AEC TECH NEWS: Autodesk introduces AutoCASE for Sites, Internet-of-Things R&D

Washington, D.C. — At Greenbuild 2015, Autodesk announced its second collaboration with Impact Infrastructure to introduce AutoCASE for Sites. AutoCASE for Sites reveals the value of building site designs from roofs and roads to rain gardens, and enables designers to create cost-effective and sustainable projects for clients. The in-canvas dialog can show the cost-benefit of (all expressed in risk-adjusted dollar values) multiple factors, including:

• Reduced heat island effect;
• Low-impact development for stormwater management;
• Reduced carbon emissions; and
• Effects on air and water quality.

Image courtesy of Autodesk

By linking with Autodesk’s BIM design software AutoCAD Civil 3D 2015 and 2016, and/or InfraWorks 360, AutoCASE for Sites quantifies the triple bottom line value of projects — and can keep those values up-to-date as the project progresses. Design teams and owners can cost-justify proposals immediately without breaking the design workflow with AutoCASE.

AutoCASE for Sites is available at https://sustainability.autodesk.com.

Internet of Things R&D: Project Aquila

For facility managers, Autodesk previewed an Internet-of-Things application that the company will continue to develop during the next several months. Code-named “Project Aquila,” it is a cloud-based app that overlays building sensor data with 2D drawings and 3D models while providing analytics and real-time alerts for facility managers. The application combines:

• real-time device level electricity data from Panoramic Power’s wireless, non-intrusive, self-powered sensor technologies;
• BIM-based visualization;
• energy and financial analytics; and
• automated reporting to deliver actionable insights for energy management and equipment maintenance.

Image courtesy of Autodesk

For example, a building or factory facility manager, using Project Aquila, could diagnose where a facility is wasting energy, evaluate the Net Present Value and payback for fixes, and prioritize work orders, all in one place.

Autodesk continues to work on Project Aquila, including connecting it to Insight 360 (see below). Plans for the near future include adding means to automate measurement and verification.

Autodesk Insight 360

Autodesk Insight 360 gives architects centralized access to building energy and environmental performance data and what Autodesk said it the world’s most advanced analysis engines, all within an intuitive interface. Through bi-directional BIM integration, direct access to leading analysis tools, and guidance and recommendations from industry benchmarks, architects can approach the design process with more effective understanding of the elements that lead to better building performance outcomes throughout the building lifecycle.

Insight 360 allows users to visualize and interact with building performance with regard to recognized industry benchmarks such as Architecture 2030 and ASHRAE 90.1. Image courtesy of Autodesk.

Insight 360’s key benefits, features, and capabilities include the following:

• Visualize and interact with key industry benchmarks for performance with real-time cause and effect feedback to guide you toward better building performance outcomes.
• Model with Revit and FormIt 360 Pro to generate insights using robust automatic analytical model creation and visualization of performance information directly in the modeling environment. This capability offers a powerful comparison workflow to run millions of design scenarios and see energy savings with immediate and interactive feedback.
• Access trusted industry leading engines for whole building energy, heating, cooling, daylighting, and solar radiation simulations.
• Organize and share insights with project stakeholders and support geographically dispersed team collaboration from early targeting and feasibility analysis through operation with access anywhere via desktops, tablets, or smartphones.