Urban Performance Measurement

Compute the performance of designs against key urban indicators.

DBF Urban Insights is a web-based urban design and planning platform that empowers data-driven decision-making for a more sustainable and livable future. From city level down to neighborhood and plot & massing generation. With the posibility of creating on-prem solutions.

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Frequently asked questions

We are listening our user to success !

What sets DBF apart from other generative design tools?

DBF is more than software; we specialize in enterprise software for leading organizations, offering expertise in software planning and strategic consulting. Additionally, our technology focuses on analytics to completement generative design, providing evidence-based recommendations to identify the best options.

How does the tool meet multiple objectives and targets?

Using multi-objective optimization, our tool is designed to meet multiple targets efficiently and effectively. However, there are instances where trade-offs or conflicting objectives arise. For example, you might specify a low maximum height for a building while also requiring an extremely high total floor area.

In such cases, our user interface will gently alert you to the conflict. The system then provides a trade-off solution, balancing the conflicting requirements as best as possible. This ensures you are informed about the trade-offs and can make decisions based on a clear understanding of the design limitations and possibilities.

What data sources are used by DBF?

We provide extensive project contextual data, encompassing maps, satellite imagery, 3D terrain models, building information, road networks, land use, social media data, and local weather station-based wind and solar data. Additionally, we offer flexibility to integrate proprietary data into your solution, either on-premises or via a hybrid configuration, seamlessly integrated with our spatial analytics.
Learn more about our data sources

What scale of project is Digital Blue Foam suited for?

Small? Medium? Large? Extra-Large? Digital Blue Foam does it all. To find out more, check out our user-achievements. 

How much time does Digital Blue Foam save?

A recent survey of our current customers shows savings of at least 1 week on a 2-3 week project duration. This is a typical feasibility study for the majority of customers, more gains can be made in terms of saving time by creating a range of options. Downloading data such as complete excel sheets and IFC files is assisting our customers further to save time and allow them to focus more on the design to create quality.

How does the Generate Function work?

The generate button takes in large amounts of data and from there starts to create options on the location you have selected using our tool. We assist you to produce building designs based on your input and create a range of options that you can easily compare using our compare overview page. The generate function takes into account your targets and design guidelines, and generates solutions using our proprietary algorithms.

How does Digital Blue Foam analyze sustainability?

We provide, precise and up-to-date, wind analysis and solar studies for any given site location and time period. 


Solar studies involve shadow and radiation analysis, and dynamic daylight metrics like Daylight Autonomy (DA) and Spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA). You can focus on comparing sustainability of different design options and creating value for your clients, without worrying about any setup requirements.


How can I set requirements for Covid-19 planning of interior spaces?

We have developed a covid space planner tool and we currently are working with clients on specific projects. If you have any inquiries and like to get in touch to learn more we would be happy to assist you further.

How accurate is the Data?

All our data is geolocated and relates directly to your site and building or urban district. We overlay a range of  different data sets so our customers don’t need to worry about bringing in data such as climate and context, everything is available right at your fingertips. We also highlight the source of our data in the asset manager. If you wish to work with your own datasets, drag and drop them into the tool easily.

Learn more about our data sources


How are you using Machine Learning?

We employ a variety of Machine Learning techniques within our platform. For example, we have trained Machine Learning Models to compute daylight autonomy for a design.  To find out more, check out our medium page. Our team frequently, posts and shares about our current research and development.

Are you trying to replace designers?

Digital Blue Foam is developed by architects for architects. We know how much time it can take to create the context and gather all information for a site, let alone draw a few massing studies and create excel sheets for each of them. 

We assist our customers to efficiently and effectively start and communicate early stage project development within their team and with their clients. (Think Jarvis for architects). 

Can I request a new feature?

Absolutely, Digital Blue Foam exists for its customers so we welcome all feedback and ideas. You can drop us a line via the form below and we will get back to you.

You can also check our DBF Community, to give feedback and request features. We do our best to respond to all feedback and requests through frequent updates.

Sign up for our webinar here. 

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