ARCHITECTURE COURSES

AutoCAD 2D/3D Course

AutoDesk Revit Course

Maya 3D Max

3D Studio Max

Architecture Modeling course


focusing on Autodesk AutoCAD, Revit, and 3ds Max. This curriculum is designed to provide foundational skills in drafting, building modeling, and rendering, progressing to advanced visualization techniques.

Course Overview:

Duration: 16–20 weeks Level: Beginner to Intermediate Prerequisites: Basic understanding of architecture concepts Goals: Equip students with skills in CAD drafting, BIM modeling, and 3D rendering for architectural design, from concept development through to high-quality visualizations.

Module 1: Introduction to Autodesk AutoCAD for Drafting (Weeks 1–4)

  1. AutoCAD Basics
    • Introduction to CAD in architecture, interface overview, and workspace customization.
    • Understanding project setup: drawing units, scaling, layers, and precision tools.
  2. 2D Drafting Essentials
    • Creating architectural plans, elevations, and sections.
    • Using the Line, Polyline, Circle, Rectangle, and other drawing tools.
    • Managing layers, line types, and colors for clarity in architectural drawings.
  3. Dimensions, Annotations, and Text
    • Adding dimensions, labels, and annotations for construction documentation.
    • Working with text and text styles to meet architectural standards.
    • Creating and managing reusable blocks for common architectural elements (doors, windows, furniture).
  4. Advanced Drafting Techniques
    • Working with arrays, mirror, and offset tools for efficient drafting.
    • Using Xrefs (external references) to manage large projects.
    • Setting up layout views and plotting for print-ready drawings.

Module 2: Building Information Modeling with Autodesk Revit (Weeks 5–10)

  1. Introduction to Revit and BIM Concepts
    • Understanding BIM (Building Information Modeling) principles and their role in architecture.
    • Overview of Revit’s interface and project structure.
    • Setting up a new project with levels, grids, and templates.
  2. Modeling Basic Architectural Elements
    • Creating walls, floors, roofs, doors, and windows.
    • Understanding Revit families and using system and loadable families.
    • Working with stairs, ramps, and railings for circulation elements.
  3. Advanced Building Components and Customization
    • Using massing tools for conceptual forms and volume studies.
    • Customizing wall types, materials, and building envelope details.
    • Working with curtain walls, custom profiles, and complex facades.
  4. Annotations, Tags, and Schedules
    • Adding dimensions, tags, and annotations for architectural documentation.
    • Creating schedules for doors, windows, and materials.
    • Understanding the importance of schedules in project management.
  5. Rendering in Revit and Basic Visualization
    • Applying materials and textures to components.
    • Setting up views, camera angles, and perspectives.
    • Creating basic renderings and walkthroughs within Revit for client presentations.

Module 3: Advanced Rendering and Visualization with Autodesk 3ds Max (Weeks 11–16)

  1. Introduction to 3ds Max for Architecture
    • Overview of 3ds Max interface and navigation.
    • Importing models from AutoCAD and Revit to 3ds Max.
    • Setting up project units and managing imported assets.
  2. Modeling and Editing in 3ds Max
    • Understanding basic and advanced modeling tools in 3ds Max.
    • Creating custom furniture, fixtures, and architectural details.
    • Working with Editable Poly and spline-based modeling for organic shapes.
  3. Materials and Texturing
    • Applying materials using the Material Editor and Material Library.
    • Using UV mapping techniques to apply textures accurately.
    • Creating realistic materials like glass, metal, wood, and concrete.
  4. Lighting Techniques for Realism
    • Setting up daylight systems and artificial lighting.
    • Working with global illumination and ambient occlusion for realistic lighting.
    • Introduction to V-Ray and Arnold rendering engines for advanced lighting effects.
  5. Advanced Rendering Techniques
    • Setting up render parameters and output settings for high-quality renders.
    • Rendering still images, panoramas, and walkthroughs for client presentations.
    • Using post-processing techniques in Photoshop to enhance render quality.

Module 4: Capstone Project and Workflow Integration (Weeks 17–20)

  1. Integrating AutoCAD, Revit, and 3ds Max
    • Best practices for transferring data between AutoCAD, Revit, and 3ds Max.
    • Troubleshooting common issues in cross-software workflows.
    • Creating a seamless workflow for efficient architectural modeling and visualization.
  2. Capstone Project: Complete Architectural Design
    • Students will work on a full-scale project involving site plans, building plans, and 3D renderings.
    • The project will include AutoCAD drafting, Revit modeling, and 3ds Max rendering.
    • Students will present floor plans, sections, elevations, and final renderings.
  3. Presentation Techniques and Portfolio Development
    • Preparing presentation boards, layouts, and digital portfolios.
    • Tips on storytelling and design narrative in presentations.
    • Constructing a professional portfolio with course projects.

Assessment and Wrap-Up:

  • Final Project Presentation: Students present their capstone projects for feedback and peer review.
  • Career and Continued Learning Guidance: Tips on certifications, online resources, and software updates.
  • Course Completion: Review of course goals and individual feedback.