Specialists have long used design visualization to create beautiful presentations at the end of the design process. Now architects, designers, and engineers can also use visualization to make informed decisions throughout the building information modeling (BIM) process. Visualization plays a role at every stage of development, from schematics to construction.

Autodesk® 3ds Max® Design software helps you expand the visual context of your design concepts for more effective design validation and visual communication. It offers digital continuity with AutoCAD®- and Revit®-based products for design visualization workflow. With 3ds Max Design animation and visual effects software, you can:

• Explore design concepts - Create unique organic forms. Generate and control architectural forms procedurally with scripts, and explore your concept's impact early in the design process.
• Validate design concepts - Put your design in context. Create animated walk-throughs, line-of-site studies, and physically-accurate daylight analysis, so you and your clients can better understand how the design functions.
• Communicate design concepts - Help customers make crucial decisions during design reviews and gain valuable buy-in at every stage. Create emotionally engaging narratives to communicate information quickly, compellingly, and persuasively.

Autodesk® Navisworks® project review products enable a dynamic real-time, whole-project view for:

• Effective 3D coordination analysis
• 4D planning simulation
• Accurate visualization

The aggregated whole-project view can be published in both Autodesk Navisworks native NWD format and 3D DWF™ format, giving stakeholders access to the virtual project with the Autodesk® Navisworks® Freedom viewer.

Autodesk® Ecotect® conceptual building performance analysis software helps you understand how environmental factors can impact building operation and performance in the early design phase. Architects and designers work more easily in 3D, applying tools that enable building performance analyses in order to create more energy efficient and sustainable designs.

Autodesk® Maya® software is an integrated 3D modeling, animation, and visual effects solution with roots in the film and games industries. The power of Maya for architects and designers lies in its flexibility for generating architectural forms and shapes. Architects are able to drive geometry via built-in-rules-based modifications and constraints—or they can create their own rules with the powerful embedded scripting language in Maya called Maya Embedded Language (MEL).

Autodesk Revit® Architecture helps you create and capture fully photoreal design ideas and contextual environments to experience your project, even before it is built. Integrated mental ray® rendering software is easy to use and delivers high-quality output, faster render times, and a superior design presentation.