Blender for Architects Course | Architectural Dioramas using Blender

Lesson 1 – Introduction to Blender (26:04). Dive into the creative world of Blender in this opening lesson of our course. We’ll explore the fundamentals of this powerful software and guide you in crafting stunning, stylised architectural dioramas. This lesson sets the stage for mastering essential techniques, ensuring you’re equipped to design playful, intricate models with ease. Start here, and transform your architectural visions into vibrant 3D art.

• Download Blender from https://www.blender.org/
• Download BlenderKit from https://www.blenderkit.com/
• Download the Create IsoCam addon from https://github.com/jasonicarter/create-isocam

Lesson 2 – Modelling Terrain & Trees (38:46). We guide you through creating terrain and modelling charming, stylised trees while introducing essential Blender tools like modifiers, which streamline your workflow for the entire course. Learn to navigate x-ray modes and master proportional fall-off for precise adjustments. With these practical techniques, you’ll be set to build detailed scenes and unlock new levels of creativity.

Lesson 3 – Modelling Assets & Details (39:02). Take your diorama to the next level by adding intricate details like benches and paths. Continue building on your skills with essential Blender modifiers, specifically the powerful array and subdivision modifiers. These tools will streamline your modelling process and become go-to assets as you develop your scenes. Enhance your project’s uniqueness by tweaking and refining these elements to make the environment truly yours.

Lesson 4 – Detailing Your Scene with Blender Kit & Kit-bashing (46:43). Unleash the power of Blender Kit in Lesson 4 to enrich your diorama with a vast array of assets from global creators. Discover how to customise these elements by modifying, adapting, or refining them to seamlessly fit your unique scene. Also, dive into the art of kit bashing, a creative technique that brings together various components to construct intricate and captivating details. With your trees, benches, and paths in place, this lesson will elevate your project, adding depth and flair to your architectural diorama. With a free account, thousands of assets can be used for personal and commercial projects, but for access to the wider paid collection you can use an affiliate link ( https://www.blenderkit.com/r/steq ) for 10% off your first month on any of the plans. 

Lesson 5 – Path Details & Swing set Modelling (37:26). Lesson 5 takes your diorama up a notch by integrating scalable vector graphics (SVGs) to enrich your cycle path with precise road markings. Learn how to import SVGs into Blender, modify them to achieve the perfect look, and seamlessly incorporate them into your scene. Plus, delve into modelling a playful swing set to add character and life to your diorama. This lesson is all about fine-tuning and adding distinctive details that elevate your project.

Lesson 6 – Terrain & Water Features (32:58). Breathe new life into your diorama by refining the landscape and introducing variations to the terrain. Explore how subtle modifications can add depth and visual interest. Elevate your scene by incorporating a small body of water, creating a serene focal point. This lesson also covers applying key modifiers to solidify your terrain work, ensuring your model remains robust and realistic. Follow along to infuse your diorama with natural charm and detail, transforming your scene into a captivating visual narrative.

Lesson 7 – Final Modelling & Viewport Shading (32:40). In Lesson 7, wrap up your diorama’s core modelling by adding a roundabout to complete your playful scene. Fine-tune your road for seamless integration and explore Blender’s viewport shading options, a powerful feature that lets you preview how materials and shadows will appear in the final render. This lesson sets you up for success as you transition to material application and final touches. Enhance your diorama with comprehensive modelling and lighting insights that add depth and realism.

Lesson 8 – Materials (36:42). This is where your diorama truly comes to life! Dive into applying materials to every object in your scene, enhancing its visual appeal and realism. Learn to create basic yet effective materials using properties like base colour, roughness, and touches of metallic effects. We’ll also cover how to apply multiple materials to a single mesh, adding complexity and depth to your design. Switch to material preview mode and see your work transform as you experiment with the Blender’s rendering capabilities.

Lesson 9 – Lighting & World Settings (26:28). In Lesson 9, illuminate your diorama with expert lighting techniques that make your scene come alive. Explore various light types in Blender, learn how to position them effectively, and understand their impact on shadows and atmosphere. Delve into world settings for additional customisation, ensuring your scene is perfectly lit for realism and mood. This lesson brings you one step closer to the finish line, adding depth and visual richness to your work.

Lesson 10 – Rendering (13:45). In the final session, we dive into render settings and the process of exporting your completed diorama as a stunning final image. Learn to navigate essential render and output tabs, choose optimal settings, and ensure you’re using the best options like GPU rendering and noise reduction. This lesson empowers you to fine-tune your scene even after rendering, offering flexibility for any last-minute adjustments. Complete your project with confidence and watch your architectural creation come to life in full detail.