AHR Expo

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 28, 2003--

        Building Information Modeling Solution Reduces Drafting
                      Time and Improves Accuracy

Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), the world's leading design software and digital content company, announced today that Harris Consulting Engineers (HCE) uses Autodesk(R) Building Systems 3 software, a building information modeling solution for engineers, on a wide variety of projects to increase efficiency and project quality. HCE, a 40-member mechanical and electrical consulting engineering firm based in Las Vegas, NV, is currently using Building Systems to design the World Furniture Market, a ten-story, 1.3 million square foot facility in Las Vegas, among other projects. Using Autodesk's building information modeling strategy to maximize the benefits of digital designs, HCE is able to develop complex 3D schematic renderings and easily convert them into 2D construction documents, ensuring better accuracy and design coordination. Additionally, engineers realize significant time savings through advanced interference detection features that resolve collisions among building systems early in the process and avoid problems and increased costs during construction.

"By developing an integrated building information modeling solution for engineers, Autodesk has enabled us to significantly increase productivity," said Randall S. Harris, vice president and senior mechanical engineer at HCE. "The product's engineering-specific features allow our engineers to spend more time focused on solving our clients' building design problems, resulting in more satisfied clients and project teams."

Improved Coordination with Architects

HCE was faced with a common engineering problem on the World Furniture Market project. The initial proposed building smoke evacuation and ventilation system was routed through the roof, taking up too much rentable space. Using Autodesk Building Systems to model the building's mechanical systems, HCE developed a 3D visualization that showed piping and ductwork spatial requirements for several options at a glance. Based upon the 3D model's visual feedback, HCE was able to show the architect and the owner that an alternative design reduced the vertical shaft requirements by approximately 15,000 square feet, offering the owner additional retail space and an opportunity to increase revenue.

Autodesk Building Systems Application Increases Accuracy, Coordination

Autodesk Building Systems software offers engineers accurate 3D content with flexible tools to quickly and easily create precise digital data models and drawings of mechanical and electrical building systems. Using a Building Systems application, engineers can design faster and more accurately helping to eliminate coordination mistakes that often occur in multiple unrelated 2D drawings. With these solutions, designers also eliminate the high costs from creating custom and manufacture-specific equipment and part catalogs by using the content creation tools available within the Building Systems application.

The Building Systems application will be showcased at the International Air-conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Exposition (AHR Expo) in Chicago, IL, from January 27-29, 2003. For more information, please visit www.ahrexpo.com.

About Harris Consulting Engineers

Harris Consulting Engineers (HCE) has been engaged in the private practice of professional mechanical and electrical engineering in the greater Las Vegas area since 1983, specializing in HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems designed for physical comfort, convenience, function, and value. HCE is committed to strong individual and team efforts and adherence to the highest professional standards for top quality clients including commercial, gaming, financial institutions, auto dealerships, schools and higher education facilities, among others. For more information about the company, see www.harrisengineers.com.

About Autodesk

Founded in 1982, Autodesk, Inc. is the world's leading design software and digital content company. The company serves a diverse portfolio of markets, including building design, geographic information systems, manufacturing, digital media, and wireless data services. By delivering tools that foster innovation and creativity, Autodesk helps customers create, use and leverage their digital design data. For more information about the company, see http://www.autodesk.com.

Autodesk and Autodesk Building Systems are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

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