Government Pavilion, C/ Padre Herrera s/n
Post Office Box 456
38200, San Cristobal de La Laguna
Santa Cruz de Tenerife - Spain
Switchboard Tel.: (+34) 922 31 90 00
Hours: Mon, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Architectural Visualization with Video Game Engines
Architectural Visualization with Video Game Engines
Overview
This micro-credential qualifies individuals to model 3D architectural environments with a photorealistic level of detail, applying lighting techniques and materials based on physical properties. The program also covers the use of real-time visualization engines and the comprehensive development of architectural visualization projects, from initial concept to final presentation.
To train professionals capable of creating photorealistic architectural visualizations through mastery of 3D modeling techniques, PBR materials, lighting and rendering, using video game engines as a real-time visualization tool.
Specific objectives:
- Model three-dimensional architectural environments with geometric accuracy and a level of detail suitable for photorealistic visualization.
- Apply global illumination techniques and specific lighting systems for interior and exterior architectural scenes.
- Create and configure PBR (Physically Based Rendering) materials that faithfully simulate the physical properties of architectural surfaces such as wood, stone, metal, glass, and ceramics.
- Using video game engines as real-time architectural visualization platforms, configuring interactive environments and virtual tours.
- Apply post-processing and rendering optimization techniques to generate high-quality static images, videos, and interactive experiences.
- Develop complete architectural visualization projects from the initial concept to the final presentation, applying professional workflows and methodologies of the sector.
- Students must be between 25 and 64 years old on the date the training begins.
- A university degree will not be required to obtain this micro-credential. However, students wishing to obtain it must meet the following entry requirements: a high school diploma or equivalent professional certificate.
- No additional access requirements are established.
Academic program
MODULE 1 – Fundamentals of infoarchitecture
- Introduction to architectural visualization: history, current state and trends
- Professional workflows in architectural visualization
- Analysis of industry benchmarks and quality standards
- Principles of composition and framing for architectural visualization
MODULE 2 – 3D Modeling for Architecture
- Polygonal modeling techniques for architectural elements
- Modeling of furniture and decorative elements
- Geometry optimization for real time
- Importing and preparing CAD/BIM models
- UV mapping for architectural elements
MODULE 3 – PBR Materials for Architecture
- Physically Based Rendering Fundamentals
- Creation of materials for architectural surfaces: wood, stone, metal, glass, ceramics
- Use of procedural textures
- Maps of normals, roughness, metallic, and ambient occlusion
- Material libraries and asset management
MODULE 4 – Architectural Lighting
- Lighting principles for architectural visualization
- Natural lighting: HDRI, sunlight and sky
- Artificial lighting: types of luminaires and configuration
- Global illumination: ray tracing, path tracing, and baked lighting
- Lighting techniques for interiors and exteriors
MODULE 5 – Rendering and post-production
- Real-time and offline rendering settings
- Performance optimization techniques
- Post-processing: color grading, bloom, depth of field
- Export for different media: still images, video, interactive experiences
MODULE 6 – Final Project
- Development of a complete architectural visualization project
- Presentation and defense of the work done
The training activities to be carried out during the delivery of the micro-credential will be:
- Theoretical classes: expository, explanatory or demonstration sessions of the contents and knowledge through synchronous videoconference and asynchronous audiovisual materials.
- Practical classes: sessions of practical application of the content developed in the theoretical classes, through the resolution of exercises, problems or theoretical-practical scenarios
- Work: development of a proposed architectural visualization project, in a way
- individual, following established guidelines.
- Independent work: independent and self-regulated activity of the student based on the proposed documentation and guidelines.
- Presentations, debates and defenses of works and projects: an activity through which students present works and projects based on established criteria, demonstrating sufficiency and maturity in the acquisition of the planned competencies.
- Tutoring (individual, group): activity in which the teaching staff attends to, facilitates and guides one or more students in the training process.
- Assessment: Continuous assessment tests will be conducted. The tests will be online and will mainly consist of the submission of practical assignments.
Regarding the way to organize the teaching to achieve the objectives set out in the micro-credential, the following organizational methods will be followed:
- Lectures/expository method: presentation or explanation by the teaching staff.
- Practical classes: activities supervised by the teaching staff using tools of
- professional production.
- Individual work: individual preparation of architectural visualization projects.
- Personal study: preparation of assignments and final project.
- Assessment: submission of practical assignments and final project
- Tutoring: instruction period in which teachers and students interact.
- Exhibitions, debates and presentation of works and projects: activities supervised by the teaching staff for the presentation and defense of the final project.
- Active methodologies: project-based learning, case studies, problem-solving
- problems. They are aimed at making learning a participatory process and are based on the leading role of the students.
The microcredential will have an evaluation system (ES) based on the following tests:
- Attendance, participation, or attitude in teaching activities, seminars, tutorials, etc.: monitoring student attendance and participation in synchronous teaching activities, and carrying out activities during sessions. (20%)
- Written assignments, reports, internship reports, and projects: architectural visualization project completed, following the instructions established by the teaching staff. (40% of the final grade)
- Oral presentation and defense of topics, assignments, etc.: oral presentation of the final architectural visualization project, followed by a discussion with the faculty. This will be done individually via videoconference. (40%)
- To pass the micro-credential, it will be necessary to obtain a minimum grade of 5 out of 10 in the overall assessment, and attendance at at least 80% of the synchronous sessions is mandatory.
General information
Credits: 3 ECTS
Duration: 01/05/2026 – 27/05/2026
Teaching modality: Virtual
Location: The classes will be taught via the server of
ACADEVI's Discord server, which has specific spaces for training, discussion forums, and presentation practice.
Valued at: €217.50
The cost of tuition for this Microcredential will be subsidized by the 'Plan for the development of university microcredentials', investment 6 of component 21 of the Addendum to the 'Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan', financed by the European Union – Next Generation EU, year 2025.
Short courses available in various formats (in-person, online, or hybrid). Ideal for learning without interrupting your professional life.
Content created and delivered by professionals and experts in the field, designed for immediate application.
Endorsed by the University of La Laguna. You will receive an official ECTS certificate, valid in the European Higher Education Area.
Teaching staff
