Maya 2017 FX
Contents
FX
An alternative way of exploring geometry. Maya is high end animation software and is and was used in many blockbuster movies. Many of the options of the software relate to visualize the ideas of the writers and director of the movie. This means it doesn't only tackle modeling of objects but also a range of elements related to simulating reality or alternative environments in the broadest sense. Maya uses an extensive toolset to make this possible. Some of which can be quite useful in the architectural design process. Especially in the concept design phase. It allows the designer to explore geometric complex design options in an intuitive way. An introduction of some of them can be found on this page.
Paint effects
Paint effects is a paintbrush system which allows to paint complex organics like trees and grass in an effective way. It is vast, light and has an extensive library of 3D paint brushes.
geometryPaint
This option looks like the paint effects option however here we can make use of objects we made to piant on surfaces. This can be useful for a quick option of paneling or distribution of design elements on surfaces.
Sculpting
Sculpting is an intuitive way of creating more organic shapes. It allows the user to deform object like clay. The smooth option which relaxes the surface has some similarities with more traditional methods of form finding.
Cloth
Cloth is a fabric simulator and can be used to simulate not only a range of fabric materials but also inflatables. Due to its dynamic nature it can be combined with moving elements connected to the fabric or as an additional option of form finding through surface relaxation.
Dynamic simulation
maya is an animation software and has an extensive dynamics engine. This allows movement of objects or particles based on dynamic rules like gravity, wind, attracting forces and turbulent forces. It can also be used to distort geometry through the application of these forces leading to often unexpected results.
Displacement map
Displacement maps are used to deform geometry by using 2d image data. This principle forms the backbone of computer graphics. It allows the user to use a simple black and white image to define values on a surface. White will be interpreted as the value 1 and black as value 0. So it can be used for a wide range of applications. For localizing transparency, reflectivity and even vertical distortion of the surface.
Fur by XGEN
