Description
To meet global demand for affordable and sustainable housing, the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry must streamline the design-to-construction process. Modular builders—like Factory_OS—are doing just that by productizing their building systems to generate customizable buildings from a catalog of construction-ready unit types. With Factory_OS, Autodesk Research has developed new design methods that connect their building unit catalog with AI-powered generative design to create multiple design options. This case study demonstrates how new procedural design systems enabled rapid, no-code design exploration while balancing trade-offs between cost, carbon, and habitability. The study also showcases how the prototype made it onto Autodesk Forma using the developer extension model to deliver customized novel design functionality and metrics. Going beyond existing capabilities, Autodesk Research and Autodesk Forma enabled Factory_OS to rapidly and intuitively evaluate new development projects in a data-informed manner.
Key Learnings
- Learn how volumetric building and productized building systems deliver sustainable buildings faster.
- Learn how catalog-based generative design can be used with volumetric building systems.
- Learn how low-code/no-code generative methods make design automation more accessible.
- Learn about how Autodesk Forma extensions enable customizable design experiences.
Speakers
- NKNate KaylorNate Kaylor is an architect-turned-technology specialist with a passion for cutting-edge design and innovative technology. He holds a bachelor's degree in architecture from the University of Kansas and a master's degree from the Institute for Computational Design in Stuttgart, Germany, an institute distinguished for its A.E.C. research leadership. With a decade experience, Nate specializes in Computational Design and Digital Fabrication, working on various projects with Architectural or Engineering Consultant Teams. His expertise lies in using computational design tools to model and fabricate complex geometries impossible by traditional methods. At Factory OS, Nate leads a team and collaborates with industry partners like Autodesk, combining innovative expertise in Virtual Design and Construction and Digital Fabrication to lower construction costs and timelines.
- LVLorenzo VillaggiLorenzo Villaggi is a Principal Research Scientist within the AEC Industry Futures group, Autodesk Research. His work focuses on novel data-driven design approaches, reusable design intelligence, advanced visualization and sustainability. Recent projects include a net zero carbon and affordable housing development for Factory_OS in California, the NIS engine Factory for Airbus in Hamburg, the Alkmaar Affordable Housing District for Van Wijnen in the Netherlands, the Autodesk Mars Office in Toronto, and the Embodied Computation Lab for Princeton University.
- DZDale ZhaoDale Zhao is a Senior Research Engineer at AEC Industry Futures in Autodesk Research. He joined Autodesk in 2014 via the acquisition of The Living, a New York-based architecture firm. With a computer science background, his past and current research topics include generative design, evolutionary algorithms, computational geometry, and 3D interactive experiences.
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