BOSTON, May 13, 2008 – At the VisMasters Design, Modeling and Visualization Conference, Autodesk Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) highlighted how architects around the world are adopting Revit Architecture software for building information modeling (BIM) and Autodesk 3ds Max Design software for 3D visualization. Over 300,000 architects, designers and engineers have moved to building information modeling by adopting the Revit platform for BIM. SHoP Architects and Archaus Architects are among the firms reaping the benefits of a Revit Architecture and 3ds Max Design workflow.

The powerful combination of Revit Architecture and 3ds Max Design enables designers to more fully leverage the power of BIM across their processes. Used together, the products also ease the aggregation of additional scene elements, provide advanced texturing and modeling tools for quick iterations of rendered images, and allow designers to animate objects or add special effects to tell the complete story of their designs.

SHoP Architects
New York-based SHoP Architects first implemented Revit Architecture into its workflow for the 290 Mulberry project. Both Revit Architecture and 3ds Max were used to design and promote the 13-story building, which will be located in New York.

In the preliminary stages of the project, 3ds Max was used for pre-schematic and conceptual design. All aspects of the drawing set were created in Revit Architecture, including the design documents and construction documents. SHoP later relied on 3ds Max to produce photo real renderings, which were used to market the project. The Revit model is currently being used for construction coordination, and SHoP has a daily presence on-site to facilitate the use of the model.

David Fano, director of technology research at the firm noted: “Much of what architects do is dependent on deliverables. Using Revit Architecture and 3ds Max in tandem significantly reduced the time and effort that went into all aspects of the project. It was much easier to manage the drawing set through Revit Architecture, as the software allowed us to focus on the building and worry less about important yet mundane issues. 3ds Max was also great in that it gave us the ability to quickly and loosely model and render elements of the building throughout the design process.”

Archaus Architects
New Zealand-based Archaus Architects have used Revit Architecture and 3ds Max to complete over 30 projects from design through to construction documentation, and are currently relying on the solutions for another 20 projects in development. These include the landmark development ‘Zone One’, a new 270,000 square foot mixed-use development in the New Zealand capital of Wellington.

“The use of Revit Architecture and 3ds Max on this project allowed us to analyze and test various design options quickly and easily,” said Erin Collins, project architect for Archaus Architects. “Grouped components and referenced linked files were used extensively for each of the modular units both in Revit Architecture and 3ds Max. This allowed us to make design changes and update the model within minutes.”

Collins adds: “Revit Architecture software’s shaded 3D camera views and traditional 2D drafting views were used alongside highly detailed photorealistic renderings created in 3ds Max to more effectively communicate our design ideas and visions for the project. When it came time to move the conceptual digital ‘sketches’ into high resolution photorealistic marketing images, our client was blown away by the quality of the material we provided, and the short timeframe in which Revit Architecture and 3ds Max allowed us to produce them.”

About Autodesk 3ds Max Design
Autodesk 3ds Max Design is the latest version of 3ds Max software that is specifically tailored to the needs of architects, designers, and visualization specialists. It allows them to explore, validate, and communicate their designs with impact, from early concept models to fully animated, cinema-quality presentations.

About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art digital prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are built. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com/.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, Revit and 3ds Max are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

© 2008 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.