Autodesk acquires Spacemaker, specialist in AI for urban planning

On the occasion of Autodesk University, Autodesk announces that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Spacemaker for an amount of 240 million net dollars (approximately 203 million euros).

Based in Oslo, Norway, Spacemaker uses artificial intelligence and generative design to help architects, planners and property developers make faster, more informed decisions in the early stages of an operation (especially during pre-project studies). This also helps to integrate sustainability perspectives from the outset. By quickly evaluating the best design options, Spacemaker helps architects optimize their clients' real estate investments over the long term.

The acquisition of Spacemaker gives Autodesk a powerful platform that can deliver modern, accessible automation capabilities through artificial intelligence and accelerate design productivity for architects.

Using Spacemaker, architects can quickly create and evaluate design options for a building or urban design. With artificial intelligence as the partner of the architect, the Spacemaker platform enables users to generate, iterate and optimize various design options early on, while taking into account design criteria and data such as terrain, maps, wind, sunshine, traffic... Spacemaker quickly generates optimized design options to make the most of the site. Better results are thus obtained from the start. Designers can then focus on the creative part of their craft.

“Spacemaker has deep knowledge of automation and gives designers the ability to create and test urban design ideas in minutes”, explains Andrew Anagnost, CEO and President of Autodesk. “With two billion more inhabitants on our planet by 2050, quickly and sustainably designing urban development plans must be a priority. Spacemaker's technology brings a fundamental change in the way we imagine and build cities, while preserving the health of people and the health of the planet. »

“Every decision we make reflects our values. The acquisition of Spacemaker underscores our commitment to supporting architects and designers to change the world for the better.”, says Amy Bunszel, senior vice president for AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) design solutions at Autodesk. “Combined with our technologies and our teams, Spacemaker's breakthrough solution will enable designers to make more informed design decisions and help solve some of the biggest challenges facing us all. »

“Four years ago, we made it our mission to help design, engineering and project teams reimagine the development of cities and neighborhoods around the world, to be more sustainable while maximizing investment », said Havard Haukeland, CEO and co-founder of Spacemaker. “Autodesk shares our vision: to design a healthier planet for everyone. In addition, Autodesk has a unique international network that will make our solution available more quickly to planning teams. This is an important step for our team and for those who have supported us from the start. »

“In Norway, property developers are at the forefront of digital transformation in the building sector. This is reflected both in increased project profitability but above all in a better ability to fight against climate change thanks to more sustainable real estate developments”, said Daniel Kjørberg Siraj, CEO of OBOS. “Reshuffling companies like Spacemaker are part of the solution. Also, it is essential to open the way for them to have this impact. As an early investor and user, I'm very happy to see Spacemaker join Autodesk. I look forward to seeing this technology from Norway transform the industry on a global scale. »