What software is used in The Illusion of Form architectural workshop?

The workshop is built around Autodesk Maya, covering the full Maya workflow from interface and polygonal modeling through subdivision techniques, materials, rendering, dynamics, particles, deformers, animations, and camera controls. Scripting and animation are also introduced as tools for generating complex geometry. No prior Maya experience is required, as the workshop includes a software introduction sequence before design work begins.

What design methodology does The Illusion of Form workshop follow?

The workshop is structured as an ongoing desk critique symposium. Participants begin by developing an individual research-based argument around the concept of image illusion, then establish two parallel design systems: Integration (addressing structural mass) and Application (addressing surface skin and ornament). These systems form the basis for a series of topological assemblies. Formal digital variations are then developed through distortion, contortion, and pressure-based transformations using animation and modeling techniques to arrive at an architectural figure.

Is The Illusion of Form workshop suitable for beginners in digital design?

No prior experience with Autodesk Maya is required, as the workshop includes a dedicated software introduction. However, the workshop is conceptually demanding: participants are expected to conduct individual research and develop a critical design argument independently. The format is a desk critique symposium rather than a step-by-step tutorial, making it most suitable for architecture students or designers who are comfortable with theoretical and conceptual design work and want to develop advanced digital form-making skills.

What will I produce by the end of The Illusion of Form workshop?

Participants will complete a series of topological architectural assemblies developed through both integration and application design strategies, along with a set of digital formal variations generated through animation and modeling techniques in Maya. The outcome is an architectural figure grounded in a personal research argument, supported by rendered visualizations and animations demonstrating the transformation logic of the design.

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Jan 27 & 31, 20205 lessonsBeginner

3D ModelingFREE with Full AccessWorkshopJan 27 & 31, 2020Beginner5 lessons20h 20mOrganic Architecture

The Illusion Of Form - PAACADEMY

Name: The Illusion Of Form - PAACADEMY
Price: 200.00 EUR
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The Illusion of Form is an advanced architectural design workshop using Autodesk Maya to explore geometric and topological form-making through the concept of image illusion. Participants develop a personal critical argument through individual research and translate it into geometric-formal exploration. The workshop covers two design systems: Integration (structure and mass) and Application (skin and ornament), using animation, polygonal and subdivision modeling, dynamics, particles, deformers, and scripting to generate complex architectural figures. No prior Maya experience is required.

Learn from Erick Carcamo, Bailey Shugart

Instructors

Erick Carcamo3 courses

Bailey Shugart1 course

The main aspiration of this workshop is to precisely develop a critical argument based on individual research, which will translate into pure geometrical-formal exploration; the format will be an ongoing desk crit symposium with the participants, meeting them and discussing their architectural projects, along with daily tutorials to progress their knowledge of the software techniques.

Development of a critical argument through individual research and geometric exploration.
Techniques for establishing integration and application systems in design.
Creation of topological assemblies using formal and aesthetic approaches.
Skills in digital modeling and animation to transform architectural forms. Exploration of the concept of 'Image Illusion' as a design feature.
Exploration of the concept of 'Image Illusion' as a design feature.

Autodesk Maya

The Workshop will begin with each participant individually focusing on an aesthetic and formal language through the concept of ‘Image Illusion.’ We will then use this to establish two types of systems: Integration (Structure, Mass) and Application (Skin, Ornament); this will be the mechanism for developing a series of topological assemblies. Using a formal and aesthetic approach, ILLUSION becomes an instrument of design and a Design Feature.

We will then work on a series of formal digital variations, which will be transformed through distortion, contortion, and internal and external pressures, using animation and modeling techniques in order to arrive at an Architectural figure.

What you should already know or have ready before you start, experience, tools, and any baseline skills the instructors expect. Scan the list below so nothing catches you off guard.

The Workshop will run primarily using AutoDesk MAYA and will also cover other fundamental digital design tools. Software Introduction (NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY): Maya Interface Modeling Techniques: Polygons, Subdivisions Rendering Techniques: Materials, Special Effects Advanced Techniques: Dynamics, Particles, Deformers, Animations, Camera controls; it will also incorporate scripting and animation as an engine for the purpose of generating higher complex geometry, and for visual representation.

5 Lessons20h 20m

Day 1
Intro lectures
Tutorial – MAYA Introduction
Tutorial – Software navigation/Polygon modeling
Day 2
Tutorial: Polygon modeling, deformers, iterative design (using animation tools)
Tutorial: Mesh-modeling operations
Day 3
Open session tutorials with instructors
One-on-one critique to discuss developing work
Day 4
Tutorial: Refining techniques
One-on-one critique to discuss developing work
Day 5
Review/Discussion of final work

Erick CarcamoVerified Account

3 Courses5.0

View profile

Principal and co-founder – As an educator and designer, Erick has been in pursuit of innovation and technology in the field of architectural thinking and teaching processes; his expertise, expanding his graduate thesis at GSAPP, is based on researching digital experimental techniques and strategic thinking for the manipulation of Form in design, which he uses these design abilities in the services of thoroughly generating spatial and organizational issues central to architecture. Born in El Salvador, Erick holds a master’s degree in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University, GSAPP, and a bachelor’s degree from The Southern California Institute of Architecture, SCI_Arc.

