Q: How is the Forma Rhino plugin used in PAACADEMY's performance course?

In Building Performance with Forma and Opossum , the Forma Rhino plugin is used alongside Ladybug for weather, wind and microclimate analysis at the site and massing level. It provides the urban context and environmental site data that inform the building design before daylight simulation with Cyclops and energy modeling with Honeybee are run. The course by Olaf Olden runs 8 hours across 11 beginner-level lessons.

Question 1

Does Forma replace traditional environmental analysis tools?

Accepted Answer

It complements them, offering faster, earlier-stage feedback in the design process.

Question 2

What is Autodesk Forma used for in architecture?

Accepted Answer

Autodesk Forma is a cloud-based design and analysis platform for early-stage urban and architectural design, providing wind, microclimate and solar analysis integrated into the concept design workflow. Its Rhino plugin brings these capabilities into Rhino. At PAACADEMY, it is taught in Building Performance with Forma and Opossum as the site analysis tool within a complete environmental performance workflow.

Question 3

How is the Forma Rhino plugin used in PAACADEMY's performance course?

Accepted Answer

In Building Performance with Forma and Opossum, the Forma Rhino plugin is used alongside Ladybug for weather, wind and microclimate analysis at the site and massing level. It provides the urban context and environmental site data that inform the building design before daylight simulation with Cyclops and energy modeling with Honeybee are run. The course by Olaf Olden runs 8 hours across 11 beginner-level lessons.

Question 4

How does Autodesk Forma differ from Ladybug for architectural environmental analysis?

Accepted Answer

Ladybug processes EPW climate data within Grasshopper for solar, wind and outdoor comfort analysis based on climate data. Autodesk Forma provides site-level and urban-context analysis at the concept design stage, including wind simulation, noise, sunlight hours and microclimate data derived from the building massing and urban surroundings. PAACADEMY's Building Performance course teaches both together as complementary tools for comprehensive environmental analysis.

Autodesk Forma

Building Performance with Forma & Opossum

Frequently Asked Questions About Autodesk Forma

Does Forma replace traditional environmental analysis tools?

What is Autodesk Forma used for in architecture?

How is the Forma Rhino plugin used in PAACADEMY's performance course?

How does Autodesk Forma differ from Ladybug for architectural environmental analysis?