Why do architects use animation software like Maya?

For its freeform sculpting tools, which handle organic curvature better than most CAD platforms.

Do I need prior 3D modeling experience?

Some courses are beginner-friendly ( Maya for Beginners 101 ); others assume basic modeling knowledge.

What is Autodesk Maya and how is it used in architectural design?

Autodesk Maya is a professional 3D modeling, animation and rendering software with advanced polygon modeling and subdivision surface tools suited to organic form generation. In architectural design, it is used for complex mesh geometries requiring smooth subdivision and topology-aware editing. At PAACADEMY, it is taught in 10+ courses including Maya for Beginners 101: Cyber Tower by Jan Wilk, covering interface, polygon editing and low-poly modeling workflows.

What does Maya for Beginners 101: Cyber Tower cover at PAACADEMY?

Maya for Beginners 101: Cyber Tower by Jan Wilk is a 4-hour beginner course across 6 lessons covering: navigating and customizing the Autodesk Maya interface for efficient workflow; advanced polygon editing and subdivision surface techniques for refined smooth geometry; and strategic low-poly modeling to create fluid architectural shapes using base mesh subdivision workflows, applied to a Cyber Tower design project.

How does Autodesk Maya differ from Rhino for architectural 3D modeling?

Rhino is a NURBS-based modeler suited to precise surface geometry, parametric design with Grasshopper and fabrication workflows. Autodesk Maya is a polygon-based modeler suited to organic form generation, smooth subdivision surfaces and complex mesh topology editing. For architectural design requiring smooth organic geometry and subdivision modeling, Maya's mesh-editing environment provides capabilities that Rhino's NURBS approach handles less efficiently.

Autodesk Maya for Architects: 10+ Courses

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Maya for Beginners 101: Cyber Tower

Jan Wilk

Verified Account

4 HoursBeginner6 lessons

Full Access

Maya for Beginners 101: Cyber Tower

4 HoursBeginner6 lessons

What you'll learn

Navigate and customize the Autodesk Maya interface for efficient workflow
Elevate your 3D models using advanced polygon editing and subdivision surface workflows
Learn how to design strategically using manual low-poly modeling to create fluid shapes.

Jan Wilk

Verified Account

Pro

Curvilinear Concepts 2.0: AI Exploration to Fabrication

Prabhat Arora

Verified Account

6 HoursBeginner9 lessons

Pro

Curvilinear Concepts 2.0: AI Exploration to Fabrication

6 HoursBeginner9 lessons

What you'll learn

Generate curvilinear forms using Midjourney
Explore design styles inspired by MAD Architects and ZHA
Master prompt-crafting for architectural concepts

Prabhat Arora

Verified Account

Full Access

Fluid Forms: Geometry Rationalization with Maya & Rhino3D

Hazel Özrenk

Verified Account

8 HoursIntermediate12 lessons

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Fluid Forms: Geometry Rationalization with Maya & Rhino3D

8 HoursIntermediate12 lessons

What you'll learn

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

Hazel Özrenk

Verified Account

Pro

Symbiotic Design: AI-Driven Fluid Modeling in Maya

Chhavi Mehta

Verified Account

8 HoursBeginner13 lessons

Pro

Symbiotic Design: AI-Driven Fluid Modeling in Maya

8 HoursBeginner13 lessons

What you'll learn

Use AI as a tool for design ideation and form exploration
Modelling of 3D forms using Autodesk Maya
Create atmospheric visuals and animations using Runway

Chhavi Mehta

Verified Account

Full Access

Blueprints in Motion: From Maya to Unreal Engine

Guillermo Rage

Verified Account

8 HoursIntermediate12 lessons

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Blueprints in Motion: From Maya to Unreal Engine

8 HoursIntermediate12 lessons

What you'll learn

Model base geometry in Maya with a conscious and forward-thinking approach
Rationalize and panelize geometry using Grasshopper
Manage and use data across platforms, including automating its transfer from Grasshopper and reading it inside Unreal Engine

Guillermo Rage

Verified Account

Full Access

Parametric Synergy: Maya & Grasshopper for Sustainable Design

Nicolas Turchi, Ali Al-siwife

Verified Account

8 HoursBeginner12 lessons

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Parametric Synergy: Maya & Grasshopper for Sustainable Design

8 HoursBeginner12 lessons

What you'll learn

3D Modelling in Maya: Master organic parametric modelling techniques.
Fundamental & Advanced Techniques: Develop a solid foundation and explore advanced design strategies in Maya.
Design Thinking: Cultivate a deeper understanding of form-finding methodologies.

