AEC Magazine recently featured four of the top Autodesk University (AU) online classes that help CAD managers stay ahead of their ever-changing field. One of these classes – Becoming an Awesome CAD/BIM/Tech Manager – is actually about “you” and not the technology you use. After all, as a manager you’re a people person now, not just a tech user, and that requires becoming a better “you”!

With Autodesk’s 2017 software release on the horizon (typically sometime in the third week of March), now is a good time to start thinking about training options that can help you get up to speed when the new versions become available.

Ongoing education is particularly important if you are an Autodesk Subscription customer. Subscription customers receive the latest Autodesk software as and when it’s released, so new features and capabilities are being added all the time, and may present a potential learning curve.

Computers have traditionally been a passive tool, they respond to our programming and input. But computers are getting increasingly savvy and more creative.

Imagine being able to tell your PC what your design goals are, what you want to achieve, the constraints you’re dealing with, and then the computer goes off and explores a solution. It’s called “generative design” and Autodesk CTO, Jeff Kowalski believes it will redefine computer-aided design.

If you work with Autodesk Revit software then you may already be familiar with A360 Collaboration for Revit a powerful collaboration service that connects project teams with centralized access to BIM project data in the cloud.

Don’t Miss these 6 Transportation Design Classes from AU 2015 – Now Online!

As you may know by now, many of the classes from Autodesk University 2015 are now online and available for free viewing. If you’re a civil or transportation engineer/designer this is good news since many of these classes provide tips and tricks for working smarter and getting more from your Autodesk software investments.

The U.S. government has launched several initiatives aimed at incorporating the principles of sustainable design and energy efficiency into all its building projects. But how can federal, state and local designers improve their knowledge of sustainable design principles and practices?

Autodesk has assembled a series of tools, insights and resources that can help you build your skills in sustainable design and learn from others. Check these out:

Which mobile apps have worn down the tips of your fingers? We’re assuming you’ve reached the point where Angry Birds and Candy Crush aren’t as stimulating as they once were, and if you’re an architect, engineer, or designer, you’re likely in need of designing and drafting apps that allow you to make the most of your creative abilities when you’re not in the office.

Numbers and models just don’t lie—especially for facilities management, both before and for years after the “grand opening.”

Did you make the upgrade to AutoCAD Civil 3D 2016? If you did, you’ll know that there are a whole load of new features including an updated interface, support for attaching coordination models to a drawing, point cloud tools, an InfraWorks 360 data exchange, IFC file import and export, data shortcut management tools, and more. It’s a lot to take in.

Autodesk Revit 2016 R2 is available to Maintenance and Desktop Subscription customers worldwide.

This update builds on the speed and project performance improvements that distinguish Autodesk® Revit® 2016 software products. With over 25 new features and user-requested enhancements, including Global Parameters, Revit R2 for Revit 2016 contributes to project productivity by helping users more efficiently and effectively capture design intent.