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digital paintings of architecture - 3ds max and chaos corona course | first steps - November 2025

This course is designed for those approaching the world of Architectural Visualization and want to do so with structure, clarity, and a strong focus on visual quality. It's not just an introduction to the tools: it's a learning path that emphasizes workflow organization and photographic principles to create impactful images.

Throughout the lessons, you'll learn how to manage a scene in an orderly way, break tasks into clear steps, and approach each phase, from modeling to rendering, with a precise method. At the same time, you'll explore fundamental photography concepts like framing, composition, and lighting, applying them to the 3D environment to produce balanced and believable images.

The goal is not just to learn how to use the software, but to develop a working method that allows you to approach each project with more control, consistency, and visual quality.

Whether you're a student, a designer, or simply passionate about 3D, this course will give you the right foundation to start in the most professional way possible.


The course will follow a hybrid format, designed to offer you direct and ongoing support.
In addition to the pre-recorded lessons, which will always be accessible, we will host dedicated live sessions every three months, where you can register to get answers to your questions and clarification on any doubts.


What are you waiting for? Enroll and learn how to shape your projects!

Beginner
14 lessons
3m 10s
Italiano English

BY FOLLOWING THIS COURSE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO:

  • give images a sense of three-dimensionality through proper light management;

  • achieve effective framing while respecting photographic principles;

  • create simple and complex shaders;

  • you will be able to manage an entire task and produce final images independently.

ARE THERE ANY REQUIREMENTS OR PREREQUISITES FOR THE COURSE?


🎓 Required Skills:

  • basic computer knowledge: managing files, folders, installations, and standard operations on Windows;

  • operational knowledge of AutoCAD: ability to read and properly prepare ".dwg" files;

  • minimum understanding of architectural elements: recognizing and interpreting fundamental elements such as walls, openings, stairs, dimensions, and sections;

  • no prior experience required with 3ds Max or Chaos Corona: the course starts from the basics.


🖥️ Minimum Technical Requirements:

  • operating system: Windows 10 or higher (64-bit);

  • CPU: processor with SSE 4.1 support, mandatory starting from Corona 2.0; practically all CPUs produced in the last 10 years are compatible;

  • RAM: at least 32 GB (minimum essential); 64 GB recommended to handle complex scenes without memory errors;

  • graphics card (optional): an NVIDIA GPU Maxwell or newer is required only for the GPU AI denoiser (Fast Preview Denoiser / OptiX). Corona can still run fully on CPU without a dedicated GPU;

  • storage space: no specific additional requirements beyond the usual space needed for Windows, 3ds Max, and your project files.

  • software: Autodesk 3ds Max 2016+ | Chaos Corona | Adobe Photoshop

TO WHOM THIS COURSE IS ADDRESSED:

  • those studying architecture, interior design, or related fields who want to complement their technical skills with a solid foundation in 3D visualization;

  • architects, designers, engineers, and technicians already working with AutoCAD who want to elevate their work to a more communicative and visual level, without getting lost in complex software;

  • individuals coming from graphic design, video, or visual communication backgrounds who want to explore 3D through a photographic and organized approach, without necessarily starting from a technical education;

  • this is not just a course to "learn the tools," but to develop an orderly, replicable, and professional workflow, useful for anyone needing clarity in their 3D graphic projects.

THE PROGRAM

  • introduction to fundamental concepts for efficient and organized task management;

  • 3ds Max interface and basic tools for modeling, selection, and object transformation;

  • importing CAD files into 3ds Max and modeling main architectural elements;

  • importing, adapting, and editing 3D models downloaded from external libraries;

  • overview of Chaos Corona: basic settings, Render Setup, and essential toolbar;

  • photographic principles of composition and framing applied to CGI;

  • scene modeling through creative use of lighting;

  • creation, assignment, and management of materials in Corona;

  • mapping techniques and UV coordinate management;

  • rendering settings and generation of the final render;

  • post-production of the final image in Photoshop;

  • use of AI as support in the creative process.

  1. 01

    Introduction to the course

    Hello and welcome to "digital paintings of architecture"!

    We are the zerovisual team, and this is our beginner course based on 3ds Max and Chaos Corona, created in collaboration with Biunivoca.
    Throughout the course, we will be by your side to share our knowledge and support you whenever you have doubts or questions.
    Here, you won’t just learn technical skills or how to make an image look realistic, you will also gain the tools to effectively manage the work of a 3D Visual Artist, whether as a freelancer or within a team, with special focus on task organization and workflow optimization.

    Are you ready to get started?

    2m 31s
    Free!
  2. 02

    Workflow Management and Basic Tools of 3ds Max

    We will begin by introducing the fundamental concepts for efficient task management.
    The software interface, basic modeling tools, object selection, and transformation will be explored.
    The goal is to provide a solid operational foundation to start working in an organized and productive way within the 3D environment.

