Exploring Innovation at the AECO Design Slam: Veras & Forma Take Center Stage
The Autodesk University (AU) 2024 conference has proven to be a breeding ground for groundbreaking ideas and unparalleled design innovation. Among the standout events was the much-anticipated AECO Design Slam, where design met technology in an intense battle of skills, creativity, and AI-powered tools.
Highlights from the Design Slam
This year’s slam, featuring Autodesk Forma and EvolveLAB’s Veras, captured the imagination of attendees. From real-time rendering to AI-assisted architectural workflows, the event showcased how cutting-edge tools are shaping the future of architecture, engineering, and construction. The competition took place at EXPO Stage 2 on Tuesday and featured industry leaders pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in modern design workflows.
Some highlights included:
- AI-Driven Creativity: Forma and Veras tools demonstrated how AI can be seamlessly integrated into architectural processes, enabling designers to focus on innovation while algorithms handle computational heavy lifting.
- Collaborative Workflows: Teams highlighted the importance of collaboration, showing how cloud-based platforms are redefining team dynamics across geographic boundaries.
- Sustainability at the Forefront: Many presentations emphasized sustainable solutions, showcasing how technology is addressing environmental challenges through efficient resource management and eco-conscious designs.
Behind the Scenes
From the AU General Session with Jeff Kinder, Diana Collella, and Amy Bunszel, it was clear that AI is dominating conversations across the industry. As Emily Bisaga Dunne remarked in her LinkedIn post, the ongoing dialogue about how AI is “shaping new possibilities” underscores its central role in our professional evolution.
Meanwhile, Cesar Escalante, AIA, LEED AP, CM-BIM, called the AECO Design Slam an “epic battle of AI-powered design skills”—a sentiment echoed by many who attended.
Community Reflections
Conversations on LinkedIn further amplified the event’s impact. Bill Allen highlighted the intersection of #AIArchitecture and #BIM, while Ariel Castillo from Miller Davis Company captured the excitement of Day 3 with engaging video content.
A Bright Horizon
As the dust settles from AU 2024, one thing remains certain: the future of architecture and design is brighter than ever. Events like the AECO Design Slam are more than competitions; they’re catalysts for collaboration, innovation, and progress in our rapidly evolving industry.
