AU 2025: Autodesk Forma Superpower for AECO

An exciting announcement on day two of Autodesk University 2025 was that Autodesk Forma is the first comprehensive industry cloud for architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO). As described by Nicolas Mangon, Autodesk VP AEC Strategy, Forma now integrates directly with Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC). The end-to-end cloud platform, “doesn’t replace the tools you use; it changes the way you use them.”

Planning

In the planning space, Forma will play a critical role by bridging the gap between design and construction workflows. “That’s the superpower of Forma for high-impact planning,” Mangon said. He described planning as the most strategic step in a project: “The earlier you make smart decisions, the greater the impact on your project.”

Facing challenges like tight schedules and ambitious sustainability goals, Forma is open and flexible. Mangon highlighted new Forma extensions:

• • Esri ArcGIS
  • Fenestra Pro
  • OkNodes & Dynamo

Combining Forma with Infraspace, companies will be able to perform generative infrastructure design: planning roads, understanding the environment, plus new tools for data center projects that enable determining mechanical and electrical demand.

Design

For design, Racel Amour, Autodesk Head of Generative AI, AEC, touched on the world of augmented design and how it unlocks new modes of creation, so users can reimagine the way they work and “focus on what matters.” She said, “Autodesk has been building new AI tools that change the way you work.”

“Revit will become the first Forma connected client,” Amour announced. This will enable seamless access to the Forma cloud capabilities directly from a user’s desktop.

A new Revit and Recap integration is made easier with AI-powered data, helpful in retrofits and renovations, plus automated reality capture.

Amour said Forma is “taking augmented design even further.” New generative design features include early engineering insights and the ability to express design intent with sketches.

Autodesk Docs is now being called Forma Data Management, the common data environment that will enable better collaboration.

Autodesk is offering users a beta test signup at: Forma Building Design.

Construction

The construction industry has been reactive for many years and characterized by constant interruptions. Alissa Briggs, Autodesk Sr Dir, Experience Design, summed it up by saying, “There’s got to be a better way.”

Autodesk is using the term “predictive construction” to describe new workflows that connect data across design, preconstruction and construction. Briggs said it’s a way for users to see patterns in the data and react right away. Autodesk Estimate – with the ability to monitor market prices for materials – will empower faster, more informed decision-making.

Forma now offers unified administration, so admins can set up modules, invite members and control access for better collaboration and data-driven workflows – a single place to handle takeoffs, bidding, estimates, and more.

Collaboration is the key to construction, and AI will provide smart analyses and recommendations. “Daily work becomes smoother,” Briggs said.

In Autodesk Build, Autodesk Assistant helps with context-rich answers to questions. Collaboration is also easier with AI, making sure the right people are involved at the right time.

Other tools and features mentioned for construction include:

• • Mobile tools for onsite use, making it easier for field teams to find information when they need it.
  • ACC Viewpoint to keep the field and office aligned.
  • AI-assisted issue creation.
  • Customized tables and forms.
  • RFIs with data supported by Bridge, eliminating manual RFI duplication.
  • GC Pay in Build Cost Management.

Briggs assured, “The promise of predictive construction is real.”

Operations

Mangon spotlighted using Autodesk Tandem for assets. Tandem Insight helps make smarter decisions and manage critical assets. With Forma for data management, everyone can work from the same data. Mangon referred to this as using granular data for “hyper-collaboration.”

Wrapping up the keynote session, Amy Bunszel, Autodesk EVP AEC Solutions, explained there is a paradigm shift moving the AECO industry forward. From files to granular data; from silos to hyper-collaboration; and augmenting BIM with outcomes. To the attendees, she said, “This is your moment and how you can unlock your capacity to do more.”

Autodesk Forma, AECO industry cloud, predictive construction