*UPDATED 10/2022 - Completely new project added using UE5 and new tools including Lumen and Nanite. Project models and full instruction included.
*Latest Software (mostly applicable to all versions of the engine, UE4 - UE5)
*More content being added regularly
NOTE: This is a project based course in which a large amount of 3d content will be provided to you for download. The content is yours to use for the course and other purposes. (No resale)
Content Provided to Students:
Complete house model (3ds Max + V-Ray / 3ds Max + Corona / .fbx / sketchUp)
All necessary texture maps / materials
Various furniture models with all materials applied
Various object models with materials
Foliage Models
Models / Materials can be used in both 3ds Max and Unreal Engine (also in .fbx and sketchUp)
All models are UVW mapped / unwrapped as necessary
INTRODUCTION
Unreal Engine has changed the game for arch viz artists and other industries. The ability to create stunning renderings, animations, VR, etc., all using real time, is a huge leap forward for 3d artists everywhere. It can, however, be difficult to learn and understand without the right instruction. Software that is extremely powerful (like Unreal) also tends to have a steep learning curve if you don't how or where to start. That is why this course is designed to get students up and running quickly, so they can dive right into professional projects. With project resources provided, and a complete walkthrough of all the essential tools, students will be equipped with ability to create their own real time masterpieces in no time. This course is designed to give students a strong grasp of the software, so they feel comfortable creating, and to do it quickly and efficiently.
COURSE STRUCTURE (Important)
Unreal Engine is ever evolving and it has updated features constantly. It is impossible to teach every aspect of every version. That is why this course aims to teach the core software, and core real time principles. It should provide a good foundation for what students are trying to create, regardless of the exact version they are in. The first portion of this course is taught using versions of UE4, up until 4.27, and provides great fundamental skills in Unreal Engine that translate well into newer versions. More recently, course content has been fully focused around Unreal Engine 5, and many of the tools that are specific to UE5 and above. Some of these tools (Lumen, Nanite, etc) dramatically improve upon previous workflows, so the course focuses on them a lot to get the most out of the engine. An entire project showing UE5 specific workflows has been added, and all future content will be developed to build upon a UE5 workflow and foundation.
COURSE OUTLINE
In this course, you will learn everything you need to know about architectural visualization using real time technology with Unreal Engine (UE4 and UE5), the most advanced and professional real time tool available to arch viz artists (It's also free). You will also make use of Datasmith, a tool designed to translate your 3d rendering projects into real time (projects can come from 3ds Max, Revit, SketchUp, etc.) The course will be split into several large sections, with some sections coming later as software and techniques evolve.
SECTION I:
In the first part of the course, the focus will be on transitioning an existing 3d rendering project into real time UE4. You will learn to achieve photo realism with your materials, lighting and post-processing, all using built-in real time tools. From there, students will generate photo realistic animations and renderings that render in REAL TIME! No more waiting for overnight renderings. Change your camera motions, object animations, camera / lighting effects all with immediate feedback.
Topics included:
importing using datasmith
UE4 materials
Lighting techniques and settings
Perfect light bakes
Fixing Errors
Photorealism
Animating Cameras and Objects
Level Sequencer
Lighting with HDRI
Foliage / Landscaping
Much More
SECTION II:
In this section, students will convert and optimize their scene for desktop navigation so that it can be shared with others, and navigated in real time on any computer. We will explore interactivity in this section and start learning about blueprints. Students will also learn to use the UE4 widget system to create interactive menus, buttons, etc.
SECTION III:
Students will optimize their project for VR navigation using a headset. We will look at specific interaction blueprints for VR, and approach the project in a way that gives the best interactive and immersive experience.
SECTION IV:
This newly added section adds a completely new project created with all the latest techniques and tools in Unreal Engine 5. Students will use Lumen and Nanite to leverage Unreal Engine's unique ability to create real time global illumination. Follow along in this portion to explore the latest in real time technology, and create stunning results with architectural animations.
You won't find an easier, faster way to get up and running with Unreal Engine. Jumping right in to professional level projects, with clear instruction and resources provided, is the fastest way. Unreal Engine is the premiere real time technology for arch viz and other industries -- offering the most accessible and powerful tools -- and you can be up and running in just a short amount of time by following the concise instruction in this course. Enjoy!