    3s
    Course purchase required
  3. 03

    From DWG to 3D – How to create the architectural model

    In this lesson, we will see how to start from a two-dimensional DWG drawing to begin the three-dimensional modeling of the building.
    We will focus on creating the main architectural elements: walls, floors, and slabs, learning how to correctly interpret them from 2D and build them in 3D with accuracy and consistency.

    3s
    Course purchase required
  4. 04

    From DWG to 3D – Windows and doors

    In this lesson, we will focus on inserting windows and doors, continuing to use the DWG drawing as a reference.You will learn how to correctly identify these elements in the 2D project and accurately place them in the 3D model, respecting their dimensions and positions.
    Some editing techniques will also be introduced to help adapt the inserted models to the architectural openings specified in the project.

    3s
    Course purchase required
  5. 05

    Chaos Corona, Render Setup, and Essential Toolbar

    We know you’re eager to dive into your first renders, but a little more patience is needed.
    After becoming familiar with 3ds Max, it’s crucial to thoroughly understand the structure and tools provided by Chaos Corona.
    Only once these technical foundations are solid can we fully focus on the artistic phase, where creativity and photographic knowledge take center stage.

    Are you ready!?

    3s
    Course purchase required
  6. 06

    Composition and Framing | Part 01

    In this lesson, we will learn the basic principles of photographic composition and how to choose the most effective framing to enhance the environment we want to render.
    We will analyze the use of perspective, framing, and point of view to create balanced, clear, and visually impactful images.

    3s
    Course purchase required
  7. 07

    Composition and Framing | Part 02

    In this lesson, we will learn the basic principles of photographic composition and how to choose the most effective framing to enhance the environment we want to render.
    We will analyze the use of perspective, framing, and point of view to create balanced, clear, and visually impactful images.

    3s
    Course purchase required
  8. 08

    Shaping forms with light

    In this lesson, we will explore how lighting influences the perception of shapes in a 3D model.
    You will learn how to use light to enhance volumes and spaces, creating realistic and expressive atmospheres.
    Basic concepts and techniques for achieving effective lighting in architectural visualization will be introduced.

    3s
    Course purchase required
  9. 09

    Creating the main materials

    In this lesson, you will learn how to create the main materials in Corona, starting with the Corona Physical Material. You will create realistic surfaces such as wood, metal, glass, and plastic, exploring key parameters like reflection, refraction, glossiness, and bump.
    Practical examples will be shown both with and without the use of textures. The goal is to equip you with the skills to build believable and effective shaders.
    Finally, we’ll look at how to import and modify materials from the Chaos Cosmos.

    3s
    Course purchase required
  10. 10

    Mapping methods for realistic materials

    In this lesson, we will cover the main mapping methods used to apply textures correctly and realistically to 3D objects. Using modifiers such as UVW Map, you will learn how to manage texture coordinates, avoid distortions, and improve material appearance.
    We will explore how to choose the most suitable mapping type based on the geometry, and how to optimize the workflow to achieve believable surfaces that are well integrated into the scene.

    3s
    Course purchase required
  11. 11

    Final touches and render settings

    In this lesson, we focus on the final adjustments needed to complete the scene and achieve a high-quality render. We will look at how to optimize lighting, refine materials, adjust the composition, and check for any errors.
    We’ll delve into the rendering settings of Chaos Corona, with a focus on quality, render times, resolution, and denoising — aiming to find the right balance between visual output and performance. The goal is to produce a clean, professional image ready for rendering.

    3s
    Course purchase required
  12. 12

    Final render and post-production

    In this lesson, we will focus on saving the final image and render elements, which are essential for post-production.
    We will refine the render initially within the Corona Frame Buffer, then proceed with targeted adjustments in Photoshop to enhance lighting, contrast, and colors — always aiming to maintain a natural, balanced, and visually effective result.

    3s
    Course purchase required
  13. 13

    AI as a Support to the Creative Process

    In this lesson, we will explore how artificial intelligence can become a valuable ally in the creative process, enhancing efficiency and work quality without replacing artistic flair.
    We will look at concrete examples using Krita AI, a software that can assist in improving elements such as vegetation and/or people, allowing for greater focus on the artistic and design aspects.
    An approach that integrates technology and creativity to achieve innovative, high-level results.

    3s
    Course purchase required
  14. 14

    Bonus | General Tips

    In this final lesson, we offer you a collection of practical advice and useful tips to optimize your workflow with 3ds Max and Chaos Corona.
    Avoid common mistakes and achieve high-quality results.
    A valuable moment to consolidate what you’ve learned and confidently approach your future projects.

    3s
    Course purchase required