Autodesk Forma Site Design as a Pedagogical Tool for Bioclimatic Analysis: A Residential Subdivision Case Study
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Keywords

architectural education
building information modeling
environmental design
collaborative learning
energy efficiency

How to Cite

Méndez Garduño, J. I. (2026). Autodesk Forma Site Design as a Pedagogical Tool for Bioclimatic Analysis: A Residential Subdivision Case Study. Innovare Revista De Ciencia Y tecnología, 15(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.69845/innovare.v15i1.633

Abstract

Las plataformas BIM nativas en la nube ofrecen capacidades integradas de análisis ambiental que aún han sido poco exploradas en la educación arquitectónica. Diecinueve estudiantes de licenciatura del Tecnológico de Monterrey utilizaron Autodesk Forma para analizar una subdivisión residencial real proporcionada por un socio de la industria, a lo largo de dos sesiones de cinco horas. Cuatro equipos poblaron simultáneamente un modelo compartido en la nube mediante importaciones de masas desde Revit y herramientas nativas de Forma; posteriormente, realizaron análisis solares, de viento, deslumbramiento y sombras en las zonas asignadas. A pesar de contar con una exposición previa limitada a la plataforma, los estudiantes produjeron argumentos bioclimáticos multicriterio técnicamente sólidos. Las reflexiones evidenciaron cambios conceptuales significativos en torno a la orientación y el diseño pasivo. Autodesk Forma demuestra ser viable para el análisis ambiental colaborativo en etapas tempranas dentro de la educación arquitectónica de pregrado.

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Cloud-native BIM platforms offer embedded environmental analysis capabilities that remain underexplored in architectural education. Ninenteen undergraduate students at Tecnologico de Monterrey used Autodesk Forma to analyze a real residential subdivision provided by an industry partner, across two five-hour sessions. Four teams simultaneously populated a shared cloud model using both Revit mass imports and native Forma tools, then performed solar, wind, glare, and shadow analyses on their assigned zones. Students produced technically sound, multi-criteria bioclimatic arguments despite limited prior exposure to the platform. Reflections revealed significant conceptual shifts regarding orientation and passive design. Autodesk Forma proves viable for early-stage collaborative environmental analysis in undergraduate architectural education.

https://doi.org/10.69845/innovare.v15i1.633
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Copyright (c) 2026 Juana Isabel Méndez Garduño

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