Introduction:
Autodesk FORMA is a cloud-based generative design tool developed by Autodesk for architects, urban planners, and site designers. It enables fast exploration of early-stage building and site layouts based on real-world constraints such as zoning regulations, topography, solar access, and sustainability goals.
Designed to streamline the conceptual design phase, FORMA allows users to generate and compare multiple design options in minutes—helping teams make informed decisions faster. With intuitive tools for massing, zoning, and environmental analysis, it integrates seamlessly with other Autodesk products like AutoCAD and Revit.
Key Features:
Generative Design: Quickly create and evaluate multiple site and building configurations. Zoning & Constraints: Apply height limits, setbacks, Floor Area Ratio (FAR), and land use types. Site Analysis Tools: Analyse solar exposure, wind flow, and daylight access. Cloud Collaboration: Work with team members in real time and share feedback. Export Options: Export designs to AutoCAD, Revit, or common 3D formats. Ideal For:
Sustainability consultants AutoCAD FORMA bridges the gap between initial site planning and detailed design, empowering users to optimise form, function, and performance.
Accessing Forma
This webcast is focusing on how to access and navigate the platform. It guides viewers through logging into an Autodesk account, locating AutoCAD FORMA under the Products and Services section on Autodesk’s website, and exploring the main interface of the software. Additionally, it touches on how to get started with FORMA, review sample projects, and utilize the Help section for further learning
Grabbing the Site
A step-by-step walkthrough of creating a new project in FORMA , including how to set up the site location, import data layers (like buildings and terrain), and configure the display settings for better visualisation. The speaker explains that folders cannot be created yet in the system and emphasises navigating the map interface to locate a specific project area — in this case, Georgetown. The user selects a location, zooms in or out depending on the study area size, and confirms the correct coordinates. They switch to satellite mode for a more detailed view of the site and begin importing basic geographic data, such as OpenStreetMap buildings and terrain models from the built-in library.
FORMA Interface
A step-by-step walkthrough of the FORMA interface , focusing on the layout, tools, and basic navigation . It is likely part of a tutorial series aimed at helping users become familiar with the software's environment and functionality.
Editing Parking and Creating Constraint Block
Road and Building Mass
Editing the Mass
Proposal 2
Sun Hour Analysis: Proposal 1
Sun Hour Analysis: Proposal 2
Comparison of Analysis
Micro Climate Analysis