Do I need to be highly skilled in Maya or Rhino3D to attend this workshop?

No. While some basic familiarity with either Maya or Rhino3D is helpful, this workshop is designed to guide participants step-by-step from expressive modeling to geometry rationalization. Beginners are welcome, and the workflow will be taught progressively.

Will I learn how to make my Maya models ready for fabrication?

Yes. A core focus of the workshop is preparing complex, free-form models for real-world application. You’ll learn rationalization techniques, NURBS conversion, and surface evaluation to make your designs buildable

What’s the difference between SubD and NURBS workflows, and will both be covered?

Yes, both will be covered. SubD offers a smooth, flexible modeling approach, while NURBS provides mathematical precision.

Will we cover rendering and presentation techniques during the sessions?

The workshop includes a session on using Enscape for real-time visualization and rendering, plus quick post-production workflows in Photoshop and Runway.

Is this useful for real design projects?

Absolutely. The skills apply directly to architecture, product design, and more.

Aug 9 & 10, 202512 lessonsIntermediate

FREE with Full Access Workshop Intermediate 12 lessons 5.0 Rating

Fluid Forms: Geometry Rationalization with Maya & Rhino3D

Name: Fluid Forms: Geometry Rationalization with Maya & Rhino3D
Price: 93.50 EUR
Availability: InStock

Fluid Forms: Geometry Rationalization with Maya & Rhino3D is a course on PAACADEMY that teaches a complete workflow for transforming free-form Maya geometries into clean, controllable NURBS surfaces in Rhinoceros 3D. Participants learn mesh-to-SubD-to-NURBS conversion, curvature continuity improvement, surface simplification for buildability, and real-time visualization with Chaos Enscape. The course also includes post-production with Photoshop and video creation with Runway.

This course includes

Live workshop · 7h 52m
Lifetime session recordings
Certificate of completion
Downloadable course files
4 design tools
Private Discord community
Included with Full Access

In the modern design landscape, crafting stunning free-form shapes is only the beginning. The real challenge lies in turning those visionary forms into practical, buildable solutions that meet construction requirements without compromising their artistic essence.

This workshop takes you through proven techniques for simplifying complex geometries, enhancing curvature continuity, and organizing surfaces for efficient real-world application. You’ll gain the skills to refine fluid, organic shapes into precise, build-ready surfaces while preserving the integrity of your original design.

This workshop explores a practical workflow for transforming free-form geometries created in Autodesk Maya into clean, controllable NURBS surfaces in Rhino3D. Ideal for designers and architects working at the intersection of creativity and precision, the course focuses on using Maya for expressive form generation and Rhino for refining and converting geometry using SubD and NURBS tools.

The workshop also includes a brief introduction to rendering with Enscape, a fast and intuitive visualization tool that allows you to quickly explore materiality and present your designs with a strong visual impact. This workshop will also touch on a video creation tool, Runway, to help enhance your final outputs with simple, engaging animations.

The creative flexibility and design potential of mesh modelling in Maya
Best practices for exporting from Maya to Rhino
Techniques to convert mesh into SubD and NURBS in Rhino3D
Geometry rationalization and surface evaluation techniques: strategies for simplifying complex forms, improving curvature continuity, and preparing surfaces for buildability
How to visualize your work using Enscape within Rhino and export high-quality renderings
Quick post-production with Photoshop and video creation with Runway
A complete, practical workflow from expressive modelling to rational, presentation-ready geometry

This workshop begins with a visual introduction to the overall goals, tools, and design logic behind the Maya-to-Rhino workflow. Instruction is structured around progressive, step-by-step demonstrations that move from concept to refinement.

By learning geometry rationalization, you develop essential skills that connect creative ideas with practical accuracy. Whether you’re planning panels for cladding or making sure shapes flow smoothly for structure or airflow, this workshop teaches you how to make your designs workable and polished.

The workshop is structured to build understanding through practical exercises, emphasizing both the creative and technical aspects of the Maya-to-Rhino workflow. Each session is designed to reinforce learning by demonstrating how tools and strategies are applied directly to project-based tasks.

1. Introduction + PAACADEMY Updates