EvolveLAB

EvolveLAB provides design technology services for AEC clients, helping them transition to data-driven design and computational construction for more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable building design strategies. EvolveLAB’s suite of Revit libraries and cutting-edge apps–which include AI ideation, generative design, auto-documentation, and interoperability–were designed with the goal of streamlining workflows and improving outcomes.

The Challenge: Clunky visualization processes hinder decision-making during schematic design

Clunky visualization processes hinder decision-making during schematic design. To create lifelike model images, designers must manually apply material and lighting details to every design option and suboption—a rendering process that could take weeks or months or be skipped altogether. Instead, design firms are likely to fall back on mood boards and sketches, which lack the visual details that help clients and other stakeholders make informed decisions.

To speed the visualization process, EvolveLAB created Veras, an AI rendering tool that  empowers architects to leverage AI for design ideation. But EvolveLAB needed a way to connect its renderer with Autodesk Forma to provide high-quality visualization during schematic design.

The APS Solution: Forma integration brings AI-assisted rendering to schematic design

EvolveLAB used Autodesk’s Forma SDK to connect Veras with Autodesk Forma schematic design workflows, bringing AI-assisted iterative rendering into the early stages of project creation. Working from Forma’s base model, designers tell Veras how the design should evolve, from the type of geometry and style of architecture to materials, landscapes, and climate conditions. Within seconds, the tool generates high-quality renderings for the designer to explore and build on. The exploration takes place directly in the Forma environment. 

Because the data is synced in the Forma industry cloud, the base model and renderings move easily into Revit for the detailed design phase, where designers can continue using Veras to provide renderings throughout downstream design processes. 

When integrated with Forma and Revit, the realistic-looking designs produced with Veras improve client and stakeholder communication and ease early consensus-building and decision-making.

Business Outcomes:

• Integrating Veras’ Forma speeds rendering time; clients say renderings that took two weeks are now available in 30 seconds or less
• Improved Ideation during schematic design improve client communication and decision-making during early design stages
• Render from same seed allows ability to generate multiple images in different seasons
• The seamless integration of Veras with Forma and Revit enables rapid visualization from concept to detailed design

APIs and Services

Forma API