SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Sept. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK), the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building, and media and entertainment markets, will hold a two-day executive forum on October 4-5 in conjunction with the Melting Ice: A Hot Topic -- Envisioning Change art exhibit, hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Natural World Museum (NWM) at the BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts in Brussels, Belgium. The forum will bring business, technology and sustainability experts together to increase awareness of the importance of sustainable design and engage in a dialogue on how sustainable design practices can lead to a healthier environment. The exhibition, for which Autodesk serves as Title Sponsor, opens at the BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts on October 5 and offers thought-provoking perspectives on the issue of climate change from more than 40 artists around the world.
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"As an industry leader in providing design software for the built and manufactured world, Autodesk is committed to increasing awareness of sustainable design as a viable solution to addressing environmental concerns such as global warming," said Carl Bass, president and CEO of Autodesk. "We are proud to support the United Nations Environment Programme and Natural World Museum's 'Envisioning Change' exhibit to help inform citizens of the world about the positive impact of sustainable design on global warming," said Bass.
"We're excited to work with technology leaders, such as Autodesk, to help promote the need for sustainable design on a global scale," said Mia Hanak, executive director, Natural World Museum. "As the Title Sponsor for 'Envisioning Change,' Autodesk is demonstrating leadership and vision that's impacting change and is contributing to our goal of inspiring creative sustainable solutions worldwide."
Forums to Address the Role of Technology in Sustainable Design
Autodesk will host two executive forums to address the role of technology in sustainable design and how it can help building and manufacturing professionals design products and structures that are more environmentally sound. Through the forums, attended by Autodesk customers, sustainable design experts and the media, Autodesk hopes to stimulate interactive conversation about the positive impact of sustainable design, and to share best practices and innovative ideas.
Autodesk senior vice president of Manufacturing, Robert "Buzz" Kross, will host an industry session that will look at how manufacturers use Digital Prototyping solutions to support their sustainable product strategy. The discussion will include speakers JohnPaul Kusz, founder and associate director of the Center for Sustainable Enterprise, and Angela Robotham, engineering director, Marine Current Turbines Ltd. Autodesk architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) customers will hear from Phil Bernstein, vice president of Industry Strategy & Relations, how a strategic change in design and process strategies can help achieve an integrated practice that will allow designers to build with a sustainable and holistic approach. Bernstein will show how technology, such as building information modelling (BIM), can support this goal. This session will also include sustainable design architect and broadcaster, Charlie Luxton.
The forum will also feature keynote speaker, Robert Swan, the first man to walk to both the North and South Poles, who will describe how he has seen climate change in action over the last 20 years.
In addition to the forum, Autodesk President and CEO Carl Bass will participate in a UNEP symposium which will be held on the opening day of the exhibit. The symposium will bring together leaders from technology, the environment, the arts, media and government to discuss critical social, economic and political aspects of global warming and aims to foster a deeper understanding of the causes and effects of climate change, as well as discuss sustainable solutions for individuals, communities and industries.
Autodesk is committed to driving awareness and adoption of sustainable design through public and private partnerships with organizations such as the U.S. Green Building Council and Integrated Energy Solutions, and as a major sponsor of a multi-segment public television series on sustainable design. Autodesk also provides technology, education and support for initiatives that inform and promote innovations that address current and future sustainable design challenges. More information about this sponsorship is available here: http://pressreleases.autodesk.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item =250%3C%2Ftd%3E
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art digital prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1,000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit http://www.autodesk.com/.
About the Natural World Museum (NWM)
The San Francisco-based Natural World Museum (http://www.artintoaction.org/) utilizes the universal language of art as a catalyst to inspire and engage the public in environmental awareness and action. In order to contribute to the sustainability of our world, NWM provides enlightening experiences through innovative site-specific art exhibitions that advance local and global conservation efforts.
About the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP is the world's leading environmental agency and environmental arm of the United Nations System, providing leadership and encouraging partnerships for conservation efforts by inspiring, informing and enabling nations to improve quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
Autodesk and AutoCAD are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., 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.
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