3D Architectural Animation
Harness the power of Twinmotion for fast, photorealistic architectural animation. This course bridges the gap between CAD/BIM models and high-quality cinematic flythroughs, allowing you to showcase your projects with stunning environmental context and dynamic lighting.
Create your own 3D Architectural Animation in 2 weeks
Through this program, you will master the entire visualization pipeline using Twinmotion’s intuitive interface. Learn to seamlessly import your designs from Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, or ArchiCAD using Datasmith sync. From there, you will learn to populate your scenes with Twinmotion’s massive library, adding animated trees, intelligent vehicles, and ambient characters to create lifelike environments.
Furthermore, you will master dynamic lighting and environmental effects, including sun studies, HDRI skies, rain, snow, and fog to set the perfect mood for your project. Finally, discover cinematic camera techniques to create smooth walkthroughs and drone-like flyovers, utilizing high-speed rendering to produce professional-grade videos and panoramas in real-time. By the end of this course, you will be able to turn static architectural designs into compelling, client-ready animated films.
Course Outline
Week 1: Import, Context & Atmosphere
Topic A: The Direct Link (Datasmith)
- Workflow: Installing the Datasmith plugin in Revit.
- Syncing: Using “Direct Link” to update the Revit model changes inside Twinmotion instantly.
- Interface Tour: The Library, Scenegraph, and Properties panel.
- Navigation: WASD movement and speed control (Walk vs. Fly mode).
Topic B: Materials & Decals (PBR)
- Material Library: Replacing Revit’s basic textures with Twinmotion’s PBR (Physically Based Rendering) materials.
- Customisation: Adjusting Grunge, Weathering, and Reflection.
- Decals: Adding realism by placing dirt stains, road markings, and manhole covers on surfaces.
Topic C: Environment & Lighting
- Dynamic Weather: Creating rain, snow, and wet surfaces with a slider.
- Global Illumination (Lumen): Understanding the difference between Standard and Path Tracer rendering.
- HDRI Skydomes: Using high-dynamic-range images for realistic background lighting.
- Vegetation Paint: Rapidly planting forests and gardens using the “Paint Terrain” tool.
Week 2: Animation, Media & AI Workflow
Topic A: Living Architecture (Crowds & Traffic)
- Paths: Creating animated paths for Vehicles and Pedestrians.
- Character Library: Placing posed humans and animated groups.
- Custom Paths: Animating bespoke objects (e.g., opening sliding gates or flying birds).
Topic B: Phasing & BIM Motion
- Phasing Tool: Animating the construction process (Foundation -> Structure -> Façade).
- BIM Motion: Exporting a standalone executable file that allows clients to walk through the building on their own computer (like a video game).
Topic C: Cinematography & AI Integration
- Camera Keyframing: Setting up smooth “Walkthrough” and “Flyover” shots.
- Focal Lengths: Using 18mm for interiors and 35mm-50mm for exteriors.
- Innovative AI Workflow (Using Gemini):
- The Scriptwriter: Using Gemini to write a voiceover script for the architectural walkthrough.
- Prompt Example: “Write a 30-second luxury real estate voiceover script for a modern beachfront villa. Focus on the ‘indoor-outdoor living’ aspect.”
- Texture Generation: Describing a specific, unique material to Gemini to find similar PBR maps or generate prompt ideas for texture AI tools.
- The Scriptwriter: Using Gemini to write a voiceover script for the architectural walkthrough.
