The Briefing Room

Software Helps Building Designs Meet LEED and Other Light-Level Standards

Autodesk’s Exposure lighting simulation and analysis technology has been validated in a collaborative effort between the National Research Council Canada (NRC), Harvard University and Autodesk. This technology is included in Autodesk 3ds Max Design software. The validation recognizes that quantitative daylight simulation results provided by the software are as accurate and reliable as the existing “gold standard” for simulated test cases.

Exposure technology allows architects to evaluate light intensity from natural and electric-light sources. This data helps them make informed decisions about their design as they prepare to meet lighting requirements for many industry standards, including LEED EQ Credit 8.1 certification. The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America recently recognized the Exposure technology as a unique and significant advancement to the art and science of lighting.

“Better design plays a vital role in building a sustainable future. We believe that it is important to provide AEC professionals with powerful, accurate tools - like Exposure - that can help them design better, more sustainable buildings,” said Marc Petit, Autodesk Media & Entertainment senior vice president. “Autodesk’s Exposure technology allows architects to rely on lighting values provided by 3ds Max Design 2009 to meet sustainable lighting standards for public and private spaces.”

The validation report from the NRC is available at www.autodesk.com/3dsmaxdesign-exposurevalidation. NRC is Canada’s leading organization for scientific research and development and the same organization that has conducted validation studies on Radiance for lighting simulation.

About Autodesk 3ds Max Design and Exposure Simulation Technology

Autodesk debuted 3ds Max Design in February 2008. 3ds Max Design 2009 includes all features offered in Autodesk 3ds Max 2009 software, with the exception of the software development toolkit (SDK). 3ds Max Design 2009 also includes Exposure technology, which is not offered in 3ds Max 2009. In addition to light metering functionality with graphical output, the Exposure toolset features the 3ds Max sun and sky models, allowing for weather data input. It also provides a quick-settings dashboard interface and an intelligent user interface for accessing various aspects of the software used in a light simulation, such as render settings, light settings and material settings.

Pricing and Availability

Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2009 is currently available in English, French, German, Japanese, Korean and Simplified Chinese. Autodesk suggested retail pricing for Autodesk 3ds Max Design is US$3,495*. The suggested retail price to upgrade from 3ds Max 2008 to either 3ds Max 2009 or 3ds Max Design 2009 is US$895*. Autodesk Subscription is available for purchase simultaneously with the product or upgrade purchase. Autodesk suggested retail pricing for Autodesk Subscription for 3ds Max Design is US$495* per year.

*International pricing may vary.

Autodesk, Exposure and 3ds Max are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

© 2009 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.