Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Autodesk FormIt

A new iPad app was announced by Autodesk at AU this week. This time, it’s a conceptual design application called FormIt. The app reminds me of SketchUp in that you can edit forms through direct manipulation and by sketching lines to divide surfaces, thus creating new extrusions. This interaction feels pretty fluid and intuitive. I was up and running with some conceptual forms within minutes.

There are numerous aspects of this app that set it apart from other mobile design tools. First, FormIt gives you pretty reasonable dimensional accuracy and feedback as you place, move, and edit forms. You can even use a direct measurement tool. Another really cool feature is the ability to define a target gross area for your proposed design. As you build up a form, the app gives you feedback in the upper left of the screen, as to how the form is achieving the area. You set some options such as typical floor height and the app automatically adds levels as the form gets taller, thus calculating the gross area.

You can also locate the proposed form on a site using a connection to Apple Maps (I think). From there, you can simulate shadows directly in the app. The model can then be transferred to Vasari or Revit for further development or analysis.

I’m pretty excited about this new app, but the real test will be putting it in the hands of some real designers. Let’s see what happens…

12 comments:

Icey Kiev said...

Revit user here, does it have the same Revit LT System Requirements?

LoungingOut.com said...

You are Experiment No. 0005, Series of 2013. You have been reblogged http://ireblogged.blogspot.com/2013/01/experiment-no-0005-series-of-2013.html

DrZZ said...

For those who read French, here is a good explanation of BIM - IFC : http://www.rhino4you.com/1/bim_ifc_maquette_3d_383350.html, and what the French call the digital model/sketchup/mockup (maquette numérique).

Unknown said...

I haven't try this but I'm looking forward to learn it..
Get Best Info for Skagway Tours Discounts

Louisse said...

I enjoyed watching the video and I thank you for a very helpful tips.
Get Best Info for Penguin Recovery Recovery

joeL said...

it's this a free apps? I would like to try this
Get Best Info for Seattle Fishing site

Md Enamul Hoq said...

Autodesk format is better .
Clipping Path

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing the information already in here, I liked http://123essay.org/bid4papers-com-review/ what I read here.

Clipping Path Lab said...

Awesome feature. Thanks a lot for sharing such nice post. clipping path

Clipping Solutions said...

This blog is so interesting and impressive
clipping path service
Raster To vector

Edward Herrera said...

Just wow! Very informative blog. Thanks a lot for sharing... How to remove background from photos.

Natalie Lanham said...

It is truly a great and useful piece of information. I am satisfied that you just shared this helpful info with us.

Top Photoshop Image Editing Clipping Path Service Provider Outsource Company