COX Architecture has leveraged Autodesk’s 3D modelling and cloud-based data management capabilities to re-design the Australian War Memorial.
COX, which is a design-led contemporary architecture firm, utilised Autodesk’s AEC Collection and Autodesk Construction Cloud.
The technologies offer comprehensive modelling tools to convert unique designs into high-quality and data-rich digital building models tailored to complex client demands, while ensuring cross-team collaboration through common data environments.
COX director, Pete Sullivan, said the team operate as a collective where everyone is collaborative, which is what underscores their ability to deliver sustainable buildings that stand the test of time.
“Autodesk is part of the suite of capabilities we use daily for our operational processes, enabling us to address complex design projects and collaborate from a single source of accurate data,” Sullivan said.
“Our architects and partners have easy access to a common data environment to work collaboratively across all our studios, and can share, coordinate and communicate sophisticated designs from concept to delivery.”
The Australian War Memorial (AWM) Anzac Hall and Glazed Link expansion projects demonstrate the intersection of COX’s design and computational design mastery.
Designed by COX and due for completion in late 2025, the Anzac Hall base building will provide over 7,000 square metres of dedicated gallery space with the construction of a new two-level gallery.
The Glazed Link will make use of the area between the main building and the new Anzac Hall, providing a space between exhibitions to pause, reflect and recharge, and featuring non-light-sensitive objects from the AWM’s collection, a restaurant, and space to support educational programs.
The design solutions used by COX for the AWM projects include Autodesk Construction Cloud for document management, design collaboration and model coordination, alongside AEC Collections including Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, Recap Pro, BIM Collaborate Pro and Navisworks.
Sullivan said the project had very complex structures that could be designed seamlessly by sharing data and collaborating across its various studios using Autodesk Construction Cloud.
“The roof across the main galleries themselves look simple, but it has gentle and variable curvature to mediate with the existing Memorial building. This required complex geometry software to design and document,” he said.
Associate and National BIM Coordinator at COX, Ashley Beckett, said Building information modelling (BIM) enables processes, procedures, collaboration, and delivery.
He said computational design facilitates the testing of complex ideas that push the boundaries of innovation.
“Creative media expresses our art and passion for craft; and content ensures quality and compliance,” Beckett said.
“We used McNeel’s Rhino and Grasshopper to generate the forms and workflows for a lot of our complex geometry, which streamlines into Autodesk Revit seamlessly using BEAM by MKS Dtech.
“Autodesk allows us to bring in complex geometry from other platforms, synchronise, and coordinate with all the other disciplines. It can still be updated relatively seamlessly with other software.”
COX also leveraged the 3D cloud environment in Autodesk Construction Cloud to determine any clashes, troubleshoot any potential issues, and run checks – ultimately assisting COX in reducing risk, saving time, maximising efficiencies on the project, and connecting workflows, teams, and data at every stage of the consequential project.
COX often integrates computational design thinking and processes within all stages of the firm’s projects. As project complexity increases, computational approaches support its team as it develops and delivers projects of exceptional quality, performance, and efficiency.
“We see computational thinking as an integral part of our practice, supporting and complementing our ethos of the art of crafting buildings,” Beckett said.
“This enables us to integrate, at the earliest stages of design through to construction, bespoke, client, and stakeholder-focused responses to site, geometry, structure,environment, energy, and human behaviour.”
The redevelopment of Allianz Stadium in Sydney is another example where COX combined its craftsmanship with computational design, allowing it to deliver the latest in global sport architecture trends.
The venue builds on the legacy of the original facility, adding a dynamic roof to cover all seating, a sculptural facade referencing technology, engineering and art, while blending with the local park landscape that reflects suburban living.
COX’s latest technology venture features experimentation with Autodesk Forma, which provides analysis tools the firm can use to understand the environmental impact of its designs within a site and onto neighbouring buildings – including the potential for solar panels, daylight and sunlight exposure, the analysis of microclimate conditions, wind comfort and lately even embodied carbon.
Senior regional director for Australia and New Zealand at Autodesk, Andy Cunningham, said COX is redefining architectural possibilities by blending the people-centred design it is known for, with computational principles underscored by Autodesk and COX’s technology practice.
“This has ensured the company can elevate its design approach by enhancing the efficiency of processes and effectiveness of outcomes,” Cunningham said.
“Today, COX drives value for its clients by providing better visibility, cost-effective optioneering with superior visualisation, and better quality and resource control throughout the end-to-end process of the complex design projects it wins.”