil Engineering, Owner/Developer
Project Phases
Pre-Design, Schematic Design
Project Types
Commercial, Residential, Mixed-Use, Infrastructure

Data Transparency

Exactly what this tool uses and how

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Input

What it needs

Required: Site geometry, Zoning parameters, Project requirements
Optional: BIM models, Environmental data, Project schedules
Formats: IFC, OBJ, DXF, JSON, GEOJSON, GML, Shapefile, JPG, PNG
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Output

What you get

Format: Interactive 3D models with performance analysis
Fields: Site layouts, Environmental metrics, Performance scores, Design variants, Export data
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Algorithm

How it works

Model: Proprietary AI with machine learning analysis (formerly Spacemaker technology)
Accuracy: Claims 10x faster design exploration (methodology not disclosed)
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Privacy

How your data is protected

Retention: Autodesk standard retention policies (project-based)
Training: Data may be used for AI model improvement (opt-out available for enterprise)
Compliance: SOC 2 Type 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework, Standard Contractual Clauses
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API

Integration

Endpoint: https://aps.autodesk.com/en/docs/forma/v1/
Method: REST API with GraphQL (Forma API in public beta)
✓ Webhook support available

Use Cases

  • • Early-stage site design optimization
  • • Environmental performance analysis for LEED compliance
  • • Zoning compliance and setback verification
  • • Massing studies with real-time feedback
  • • Solar and wind analysis for sustainable design

Pricing

Free
30-day free trial available
Pro
$185/month or $1,445 annually
Enterprise
Included in AEC Collection ($430/month)
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📚 Research Sources & Data Quality Last verified: 2026-02-01
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Verified Data (12)
problem, solution, deliveryMethod, integrations, pricing, api, privacy, compliance, fundingTotal, yearFounded, customerBase, algorithm-approach
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Not Found (4)
specific-accuracy-metrics, detailed-ml-model-specifications, enterprise-pricing-details, data-retention-timeframes
Our Commitment: We only include verified data from official sources. If information isn't publicly available, we mark it as "Not publicly specified" rather than guessing.

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