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Foundations of 3D Modeling and Windmill Structure
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Packt

Foundations of 3D Modeling and Windmill Structure

This course is part of Blender to Unreal Engine 5 - 3D Props - Medieval Windmill Specialization

Packt - Course Instructors

Instructor: Packt - Course Instructors

Included with Coursera Plus

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9 modules
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

Recommended experience

Intermediate level

Ideal for 3D artists and game designers with basic Blender/Unreal skills. No advanced experience needed, but 3D modeling familiarity is helpful.

11 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

9 modules
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

Recommended experience

Intermediate level

Ideal for 3D artists and game designers with basic Blender/Unreal skills. No advanced experience needed, but 3D modeling familiarity is helpful.

11 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
  • About
  • Outcomes
  • Modules
  • Recommendations
  • Testimonials

What you'll learn

  • Create a 3D medieval windmill asset using Blender, integrating professional-level techniques.

  • Apply realistic materials and shaders to models, enhancing texture quality and authenticity.

  • Analyze UV mapping and node-based texturing workflows to optimize texture placement and efficiency.

  • Evaluate the process of exporting 3D models from Blender to Unreal Engine 5, ensuring seamless integration.

Skills you'll gain

  • Animation and Game Design
  • Computer Graphics
  • Mechanical Design
  • Simulations
  • Engineering
  • Unreal Engine
  • 3D Modeling
  • Visualization (Computer Graphics)

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

5 assignments

Taught in English

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Blender to Unreal Engine 5 - 3D Props - Medieval Windmill Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 9 modules in this course

Updated in May 2025.

This course now features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. In this comprehensive course, you will embark on an exciting journey to create a highly detailed medieval windmill 3D prop using Blender and Unreal Engine 5. Beginning with an introduction to the course structure, objectives, and foundational Blender skills, you will dive into essential 3D modeling techniques. You will learn how to effectively use references to create your first basic model—the grey box, before advancing to seams, sharps, and UV mapping for optimal texture application. Along the way, you’ll explore the role of nodes and materials, ensuring your windmill looks as realistic as possible. The course progresses by focusing on each part of the windmill, starting from the base structure to detailed wood and stonework, making sure your model is grounded in realistic proportions and texturing. You will learn how to expertly manipulate Blender's tools, including booleans and transformations, to craft believable wood joints, supports, and other architectural elements. The lessons also cover the introduction of complex shaders, windows, and other intricate parts that will breathe life into your 3D model. As you refine your creation, you’ll gain insights into cloth modeling for the windmill's sails, mastering proportional editing, and preparing the windmill arms for seamless material application. By the end of the course, you will have a polished, game-ready windmill fully integrated into Unreal Engine 5. Whether you’re new to 3D modeling or looking to sharpen your prop creation skills, this course offers the tools and techniques needed to bring your artistic vision to life. This course is designed for aspiring 3D artists, game designers, and developers with a basic understanding of Blender and Unreal Engine. No advanced experience is required, but familiarity with 3D modeling software will be helpful.

In this module, we will introduce you to the course layout, providing an overview of what you'll learn and the tools you'll use, including Blender basics. You’ll also explore high-definition renders of the medieval windmill, ensuring you're ready for the 3D modeling journey ahead.

What's included

3 videos2 readings

3 videos•Total 21 minutes
  • Introduction the the Specialization•4 minutes•Preview module
  • Introduction and Course Objective•6 minutes
  • Getting the Basics Right•10 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
  • Introduction to the Course 'Foundations of 3D Modeling and Windmill Structure'•10 minutes
  • Full Course Resources•10 minutes

In this module, we will delve into using references effectively for 3D modeling. You'll learn how to use images for scaling and accuracy to lay the groundwork for creating precise and detailed 3D assets.

What's included

1 video1 plugin

1 video•Total 8 minutes
  • Working with References•8 minutes•Preview module
1 plugin•Total 15 minutes
  • Creating and Using Reference Images in Blender•15 minutes

In this module, we will begin the actual modeling of the windmill, focusing on the grey box technique to define the structure. You’ll learn to use essential Blender tools, ensuring the model’s accuracy in dimensions and form before moving on to detailed modeling.

What's included

5 videos1 assignment1 plugin

5 videos•Total 59 minutes
  • Starting the Windmill Grey Box•9 minutes•Preview module
  • What Are Seams and Sharps•15 minutes
  • Being Careful with Extrude•13 minutes
  • Dimensions and Grounding Our Grey Box•12 minutes
  • Finishing the Grey Box•9 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
  • Creating the Windmill Grey Box - Assessment•15 minutes
1 plugin•Total 15 minutes
  • Building Gray Boxes in Blender•15 minutes

In this module, we will explore the role of nodes and materials in 3D modeling. You’ll learn to reset transformations and create detailed textures, culminating in developing a wood material for the medieval windmill.

