Environment Design / Assignment 1

03/10/2023 - 14/11/2023 / (Week 2 - Week 9)

Naura / 0356798 / Interactive Spatial Design

GCD61904 / Environment Design

Assignment 1

INSTRUCTIONS

Assignment 1: World Creation (20%)

We are asked to choose and develop a location e.g. Temple set, Ruins, Village, City etc based on genre, theme, setting, cultural backdrop, historical period, and atmosphere, that will shape a captivating and diverse world altogether. We are encouraged to convey a visually compelling narrative of our design.  Below is the list of tasks to be completed. 

1. Mood board – a collection of references and breakdown 
2. Thumbnail sketches – initial concept ideas  
3. Composition studies – 5 drawings, best communicate visually 
4. Value studies – Continue from 5 compositions  
5. Ambience studies – Continue from 5 value painting 

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WEEK 5 - 24/10/23

On Week 5, we won't have class as Sir Kannan will be attending a conference. He advised us to use this time to continue working on our first assignment.

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WEEK 7 - 07/11/23

In this week's session, Mr. Kannan streamlined the objective for Project 1, directing our attention to concentrate on developing a hero asset for just one building. This shift in focus brought a sigh of relief to many of us in the class, especially since most of us are still novices in drawing.

After class, I sought a consultation to discuss my progress. During this session, I came to the realization, albeit a bit late, that a 'hero asset' in our context refers to an entire building, rather than just a standout decorative piece like a statue. This was an important clarification for me as it significantly impacted my approach to the project.

Fig 2.1  A temple as the main building but with variations of the hero assets

Fig 2.2 I thought of  making the 'blast furnaces' be its own building when I heard that hero assets are a whole building

During the consultation, he reassured me that if I wanted to design a whole temple as my hero asset, it would be acceptable as long as it fell within my capabilities. He encouraged me to work within my skillset while challenging myself creatively.

He suggested considering a design approach similar to a Minecraft layout, where the focus would be on a chunk of land with the building prominently placed on top of it. This concept would provide a clear and concentrated view of the building, highlighting it as the central element in the design.

Fig 2.3 Sir Kannan's suggestion

As you can see, in the top right section, the map of my world is to be featured. He advised keeping the design simple, such as by repeating dome structures but also emphasized the importance of portraying the buildings as humongous. This combination of simplicity in design with the grand scale of the structures is intended to convey the unique characteristics of my world.

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WEEK 8 - 14/11/23

During the independent learning week, as there are no scheduled classes, I decided to focus on completing our first assignment, which is due next week (Week 9). This time provides a good opportunity to make significant progress and ensure the assignment is well-prepared for the deadline.

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WEEK 9 - 21/11/23

This week, Sir Kannan is keen to review everyone's progress on the first assignment. This is my final version of the exterior design, showcasing the culmination of my work on this aspect of the project.

Fig 3.1 The exterior of my building

One of the modifications Sir Kannan requested was regarding the rock formations in my design. He pointed out that they were too pointy and needed amendment. Additionally, he suggested adding another tower on the left side. This was to avoid symmetry between both sides and to fill the empty space on the left. 

For the larger towers in the background, he advised adding small windows around their diameter to prevent them from appearing too plain. He also proposed the idea of incorporating features like finials (the pointy elements atop domes) to enhance their appearance. 

Furthermore, he recommended adding more details to the dome of the main building, such as transforming it into a fish-like structure. His guidance was to strike a balance between a comical appearance and fitting into the theme I had chosen, ensuring the design remained coherent and engaging.

Fig 3.2 The suggestion he gave about my exterior

In response to Sir Kannan's suggestions, I plan to implement these changes for my final assignment, keeping in mind the time constraints I'm facing with my other assignments. This approach will allow me to balance my workload effectively while ensuring the necessary revisions are made to enhance my project.

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REFLECTION

As Project 1 reaches its conclusion, I find myself reflecting on the journey with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. This project was not just a task to be completed, but a significant milestone in my artistic journey, especially considering it marked my return to art after a considerable hiatus.

Throughout this project, I've experienced a profound growth in my drawing abilities. The insights gained have been invaluable, offering new perspectives and techniques that have enriched my skillset. Despite the initial rustiness that comes with a long break from art, I found that the resources provided by Sir Kannan, including insightful books and informative videos, were instrumental in reigniting my passion for art. 

One of the most gratifying aspects of this project has been overcoming the initial challenges. The process wasn't always straightforward; there were moments of doubt and frustration. However, these hurdles only made the final outcome more rewarding. 

While I am pleased with the overall outcome, I acknowledge that the exterior landscape component of the project is not yet complete. The unfinished elements present an opportunity for continued learning and development, which I eagerly anticipate tackling in my final project.