In the world of architectural design and urban planning, tools like Spacemaker and Autodesk Forma have made waves by empowering professionals to optimize early-stage designs with data-driven insights. But how do these two platforms stack up, and what should you know as of today, March 22, 2025? Let’s break it down.

Spacemaker: The Pioneer

Spacemaker emerged as an innovative, AI-powered tool from a Norwegian startup, acquired by Autodesk in November 2020 for $240 million. It was a game-changer for early-stage site planning, offering generative design options based on real-world factors like daylight, noise, wind, and site constraints. Architects and planners could quickly generate 3D sketches and test countless layouts using publicly available data, an invaluable asset for urban and residential projects.

However, Spacemaker’s journey as a standalone product ended on May 8, 2023, when Autodesk retired it, folding its core technology into a new, more robust platform: Autodesk Forma.

Autodesk Forma: The Next Evolution

Launched on the same day Spacemaker was sunsetted, Autodesk Forma is the successor that builds on Spacemaker’s foundation while adding fresh capabilities. Think of it as Spacemaker 2.0, enhanced with features from Autodesk FormIt (a SketchUp-like conceptual modeling tool) and new tools tailored for today’s design challenges.

So, what does Forma bring to the table?

• Broader Scope: Beyond Spacemaker’s site optimization focus, Forma integrates advanced 3D modeling (think arcs, circles, and splines) and expanded environmental analyses, like embodied carbon assessments.
• Seamless Integration: It connects effortlessly with Revit, Rhino, and Dynamo, bridging the gap between conceptual design and detailed workflows.
• Cloud Power: As a cloud-based platform, Forma delivers real-time insights, wind, solar, daylight, and fosters team collaboration.
• Sustainability Edge: With a strong emphasis on living quality and environmental impact, it’s a tool for designing with the future in mind.

Available as a standalone subscription ($1,445/year or $180/month) or within the AEC Collection, Forma is actively supported and evolving, unlike its retired predecessor.

Spacemaker vs. Forma

Today, the comparison is more historical than practical. Spacemaker laid the groundwork with its AI-driven approach to site planning, but Forma has taken the baton, offering a more comprehensive, integrated experience. If you’re an architect or planner looking for cutting-edge tools in 2025, Forma is your go-to, it’s Spacemaker’s legacy, reimagined and expanded for modern workflows.

At ArchTech, we’re excited to see how Forma continues to shape the future of design. Have you made the switch? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!