Autodesk Forma’s Shadow Study Analysis is a built-in environmental analysis tool that allows architects, urban planners, and designers to simulate and visualize the impact of shadows cast by buildings and structures at different times of the day and year. It uses real-world geolocation, date, and time data to help inform design decisions that optimize daylight access, minimize overshadowing, and enhance sustainability.

Purpose and Importance

In architectural and urban design, understanding how a building casts shadows is essential for:

• Improving natural light penetration into buildings and public spaces
• Reducing the risk of overshadowing nearby properties or green spaces
• Complying with local planning regulations and solar access codes
• Enhancing sustainability by optimizing building orientation and massing

Forma’s Shadow Study Analysis empowers users to make informed design decisions early in the project, when changes are less costly and easier to implement.

How Shadow Studies Work in Autodesk Forma

1. Set the Project Location:
Forma uses accurate geographic positioning, pulling in real-world sun path data based on the project’s latitude and longitude. Enter Site Name & Zoom in / Search for your Projects Site Location.

Download Additional Site Data:

Example: OSM Buildings

With this your Site is ready to start Populating with your own structure

2 Options:

i) Import your Model to Forma in OBJ / IFC format

ii) Create a New Massing Element in Forma with the tools available and send that proposal to Revit or Rhino. (Add Extensions)

Additionally: Forma – Revit Interoperability – Send a proposal from Revit back to Forma | Autodesk

2. Add Shadow Study to your Site / Project

i) Select Shadow Study from the Forma Site Design Interface:

ii) Add Shadow Study to your Site / Project

3. Adjust Time & Date Parameters:
Users can simulate shadows for any month, day, hour, minute, allowing them to study the effects for different design scenarios. The study can be set with regards to different frequencies. Images can be exported for those times chosen and a simulated video is shown, when you select “preview” – this will show how the shadows will move around your site.

4. Visualize Dynamic Shadow Patterns:

3D buildings or massing models cast realistic shadows on surrounding buildings, streets, and open spaces.

Interactive visualization allows scrubbing through time to see how shadows move.

Benefits to Sustainable Design

• Optimize Building Orientation: Maximize solar gain in colder climates or minimize it in hotter ones.
• Enhance Daylighting: Ensure interior spaces receive adequate natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting.
• Support Passive Design Strategies: Use shadow studies to design overhangs or shading devices.
• Protect Outdoor Spaces: Design parks, plazas, and courtyards that stay sunlit and comfortable.

Use Cases:

• Residential Developments: Ensuring neighbouring homes maintain sunlight access
• Urban Master Planning: Avoiding dark, overshadowed streets or public areas
• Sustainable Certifications: Supporting LEED daylighting credits and environmental compliance
• Conceptual Design Reviews: Quickly testing building massing impacts before detailed modelling in Revit

Summary:

Autodesk Forma’s Shadow Study Analysis is a powerful AI-supported tool that allows architects and planners to predict, visualize, and mitigate shadow impacts during early design stages. It drives better-informed, sustainable design choices while ensuring compliance with regulations. Ultimately creating brighter, healthier, and more liveable urban environments.

Additional Resources:

Video tutorials: Learn essential workflows | Autodesk Forma help center

Create Sun and Shadow Studies in Forma

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