Zoneomics and AutoDesk Partner to Bring Zoning-Responsive Building Envelopes to Forma

Boca Raton, FL, October 4th, 2024, Saad Haider

Zoneomics is thrilled to announce our new software extension with AutoDesk for their AutoDesk Forma platform. This partnership marks the first time Zoneomic's real-time zoning-specific envelope model will be available to users via a third-party schematic design platform. AutoDesk Forma is a cloud software with easy-to-use AI-powered tools for concept design and schematic design.

This new extension will enhance speed and accuracy as Autodesk Forma users leverage Zoneomics to obtain real-time zoning restrictions. Those zoning restrictions are editable within limits and can be utilized to create 3D Building Envelopes within the extension. It’s a purpose-built evolution in project planning and modeling that will save time and reduce user costs as they quickly generate and assess designs against a city’s zoning ordinance standards.

"Autodesk's reputation as a leader in the AEC industry is unmatched, and we're excited to collaborate with a company that continually pushes the boundaries of design and technology," noted Matthew Player, Founder and CEO of Zoneomics. "We are thrilled to partner with Autodesk to integrate our data-driven AI solutions into the Autodesk Forma app, enabling real-time responsiveness to zoning restrictions specific to each property. This powerful combination of data and AI enhances the accuracy and efficiency of generative design, allowing architects and planners to incorporate zoning considerations into their workflows seamlessly."

"The “3D Envelope by Zoneomics” brings a whole new approach to incorporating zoning restrictions directly into the generative design process, significantly enhancing efficiency and accuracy," added Samarvir Singh Bhayana, Product Manager at Autodesk Forma.

A user-friendly 3D Envelope extension:

We’ve ensured that the zoning-responsive 3D Building Envelope is easy and intuitive to use. Getting started involves:

1. Install the 3D Building Envelope within the Forma app.
2. Select a property by searching for an address or by drawing a polygon.
3. View all the relevant Building Controls information in the side panel.
4. Generate a building envelope to conduct your massing feasibility study.
5. Edit the Building Controls data attributes directly in the side panel to visualize live changes.
6. Save Building Envelopes to your account library and revisit projects.

Previously, a typical feasibility study could last up to 3 weeks with numerous edits and some potential roadblocks. Still, with the extension, this can now be performed in a fraction of the time with Zoneomics’ automated data connections and customizable data inputs.

For Zoneomics, this marks a significant step in the company's ability to make its proprietary technology and data accessible to a new set of users within the systems they already use. Autodesk's Forma users will have real-time access to zoning intelligence to accelerate their AI-powered design journeys to generative design.

The 3D Envelope by Zoneomics extension for AutoDesk Forma is currently available to AutoDesk customers for cities in the US and Canada. Additionally, Zoneomics is offering Forma users 50 complimentary credits to get started with the extension.