Learn Squared – Houdini Procedural Foundations by Adam Swaab Free

🎓 Learn Squared – Houdini Procedural Foundations by Adam Swaab

If you’ve ever been intrigued by Houdini but felt overwhelmed by its complexity, Houdini Procedural Foundations by Adam Swaab is the course that breaks the barrier. Hosted on Learn Squared, this course is a practical, no-fluff introduction to procedural modeling, built from the ground up for motion designers, VFX artists, and 3D generalists looking to master Houdini’s unique procedural workflow.

🧠 About the Instructor

Adam Swaab is a motion designer and director with years of experience working in high-end commercial and feature VFX pipelines. His teaching approach is methodical and beginner-friendly, yet he dives deep into the technicalities that make Houdini a powerhouse. If you’re serious about procedural thinking in 3D, learning from Adam is one of the best choices.

🔍 What You’ll Learn

Full understanding of Houdini’s node-based architecture
Procedural modeling techniques applicable to both hard-surface and organic forms
Grouping, attribute transfers, and object merges
Procedural scattering and pattern generation
Creation of reusable digital assets (HDAs)
Shader setup and lighting for renders
Render generation and compositing workflows
Real production-level pipeline concepts

📚 Course Structure (4 Core Modules)

Lesson 1: Core Concepts

This lesson lays the foundation for understanding how Houdini thinks. You’ll learn:

The difference between SOPs, DOPs, and VOPs
How to manage complex node trees and make clean networks
Creating a procedural car asset using channel referencing, parenting, and instancing
How to use groups and object merges to organize your scene
Techniques for iterative, non-destructive modeling

You’ll come out of this module with a working knowledge of Houdini’s environment and how to construct assets that are flexible and update dynamically.

Lesson 2: Multi-Scatter Tool

This module dives into one of Houdini’s most powerful concepts—scattering with procedural control. You’ll build a tool that:

Scatters geometry using noise, image textures, or point attributes
Applies randomization logic with full control
Builds a procedural forest or abstract scene using instanced geometry
Works in real-time, suitable even for heavy geometry

You’ll also learn how to package this tool as a reusable digital asset (HDA) with exposed parameters for any artist to use without digging into nodes.

Lesson 3: Greeble Generator

Now it’s time to step into hard-surface proceduralism. This module shows you how to:

Take a base mesh and break it into face-based segments
Assign detail patterns automatically using randomized geometry libraries
Apply greebles (extrusions, pipes, s) onto sci-fi surfaces
Wrap logic into an easy-to-use control
Iterate and experiment at high speed

Great for motion graphics, VFX, or anyone creating complex models with variation and detail.

Lesson 4: Rendering and Compositing

Even the best procedural models are useless without presentation. This module teaches:

How to create procedural materials and assign them through attributes
Light your scene for drama, clarity, and realism
Set up AOVs and multi rendering using Houdini’s Mantra or external renderers
Output layered EXRs and composite the shot in Nuke
Use ID es, depth maps, and light groups for full control in post

The focus is not just on final looks but pipeline-thinking—organizing and optimizing your scene like a pro.

🧰 Project Files & Resources

able HIP files for every lesson
Fully working versions of all tools built in the course
Example renders and EXR outputs
Bonus Houdini shelf tools and node presets

🎯 Who Is This Course For?

3D artists new to Houdini and intimidated by its steep learning curve
Motion designers who want to move beyond Cinema 4D’s mograph system
VFX artists needing a procedural approach to modeling and layout
Technical artists and pipeline TDs who need a firm foundation in SOP-level workflows

No prior Houdini experience is required, but some 3D knowledge (any DCC) is recommended.

💡 Key Benefits

Learn procedural thinking, not just tools
Build your own reusable tools and assets
Think in of scalability and automation
Gain a real production mindset from the start
Lifetime access to lessons, updates, and student community

📦 Course Specs

Platform: Learn Squared
Instructor: Adam Swaab
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Duration: 10+ hours
Format: On-demand video lessons + project files
Price: One-time payment (no subscription required)
Free preview available for Lesson 1

🔚 Final Thoughts

Houdini Procedural Foundations isn’t just a course—it’s a transformation in the way you approach 3D. Instead of pushing vertices, you’ll be deg systems. If you’re looking to level up your skillset and adopt Houdini into your professional pipeline, this is the best place to start.