Unleash Your Design Potential with Former: A Look at Spacemaker

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Background of Spacemaker
3. Benefits of Spacemaker
4. Introduction to Pharma
5. Pharma's Conceptual and Basic Analysis Tools
   • Site Creation
   • Terrain Generation
   • Building Design and Modification
   • Vegetation and Road Tools
   • Analysis Tools
   • Comparison of Proposals
6. Integration with Revit
7. Upgrading to AEC Collection
8. Madam Machine's Support for Former Users
9. Conclusion

💡 Highlights:

• Spacemaker, now known as Former, is a conceptual and basic analysis tool for efficient designs from the get-go.
• Former has been well-received in the UK due to its ability to encourage sustainable outcomes in early-stage projects.
• Former is now part of the AEC collection, making it readily available to Autodesk users.
• Former integrates seamlessly with Revit, allowing for bi-directional workflow and design modifications.
• Upgrading to the AEC collection grants access to Former, providing a comprehensive design solution.
• Madam Machine plans to offer workshops and support for users looking to maximize their experience with Former.

👉 Introduction

Welcome to the next session of the virtual Summit! In this session, we will explore Former, previously known as Spacemaker. Former is a relatively new product that offers an array of features to support early-stage design processes. In this article, we will delve into the background of Former, its benefits, and how it integrates with Autodesk products such as Revit. So, let's get started!

🏢 Background of Spacemaker

Former, formerly known as Spacemaker, arrived in the market in 2020 and quickly gained recognition for its excellence in enhancing early-stage design. The Mana machine team collaborated closely with Autodesk to introduce Former to as many customers as possible. While Former initially faced challenges due to its standalone nature, it has been a hit in the UK. Customers appreciate Former's ability to drive efficient designs and its sustainable outcomes for projects. In the past, the cost of using Spacemaker on a large Scale was a hurdle, but the rebranded Former has addressed this concern by being included in the AEC collection.

💡 Benefits of Spacemaker

The introduction of Former into the AEC collection brings significant benefits to users. Firstly, Former offers a seamless integration with Autodesk's Revit, AussieCAD, and Navisworks. Users of these applications can now access Former without the need for additional downloads or installations. Former enables the creation of conceptual designs that can be imported into Revit for further development. Modifying designs in Revit and pushing these changes back into Former allows for iterative analysis and assessment of their impact. Former's ability to consider factors such as wind, lighting, and vegetation makes it a powerful tool for generating designs that are both efficient and sustainable.

👉 Introduction to Pharma

Pharma, previously known as Spacemaker, is a web-based solution for conceptual and basic analysis. As part of the AEC collection, Pharma offers a range of tools that streamline the design process and facilitate collaboration. For Autodesk users, Pharma can be accessed directly from the web without the need for additional licenses or software downloads. With Pharma, designers can generate proposals, analyze various aspects of the project, and integrate the design seamlessly with Revit.

👉 Pharma's Conceptual and Basic Analysis Tools

1. Site Creation

To begin using Pharma, users can create a new project by specifying the location of the site. Pharma provides a user-friendly interface that allows for easy site selection and customization.

2. Terrain Generation

Once the site location is chosen, Pharma generates the topography and terrain for the project area. This process includes capturing the necessary geographical data to develop an accurate representation of the site.

3. Building Design and Modification

Pharma enables users to design buildings by defining their footprints and vertical extents. The software allows for flexibility in adding and modifying the design at any stage of the project. Users can refine floor plans, assign purposes to spaces, and adjust designs based on specific requirements.

4. Vegetation and Road Tools

Pharma offers tools for adding vegetation and roads to the project. Designers can incorporate trees and customize their density and size, taking into account their effects on wind and lighting. Road tools allow for the depiction of road networks and the analysis of traffic-related factors such as speed and noise.

5. Analysis Tools

Pharma provides comprehensive analysis tools to assess different aspects of the project. Users can analyze areas designated for specific purposes, such as residential or commercial units, based on their sizes. The software also offers sunlight hours analysis, which helps determine the amount of light a location will receive throughout the year. Additionally, Pharma allows users to analyze the daylight potential for optimal placement of solar panels. Wind analysis provides insights into wind Patterns and their effects on the design. The microclimate analysis helps assess the comfort levels of different areas based on factors like daylight, temperature, and wind.

6. Comparison of Proposals

Pharma allows users to create and compare multiple proposals within a project. By comparing various design options side by side, designers can evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. The comparison tool provides a comprehensive overview of the analysis results for each proposal, facilitating informed decision-making.

🏭 Integration with Revit

One of the key advantages of using Former is its seamless integration with Autodesk's Revit software. Former and Revit work together in a bi-directional workflow, enabling designers to import proposals created in Former into Revit. This integration ensures that changes made in Revit are reflected in Former, allowing for consistent analysis and assessment of design modifications. Designers can iterate the design process, making adjustments in Revit and pushing the changes back into Former for analysis. This integration streamlines the workflow, saving both time and effort throughout the design process.

✨ Upgrading to AEC Collection

To access Former, Autodesk users who have licenses for Revit, AutoCAD, or other Autodesk products can upgrade to the AEC collection. The AEC collection includes Former as a free-of-charge product, eliminating the need for additional investments to use Former. The upgrade provides users with a comprehensive set of tools and enables them to unleash the full potential of their design capabilities.

🏢 Man and Machine's Support for Former Users

Man and Machine, as the trusted partner for Autodesk solutions, are committed to supporting former users in their transition to Former. Man and Machine plan to offer workshops and training Sessions to help users maximize their experience with Former. These workshops will provide an in-depth introduction to Former's features and functionality. Additionally, Man and Machine's team of experts will be available to provide support and assistance to Former users, ensuring a smooth transition and answering any questions that may arise.

💡 Conclusion

Former, previously known as Spacemaker, is an innovative design tool that empowers designers to create efficient and sustainable projects from the early stages of design. With its integration with Autodesk's Revit and inclusion in the AEC collection, Former offers a comprehensive design solution for Autodesk users. The ability to import proposals from Former into Revit and perform iterative analysis ensures the optimal design outcome. Man and Machine are dedicated to supporting former users through workshops and expert assistance, fostering a seamless transition. Embrace Former's capabilities and unleash your design potential!

🙋‍♂️ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I access Former if I have a Revit license but not the AEC collection?

A: Former is now part of the AEC collection. If you have a Revit license without access to the AEC collection, we recommend upgrading your license to enjoy the benefits of Former. Please reach out to your account manager for more details.

Q: What support does Man and Machine provide for Former users?

A: Man and Machine are committed to supporting Former users. We offer workshops and training sessions to help users maximize their experience with Former. Our team of experts is also available to provide support and answer any questions users may have during their transition to Former. For further assistance, you can contact us at [email protected]

Please note that Former is a relatively new product and is continuously evolving. Stay updated with the latest releases and features to make the most of Former's design capabilities.