Maya Training Course | Autodesk Maya for Architecture
Through a rich tapestry of 10 detailed videos, delve into the myriad ways Maya can elevate your architectural designs and visualizations beyond conventional architectural software capabilities. As a participant, you'll embark on a comprehensive learning adventure, absorbing the subtle art and complex science behind creating spellbinding architectural models and sophisticated visualizations in Maya that push the boundaries of contemporary architectural representation.
- 4+ hours of premium content
 - 10 step-by-step video lessons
 - Future updates included
 
About this course
This course isn't merely a set of tutorials; it's a well-rounded educational experience designed to finesse your skills from every angle of advanced architectural visualization. From creating realistic visualizations that communicate complex spatial concepts to animating your designs for compelling presentations, every nuance of architectural visualization using Maya is systematically explored, ensuring that your learnings are both comprehensive and immediately applicable to contemporary architectural practice and cutting-edge design development.
This comprehensive Maya training course transforms your approach to advanced architectural modeling through sophisticated polygonal and NURBS techniques that push the boundaries of conventional architectural software capabilities. You'll master Maya's powerful node-based workflow systems that support parametric design thinking and complex deformation systems, enabling the visualization of cutting-edge contemporary architecture that challenges traditional geometric constraints.
The curriculum emphasizes practical application through two iconic architectural case studies: Arena Tower by SOM and Beijing National Hotel by Tom Wiscombe, demonstrating Maya's capabilities across different scales and complexity levels. You'll develop expertise in advanced modeling techniques including BlendShape technology, space frame systems, and complex surface generation that capture distinctive architectural characteristics.
Advanced visualization techniques include Arnold rendering integration, sophisticated lighting design, and professional animation workflows that create compelling architectural presentations. The course covers material creation, camera animation strategies, and post-production integration that produce studio-quality visualizations suitable for high-end architectural marketing and competition submissions.
These specialized skills position you to leverage Maya's unique strengths in architectural practice, particularly for complex geometric forms and advanced visualization requirements that exceed traditional architectural software capabilities. The techniques learned apply directly to cutting-edge architectural projects, competition entries, and visualization work that requires sophisticated computational design approaches.
What will you learn?
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This course will turn you into:
An advanced 3D modeling specialist
Master Maya's sophisticated polygonal modeling tools for creating complex architectural geometries that exceed the capabilities of traditional architectural software. Learn advanced techniques including NURBS surface creation, procedural modeling workflows, and complex deformation systems that enable the visualization of cutting-edge contemporary architecture.
A procedural design coordinator
Develop expertise in Maya's powerful node-based workflow systems that support parametric design thinking and iterative development processes. Learn to leverage Maya's extensive modifier stack, animation capabilities, and scripting integration that accelerate complex modeling tasks while maintaining design flexibility throughout the development process.
A visualization production professional
Gain advanced skills in Arnold rendering integration, sophisticated lighting design, and professional animation techniques that create compelling architectural presentations. Learn material creation workflows, camera animation strategies, and post-production integration that produce studio-quality visualizations suitable for high-end architectural marketing and competition submissions.
Syllabus
We systematically explore Autodesk Maya's crucial role in contemporary architectural design through comprehensive real-life case studies and detailed insights into its seamless integration into advanced design workflows. This foundational journey includes a comprehensive guide through Maya's sophisticated interface and essential tools, along with professional tips on customizing your workspace to efficiently meet the demanding requirements of complex architectural tasks from initial conceptualization through final presentation.
We systematically explore fundamental 3D modeling skills, beginning with mastering Maya's sophisticated 3D viewport navigation—learning to pan, zoom, and rotate with precision to optimize project views for complex architectural work. You'll be comprehensively introduced to key selection and transformation tools for precise object manipulation and gain complete clarity on the critical distinction between Object Mode and Component Mode in advanced polygonal modeling workflows.
We begin by systematically crafting basic architectural elements using primitive shapes as foundation blocks, leading into an in-depth exploration of advanced polygonal modeling techniques specifically adapted for sophisticated architectural design challenges. We'll comprehensively explore mesh modeling methodologies, Smooth Mesh Preview capabilities, and advanced smoothing algorithms to achieve professionally polished model surfaces that meet contemporary architectural visualization standards.
We dive deep into creating advanced architectural forms using sophisticated lofting and extrusion techniques, and systematically explore boolean operations to integrate detailed architectural elements into complex models. Comprehensive coverage of Outliner and Layer Management systems will empower you to organize large-scale projects and control extensive architectural assets effectively, ensuring professional workflow management throughout complex design development processes.
Starting with an comprehensive analysis of Baltimore Tower's sophisticated design philosophy and structural innovation, we systematically progress to block out and refine its complex architectural structure, ensuring a robust foundation for your advanced modeling project. We'll explore adding detailed architectural elements with precision, utilizing duplicate special techniques for efficient replication across the model while maintaining design integrity and architectural accuracy throughout the development process.
We begin by systematically setting up sophisticated materials and textures using Maya's powerful Hypershade tool and comprehensively introduce the industry-standard Arnold rendering engine for creating photorealistic architectural visuals. The journey continues with fine-tuning advanced lighting systems, optimal camera angles for architectural photography, and professional render settings, while exploring HDRI integration for enhanced render quality and immersive environmental experiences that communicate architectural design intent effectively.
In this comprehensive lesson, we start with careful planning and detailed referencing of the building's complex layout to understand its unique design features and architectural innovation. During the systematic modeling process, we focus on crafting the building's sophisticated exterior using Maya's advanced tools while introducing BlendShape technology for creating complex morphs and architectural deformations that capture the building's distinctive formal characteristics.
In this essential section, you'll learn to enliven your architectural model with detailed accuracy in complex architectural features while exploring optimization of viewport settings for quicker, more efficient modeling processes that support iterative design development. We'll apply basic lighting and shading systems for rapid design previews, and utilize Arnold Physical Sun for enhancing realistic lighting in architectural visualizations that communicate spatial quality effectively.
We comprehensively cover keyframing camera movements and sophisticated object animations for architectural presentations, using Maya's powerful Graph Editor for precise temporal control over complex motion sequences. You'll discover how to import animations from other applications, set up professional turntable animations for design review, and utilize Playblast for swift design iteration and client communication. By the end of this video, you'll possess the skills to bring dynamic motion to your architectural projects that enhance spatial understanding.
In our comprehensive final lesson, we explore the crucial aspects of wrapping up complex architectural projects for professional delivery. You'll delve into the sophisticated world of software interoperability, gaining essential insights into considerations when importing and exporting files between different professional applications. As we conclude, we'll offer final considerations and best practices to ensure your projects are polished and ready for professional presentation, client delivery, or collaborative development.

Meet your instructor
Nicolas Turchi
Professor in Advanced Digital Design
Manchester School of Architecture
Hi I'm Nicolas, a Lecturer in Advanced Digital Design at Manchester School of Architecture and an Adjunct Professor in Computational and Parametric Design at the University of Bologna, where I lead cutting-edge research in digital fabrication and computational design methodologies. As an associate at DesignMorphine and founder of NT[A]R, I bridge academic research with practical design innovation. I hold a Masters in Architecture from the Harvard Graduate School of Design and dual degrees from the University of Bologna. My professional experience spans some of the world's most innovative architectural practices including Zaha Hadid Architects, Peter Eisenman Architects, MCA Mario Cucinella Architects, and Hernan Diaz Alonso Architects, where I developed expertise in complex computational design workflows and advanced digital design methodologies that inform my teaching approach.
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