Bailey ShugartVerified Account

1 Course5.0

View profile

From Prompting to Spatial Directorship

This was one of the most immediately useful AI visualization workshops I have taken. Pouya’s workflow made a clear distinction between simply generating attractive images and actually directing AI with architectural intent. The strongest takeaway for me was the idea of spatial directorship: controlling camera, composition, materials, lighting, atmosphere, and design fidelity through a structured workflow rather than relying on unpredictable outputs. The progression from raw 3D views and sketches to refined hero images and cinematic sequences felt practical and transferable. For my AutoTroph work, this is especially valuable because it adds a much stronger communication layer to computational research. It gives me a way to translate complex generative ideas into images and motion without losing the architectural logic behind them.

Walter Patrick SmithArchitecture in Motion: AI Cinematic Workflows

Excellent Course for Architectural Competitions

A very useful and well-structured course that clearly explains how to use AI throughout the architectural competition process, from understanding and rethinking the brief to concept development, visualization, presentation boards, and final submission. I learned practical methods that can improve creativity, workflow, storytelling, and the overall quality of competition projects.

Ammar AlmusaeedAI for Architectural Competitions: From Brief to Submission

Comprehensive introduction to Maya modeling for architectural design

The course offered a clear, structured deep dive into Autodesk Maya’s essential modeling tools and workflows. I gained a solid grasp of polygon modeling, edge flow control, and core surface techniques tailored for conceptual form-finding and complex architectural geometry.

Omkar SawantCyber Villa: Mastering Maya Essentials

The AI support and power

Learned how to integrate generative artificial intelligence into the architectural design process, using prompt engineering and AI-powered tools to develop design concepts, explore creative alternatives, and support early-stage architectural visualization.

Catalina CulicovschiArchitectural Intelligence: From Prompt to Concept with Snaptrude AI

Regular Price

Save €50.00

€200.00€250.00

Pay less with membership

Pro Membership€170.00Save €30.00 on this course Full Access€0.00Plus every other course

Jan 27 & 31, 20205 lessonsBeginner

3D ModelingFREE with Full AccessWorkshopJan 27 & 31, 2020Beginner5 lessons20h 20mOrganic Architecture

The Illusion Of Form - PAACADEMY

Learn from Erick Carcamo, Bailey Shugart

Instructors

Erick Carcamo3 courses

Bailey Shugart1 course

Development of a critical argument through individual research and geometric exploration.
Techniques for establishing integration and application systems in design.
Creation of topological assemblies using formal and aesthetic approaches.
Skills in digital modeling and animation to transform architectural forms. Exploration of the concept of 'Image Illusion' as a design feature.
Exploration of the concept of 'Image Illusion' as a design feature.

Autodesk Maya

The Workshop will begin with each participant individually focusing on an aesthetic and formal language through the concept of ‘Image Illusion.’ We will then use this to establish two types of systems: Integration (Structure, Mass) and Application (Skin, Ornament); this will be the mechanism for developing a series of topological assemblies. Using a formal and aesthetic approach, ILLUSION becomes an instrument of design and a Design Feature.

We will then work on a series of formal digital variations, which will be transformed through distortion, contortion, and internal and external pressures, using animation and modeling techniques in order to arrive at an Architectural figure.

What you should already know or have ready before you start, experience, tools, and any baseline skills the instructors expect. Scan the list below so nothing catches you off guard.

5 Lessons20h 20m

Day 1
Intro lectures
Tutorial – MAYA Introduction
Tutorial – Software navigation/Polygon modeling
Day 2
Tutorial: Polygon modeling, deformers, iterative design (using animation tools)
Tutorial: Mesh-modeling operations
Day 3
Open session tutorials with instructors
One-on-one critique to discuss developing work
Day 4
Tutorial: Refining techniques
One-on-one critique to discuss developing work
Day 5
Review/Discussion of final work

Erick CarcamoVerified Account

3 Courses5.0

View profile

Bailey ShugartVerified Account

1 Course5.0

View profile

From Prompting to Spatial Directorship

Walter Patrick SmithArchitecture in Motion: AI Cinematic Workflows

Excellent Course for Architectural Competitions

Ammar AlmusaeedAI for Architectural Competitions: From Brief to Submission

Comprehensive introduction to Maya modeling for architectural design

Omkar SawantCyber Villa: Mastering Maya Essentials

The AI support and power

Catalina CulicovschiArchitectural Intelligence: From Prompt to Concept with Snaptrude AI

Regular Price

Save €50.00

€200.00€250.00

Pay less with membership

Pro Membership€170.00Save €30.00 on this course Full Access€0.00Plus every other course

The Illusion Of Form - PAACADEMY

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3

Session 4

Session 5

What software is used in The Illusion of Form architectural workshop?

What design methodology does The Illusion of Form workshop follow?

Is The Illusion of Form workshop suitable for beginners in digital design?

What will I produce by the end of The Illusion of Form workshop?

The Illusion Of Form - PAACADEMY

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3

Session 4

Session 5

What software is used in The Illusion of Form architectural workshop?

What design methodology does The Illusion of Form workshop follow?

Is The Illusion of Form workshop suitable for beginners in digital design?

What will I produce by the end of The Illusion of Form workshop?