Autodesk highlights sustainable design solution at the CTBUH 2008 8th World Congress

Participating as a gold sponsor, the company showcased its unique Revit platform - an architectural design and documentation system that supports sustainable design.

Specifically designed for building information modeling (BIM), the Autodesk Revit platform is comprised of Revit Architecture, Revit Structure and Revit MEP.

Building information modeling (BIM) enables testing and analysis of new and better materials, while also reducing waste. Recycled and non-traditional materials can now be tested in a digital 3-D model to ensure safety and long-lasting performance.

Designers can also use visualization software to show clients how a new design or material will look, reducing risk and re-dos.

"As Dubai strengthens its movement towards adopting green building standards to ensure a healthy and environment-friendly city in line with the Dubai Strategy 2015 initiative, we are committed to increasing awareness on the benefits of sustainable design as a viable solution to today's most pressing environmental concerns," said Manish Bhardwaj, Field Marketing Specialist, Autodesk, Middle East. "With the unprecedented expansion of the global real estate market, our participation at the CTBUH 2008 - 8th World Congress is aimed at highlighting the outstanding sustainable design features of our Revit platform to developers and design professionals from across the globe."

The introduction of Dubai Strategy 2015 - a directive from H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, that mandates builders and developers to comply with green building standards starting January 2008 - has preceded CTBUH's decision to hold its 8th World Congress in Dubai.

The world's leading international body in the field of tall buildings has recognised the emirate's remarkable efforts in adopting sustainable design across all its present developments.

The event discussed the influence of mega projects on the present conditions of the environment, which has deemed it a perfect venue to showcase Autodesk's Revit platform and bring forward its top-notch features.

"Architects, structural engineers and building systems engineers today are constantly on the lookout for computing tools that make it faster and easier for them to realize their ideas. As the market matures, calls for environmental awareness ring louder than ever. Our participation at CTBUH 8th World Congress stands as a testament to our resolute commitment towards promoting technologies that advance the adoption of sustainable design within the real estate sector, which is considered as the largest single contributor to the global issue of climate change".

said Dr. Jayant M. Deshpande, Director, CAE Division, OMNIX.

During the event, Autodesk Industry Programs Manager Erin Rae Hoffer delivered an address on the role of building information modeling in sustainable design, describing how this technology helps architects, engineers and contractors create built environments that are more environmentally sensitive.

"The core of the 'sustainability' concept is meeting the needs of the present while improving the ability of future generations to meet their needs," said Hoffer. "By discussing design innovation within this global conversation and highlighting the importance of implementing better design protocols, we will be able to address the global sustainability challenges we are facing today. As the world leader in design and visual effects software, we are providing customers with solutions that simplify and encourage sustainable design decisions."

By adopting BIM, architects, engineers, contractors and owners can easily create coordinated, digital design information and documentation; use that information to accurately predict performance, appearance and cost; and reliably deliver the project faster, more economically and with reduced environmental impact.

Autodesk 3-D building information modeling is a critical tool in the global effort to shift the building sector to a more sustainable model. Autodesk is also actively involved in teaching practitioners how to make sustainable materials and design techniques the new norm.