Nicolas Turchi, Ali Al-siwife

Verified Account

Full Access

Architectural Follies 2.0

Erick Carcamo

Verified Account

8 HoursIntermediate8 lessons

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Architectural Follies 2.0

8 HoursIntermediate8 lessons

What you'll learn

Exploring Parametric Design: Principles and Emotional Impact of Architectural Follies
Hands-On with Maya: Creating Parametric Designs that Elicit Emotion
Innovative Structures: Designing Your Folly with Custom Geometries and Materials

Erick Carcamo

Verified Account

Pro

Curvilinear Concepts AI Innovation to 3D Modeling

Prabhat Arora

Verified Account

2 Sessions (8 Hours)Beginner6 lessons

Pro

Curvilinear Concepts AI Innovation to 3D Modeling

2 Sessions (8 Hours)Beginner6 lessons

What you'll learn

Craft Effective Prompts: Create sophisticated architectural forms using Midjourney.
Extract Geometry: Translate AI-generated images into unique 3D models.
3D Modeling Skills: Utilize Autodesk Maya and Rhinoceros for curvilinear designs.

Prabhat Arora

Verified Account

Pro

Cyber Villa: Mastering Maya Essentials

Jan Wilk

Verified Account

1 Session (5 Hours)Intermediate3 lessons

Pro

Cyber Villa: Mastering Maya Essentials

1 Session (5 Hours)Intermediate3 lessons

What you'll learn

Master polygon modeling in Autodesk Maya to craft fluid architectural forms with confidence.
Manipulate geometry effectively to realize your unique design vision for The Cyber Villa.
Set up your working environment to optimize efficiency and streamline your design process.

Jan Wilk

Verified Account

Pro

Cyber Pavilion

Jan Wilk

Verified Account

2 Sessions (8 Hours)Beginner4 lessons

Pro

Cyber Pavilion

2 Sessions (8 Hours)Beginner4 lessons

What you'll learn

Polygon Mesh Modeling: Master step-by-step techniques for creating complex polygon meshes in Autodesk Maya, enabling fluid and organic architectural designs.
Topology Development: Understand the principles of topology in architectural modeling, focusing on the pavilion form and its applications in various urban contexts.
Creative Expression: Gain skills to effectively translate creative ideas into virtual designs, enhancing your ability to visualize and realize architectural concepts.

Jan Wilk

Verified Account

Full Access

META-Fluid Studio 3.0

Mariana Cabugueira, Laura Massot

Verified Account

28 HoursIntermediate7 lessons

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META-Fluid Studio 3.0

28 HoursIntermediate7 lessons

What you'll learn

Fluid Design Principles: Explore the concepts and methodologies behind Fluid Design to create dynamic and innovative cyber-urban environments.
3D Modeling in Maya: Gain hands-on experience with Autodesk Maya, focusing on its tools and capabilities for designing fluid architectural forms.
Collaboration in Teams: Work collaboratively in groups to develop a cohesive virtual city, enhancing skills in teamwork and project management.

Mariana Cabugueira, Laura Massot

Verified Account

Full Access

Vertical Sinuosity (Maya +Enscape)

Cherylene M. Shangpliang

Verified Account

2 Sessions (8 Hours)Beginner4 lessons

Full Access

Vertical Sinuosity (Maya +Enscape)

2 Sessions (8 Hours)Beginner4 lessons

What you'll learn

Polygon Mesh Modeling Techniques: Gain hands-on experience in various techniques for creating complex geometries using Autodesk Maya.
Spatial Design Characteristics: Learn how to manipulate simple polygon primitives to achieve specific spatial qualities that enhance social and leisure experiences.
Creative Expression: Explore the freedom of using Maya to design aesthetic organic forms and push the boundaries of your creative potential.

Cherylene M. Shangpliang

Verified Account