Digital Tutors - Architectural Previsualization in Maya

In this series of lessons, we will model and texture a 3d building and integrate it into a photographic plate.

Architectural visualization is an invaluable tool for being able to see a building, often inside and out, before constructing it in real life. Seeing structures in 3d will often highlight issues that may not be apparent when looking at drawings and plans. We'll start by building up the geometry of the two buildings from scratch, using many of Maya's modeling tools. We'll use deformers to create sweeping curves and we'll use existing geometry to add detail like balconies and rails. With the modeling complete, Kyle will take you through the process of adding materials and textures to the geometry. You'll also go through the necessary steps for adding appropriate lighting and setting up your renders. In the end, you'll have a nice final render with your custom built 3d building sitting in a real location.


Lesson Outline (27 lessons)

1. Introduction and Project Overview
2. Blocking in the basic shape of the first building
3. Blocking in the basic shape of the second building
4. Adding and shaping a concrete pad
5. Adding windows to the building
6. Adding decks to the upper floors
7. Creating a railing for the observation deck
8. Adding detail to the entry area
9. Adding the awning and structural supports
10. Adding detail to the door area
11. Building a glass elevator in the side of the building
12. Adding architectural elements to the second building
13. Adding trees with Paint Effects
14. Creating UVs for the building's windows
15. Managing scene resources using Render Proxies
16. Creating UVs for the exterior of the secondary building
17. Matching perspective to a background plate
18. Setting up image-based-lighting within Maya
19. Adding direct illumination sources to the scene
20. Creating exterior materials for the buildings
21. Creating a shading network for the window textures
22. Finishing the window textures for the building
23. Creating a brushed-metal material for the building's exterior
24. Creating minor irregularities in the brushed-metal panels
25. Adding shadow-casting objects into our Maya scene
26. Making final adjustments to our building scene
27. Fine-tuning the final render within Photoshop