What's included

3 videos1 plugin

3 videos•Total 39 minutes
  • The Importance of Resetting Transformations•10 minutes•Preview module
  • Working with Textures and Nodes•18 minutes
  • Creating Our First Material•10 minutes
1 plugin•Total 15 minutes
  • Creating Detailed Models with Blender•15 minutes

In this module, we will focus on building the windmill tower’s basic structure, working with Booleans and transformations. You’ll also learn creative techniques for creating supports and realistic wood joints, vital for making the model look structurally sound.

What's included

6 videos1 plugin

6 videos•Total 71 minutes
  • Working with Booleans•11 minutes•Preview module
  • Solidifying 2D Planes•10 minutes
  • A Creative Way to Create Wooden Supports•10 minutes
  • Working with Different Transforms•11 minutes
  • Creating Realistic Wood Joints•12 minutes
  • Creating Unique UVs the Easy Way•14 minutes
1 plugin•Total 15 minutes
  • Understanding 3D Modeling with Boolean and Bevel Modifications•15 minutes

In this module, we will add intricate details to the windmill tower, working with advanced lighting and materials like stone and wood. You’ll also design windows using UV projection techniques, further enhancing the realism of your 3D model.

What's included

6 videos1 assignment1 plugin

6 videos•Total 63 minutes
  • HDRI and the Eevee Renderer•8 minutes•Preview module
  • Working with Stone•10 minutes
  • Altering Shaders in Blender•11 minutes
  • Creating Windows and Projecting UVs•12 minutes
  • Lead and Pane Creation•11 minutes
  • Applying Glass to Our Windows•8 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
  • Creating the Windmill Tower Details - Assessment•15 minutes
1 plugin•Total 15 minutes
  • Texturing and Lighting in Blender•15 minutes

In this module, we will model the windmill’s arms, focusing on pre-planning and laying out the framework. You’ll prepare the arms for materials, ensuring everything is aligned for seamless integration into the final model.

What's included

3 videos1 plugin

3 videos•Total 35 minutes
  • Planning Out the Windmill Arms•11 minutes•Preview module
  • Laying out the Arm Struts•12 minutes
  • Windmill Arms Prep for Materials•11 minutes
1 plugin•Total 15 minutes
  • Constructing 3D Models with Blender•15 minutes

In this module, we will work with cloth and links, learning both Blender’s cloth simulation tools and alternative techniques for mesh creation. You’ll design cloth sails for the windmill and create realistic links to bind the pieces together.

What's included

5 videos1 plugin

5 videos•Total 61 minutes
  • Working with Cloth and Proportional Editing•12 minutes•Preview module
  • The Amazing Torus•11 minutes
  • Creating Realistic Cloth Sail Mesh•13 minutes
  • Creating Holes and Links•13 minutes
  • Working with Mirrors•11 minutes
1 plugin•Total 15 minutes
  • Working with Blender Modifiers and Materials•15 minutes

In this module, we will focus on the engineering aspect of the windmill’s turning mechanism, ensuring it’s both realistic and structurally sound. You’ll also practice marking and testing seams to create a professional-quality 3D model.

What's included

4 videos1 reading3 assignments1 plugin

4 videos•Total 42 minutes
  • Engineering the Turning Mechanism•10 minutes•Preview module
  • What Is Structurally Sound•10 minutes
  • Testing Complex Seams•13 minutes
  • Finishing the Windmill Arms•7 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
  • Conclusion to the Course 'Foundations of 3D Modeling and Windmill Structure'•10 minutes
3 assignments•Total 90 minutes
  • Engineering the Windmill Turner - Assessment•15 minutes
  • Full Course Assessment•60 minutes
  • Full Course Practice Assessment•15 minutes
1 plugin•Total 15 minutes
  • Creating a Complex Blender Scene Using Bevels and UV Mapping•15 minutes

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Instructor

Packt - Course Instructors
Packt - Course Instructors
Packt
790 Courses•159,194 learners

Offered by

Packt

Offered by

Packt

Packt helps tech professionals put software to work by distilling and sharing the working knowledge of their peers. Packt is an established global technical learning content provider, founded in Birmingham, UK, with over twenty years of experience delivering premium, rich content from groundbreaking authors on a wide range of emerging and popular technologies.

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can preview the first video and view the syllabus before you enroll. You must purchase the course to access content not included in the preview.

If you decide to enroll in the course before the session start date, you will have access to all of the lecture videos and readings for the course. You’ll be able to submit assignments once the session starts.

Once you enroll and your session begins, you will have access to all videos and other resources, including reading items and the course discussion forum. You’ll be able to view and submit practice assessments, and complete required graded assignments to earn a grade and a Course Certificate.

If you complete the course successfully, your electronic Course Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Course Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

This course is one of a few offered on Coursera that are currently available only to learners who have paid or received financial aid, when available.

If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policyOpens in a new tab.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

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