FormShift: AI and Cinema 4D in Architectural Innovation
FormShift is a 2-day workshop that will show you how to create unique architectural designs using AI and 3D software. First, we will use MidJourney to generate creative design ideas. Then, we will move into Cinema 4D, where you will learn the basics of 3D modeling to bring your AI concepts to life. Finally, we will use the Corona Render Engine to create high-quality images of your designs.
FormShift: AI and Cinema 4D in Architectural Innovation is a 2-day workshop that will show you how to create unique architectural designs using AI and 3D software. First, we will use MidJourney to generate creative design ideas. Then, we will move into Cinema 4D, where you will learn the basics of 3D modeling to bring your AI concepts to life. Finally, we will use the Corona Render Engine to create high-quality images of your designs. This workshop is perfect for anyone interested in learning new ways to create and visualize architecture.
In this workshop, you will learn how to create a design concept using MidJourney, choose the best version of your design, and then model it in Cinema 4D. We will focus on how to model accurately and efficiently. Finally, you will learn the basics of Corona Renderer to add materials and lighting, so you can create professional images of your design.
- How to use MidJourney to generate architecturally rational concept forms, using both text-only and image-plus-text prompting strategies
- How to evaluate an AI-generated image for modelability and translate its proportions into a Cinema 4D scene
- Core Cinema 4D modeling workflow: parametric primitives, editable polygon mode, loop cuts, bevels, extrudes, and subdivision surfaces with SDS weighting
- How to use the MoGraph Cloner system to generate complex repetitive elements such as curved exterior stairs and circular internal staircases along spline paths
- How to apply the FFD deformer to introduce global form variation across a multi-component building model
- How to set up and configure Corona Render Engine, including pass limits, camera composition, HDRI lighting, and Corona Sky
- How to build and assign multiple materials to a single object using stored polygon selections, including glass, metal, and emissive materials
- How to use Corona VFB post-production tools including filmic tone mapping, LUT overlays, bloom and glare to achieve a finished concept render
Session 1: AI Concept Creation and Cinema 4D Introduction
- Using MidJourney for architectural concept generation and prompt crafting
- Choosing MidJourney outputs that are architecturally modelable
- Cinema 4D interface setup and workspace configuration
- Selection and editing modes: points, edges, polygons, and keyboard shortcuts
- Hard surface modeling fundamentals: loop cuts, bevel, extrude, subdivision surfaces
- Multi-floor architectural form building using stacked primitives shaped to an AI reference
- MoGraph Cloner for stair generation using object mode with splines
- FFD deformation to introduce subtle global curvature to the building model
Session 2: Model Polish, Rendering with Corona, and Post-Production
- Continuing MidJourney exploration with image references and style refinement
- Reviewing and correcting topology: phong breaks, subdivision weights, fixing normals
- Modeling remaining floors with balconies, caps, and symmetry
- Atom Array for parametric curtain wall and glass facade detailing
- Corona render engine setup: output resolution, pass limits, progressive rendering
- Camera and lighting: focal length, Corona Sky, HDRI from Poly Haven
- Material application using the Corona Material Library and stored polygon selections
- Post-production in Corona VFB: tone mapping, LUT application, bloom, glare, and curves
Erfan Habibpour
Erfan is a skilled professional in the fields of 3D design and architectural visualization, known for his ability to bring creative ideas to life in virtual environments. He is recognized as a pioneering architect in the emerging metaverse, merging art and technology to introduce innovative design approaches.
Through his expertise in Cinema 4D, Corona Renderer, and AI-powered design tools, Erfan has developed a workflow that bridges the gap between conceptual AI imagery and production-ready 3D visualizations. His approach emphasizes both creative exploration and technical precision.
