kiril
July, 2026
As cities and regions around the world have been experiencing unseasonably hot conditions, we are reminded of the urgent need for designing for the future. Scientists predict we’re likely to encounter such conditions on a more regular basis, making it ever more important to tackle building design in new and innovative ways.
Architects and engineers use Autodesk tools, such as Forma Site Design and Revit, to design and optimise buildings for climate extremes. Preparing for such real-world challenges sits at the heart of the Buildathon – participants will strengthen digital design and analysis skills essential for ensuring our built environment is appropriate for a warming future.
Before designing a structure, it is important to understand how local weather and immediate surroundings affect ambient temperatures.
Autodesk Forma combines regional historical weather data, sun paths, and local wind patterns to map the "perceived temperature" of a site. Architects use Forma in their analysis of extreme heatwave scenarios and conduct tests to plan around this. Such measures can include the repositioning of buildings to maximise cooler air circulating through corridors and hallways and taking advantage of outdoor planting to help keep buildings in shade and remain cooler.
Autodesk Revit analyses dynamic sun paths to help designers find the ultimate building orientation. By positioning the building facade away from harsh, direct afternoon sun during the summer months, this serves to keep buildings cooler and more comfortable. During the colder winter months, the goal swerves towards maximising free solar heat gain.
The Revit + Forma competitive workflow
Using Autodesk Forma and Autodesk Revit in combination, our Buildathon student teams – and designers worldwide – can identify solutions for a changing world. Some examples:
Concept testing in Forma: students can use Forma's rapid conceptual tools to run instant solar and microclimate analyses on their designed structure. The software allows for design iteration and helps with the mathematical calculation of heatwave resistance and other factors.
Revit interoperability: with a single click, designers can send the proposal directly into the Revit environment. This automatically converts the conceptual shapes into native Revit walls, floors, and windows, saving the designer hours.
By mastering these cloud-connected workflows, participants gain the skills needed to design the resilient, low-carbon communities of tomorrow. The Buildathon: Design for Impact takes place on 18-19 August 2026. We’re signing up student teams now – registration link: https://tinyurl.com/Autodesk-Buildathon