B.Arch Curriculum · Semester 4

Computer Studio II

From a 3D model to a finished image. Build models in three dimensions, dress them in physically-based materials, light and render them, and finish with the new AI-visualization tools — MidJourney, Stable Diffusion and Adobe Firefly. Five units take you from the foundations of 3D and the software interface, through the modelling workflow, to rendering and a capstone project: model a residence, then render it with AI. The 3D sequel to the 2D drafting of Computer Studio I.

5Units

2Interactives

3Credits

FreeForever

Start with Unit I All student courses

Where this course sits. Computer Studio II is the 3D sequel to Computer Studio I (2D CAD drafting): there you draw, here you model, render and visualize — ending with the AI tools now reshaping architectural practice.

Unit IV · The image, and AI

Visualization & Rendering

Rendering is the simulation of light that turns a 3D scene into a 2D image. Learn the engines — rasterization for speed, ray and path tracing for realism, and the global illumination that makes a room glow naturally. Then the three levers that decide whether an image convinces: materials, lighting (sun, sky/HDRI and artificial) and the camera (two-point perspective, lens, depth of field). Finally the new layer — AI visualization with MidJourney, Stable Diffusion and Adobe Firefly — what each does, and where it must not be trusted.

Ray tracingGlobal illuminationHDRI lightingMidJourney · SD · FireflyRender build-up tool

Open the lesson

The syllabus

Five units, from a first 3D model to an AI render.

Transcribed from the official B.Arch syllabus. All 5 units are live as full interactive lessons, each with original diagrams and a self-assessment quiz.

Unit 1 — 3D Foundations

Live

Introduction to 3D; the types of 3D models — wireframe, surface, solid, mesh/polygon, NURBS and parametric/BIM; the importance of 3D modelling in the design industry; and an introduction to 3D modelling software.

CO1CO6

Unit 2 — 3D Software Basics

Live

The 3D software interface — viewport, tool palette, outliner and properties; navigation tools (orbit, pan, zoom) and the standard views; the editing/transform tools (move, rotate, scale, push/pull, boolean); and the view tools.

CO2CO6

Unit 3 — Modelling Workflow

Live

Creating 3D models from primitives and 2D profiles (extrude, revolve, sweep, loft); the composition of models with components and instances; materials and textures (UV mapping, PBR); solid and mesh modelling; and the manipulation of models.

CO3CO6

Unit 4 — Visualization & Rendering

Live

Understanding rendering — rasterization, ray tracing and global illumination; material properties; lighting (natural, HDRI and artificial); leveraging camera views; export, import and converting for print; and the use of AI tools for architectural visualization — MidJourney, Stable Diffusion and Adobe Firefly.

CO4CO6

Unit 5 — Project — 3D Model & AI Rendering

Live

A capstone project: 3D-model a residence and render it through AI tools (a SketchUp plugin / ControlNet workflow). The full pipeline — model, set the camera, export, generate, iterate, post-process and verify — and the anatomy of an architectural-visualization prompt.

CO5CO6

Course outcomes

What you should be able to do after completing all five units (CO1–CO6, from the syllabus).

Understand

Understand the basics of 3D modelling, the different types of 3D models, and their significance in the design industry.

Apply

Navigate, edit and view 3D models confidently using the interface and tools of 3D software.

Create

Create and manipulate 3D models, applying materials and textures through solid and mesh modelling.

Apply

Apply rendering techniques — materials, lighting and camera views — for effective visualization, and export for print.

Create

Create and render a 3D model of a residence, using AI tools and plugins to demonstrate design concepts.

Understand

Understand the latest developments in digital and AI-assisted tools in architectural practice.

Topics follow the published B.Arch syllabus (L1 · T0 · P/S3; 150 marks). The diagrams and interactives — a render build-up toggle and an AI-prompt builder — are original Studio Matrx work, and the facts are cross-checked against vendor documentation. Software moves fast, so the prose avoids version-specific prices and flags what changes. AI imagery is ideation, not measured documentation.

Model it. Light it. Render it.

From your first 3D model to an AI-assisted render of a residence. Read the five units, play with the render build-up and the prompt builder, then test yourself.

Open Unit I Back to Students

Studio Matrx is a tribute to Amogh N P. The curriculum is free, forever.