Autodesk Forma: London Context by AccuCities

Autodesk Forma® users can now enhance their design process with high quality contextual data from AccuCities, available directly in the Accucities Forma Contextual Data Market Card – giving architects and designers a “flying start” on their projects.

Forma Site Design is an AI-powered cloud software for data-driven planning. It is a browser-based design platform for early-stage design development that gives architects and designers access to automated data and thus can quickly get their projects started.

Forma Site Design allows users to make informed decisions with contextual data and real-time AI analyses for noise, wind, embodied carbon, and more. Users can combine Forma Site Design with other solutions in their tech-stack, such as Autodesk® Revit®, Autodesk Construction Cloud® (soon joining the Forma industry cloud), and more.

AccuCities® LOD2 model of Central London is now available directly in Forma. This medium-detail model is the ideal combination of lightweight and accurate. The model is regularly updated and is routinely used by architects and urban planners working in London. 3D Models purchased via AccuCities’ website can be imported directly into Forma.

The main advantage of ordering Level 2 models in Forma is the speed of delivery. Once users select the area of London surrounding their building site, they can see a preview of the 3D model available. It takes a few short minutes to confirm the selection and start working with the 3D model.

Another advantage is the automatic data conversion of the 3D model to the Revit RVT format. Concepts developed in Forma Site Design using AccuCities 3D models can be refined and transferred into tools like Revit or Autodesk® Civil 3D® to be further developed as a consistent base for BIM workflows.

Direct access to an accurate and detailed 3D London model enables faster and better early-stage decisions. Massing studies derived from Accucities LOD data can be tested in minutes and multiple design options can be compared side by side. Users can conduct climate, daylight, and wind analysis in real context with 25 cm accuracy.

When conducting Design Reviews, the accuracy, detail and recency of the contextual data can greatly influence the results. Autodesk Forma already comes with the option of Free Context 3D models. And for many applications, this is a suitable option. Yet in dense and complex urban environments such as Central London, a managed premium 3D model is almost always necessary to conduct these reviews.

The difference between Free and Premium 3D models goes far beyond cosmetic. For example, for a Pedestrian Wind Comfort study, having at least some contextual 3D model is always advantageous. However, using these two datasets side by side, we can see that the results are much more refined when using the premium AccuCities 3D context model.

This difference in results is most profound along St Mary Axe. For example, around The Gherkin at 30 St Mary Axe the free dataset highlights the area as uncomfortable. Yet using more accurate premium dataset shows us that the area is comfortable even for sitting and strolling – as can be confirmed by thousands of people taking part at the seated events around the building every year.

In Central London, Forma Site Design users can purchase LOD2 models directly from Forma Marketplace. For sites outside of Central London, AccuCities offers delivery in a format and coordinate systems fully compatible with Autodesk Forma. Get a Quote today.

Autodesk, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Autodesk Forma, Civil 3D and Revit are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. AccuCities is a registered trademark of Accucities Ltd., in the United Kingdom and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.