Astronomy Library | Rookies 2024

Astronomy Library 

This project is the first environment that I made, and it was completed in 10 weeks for my masters. The first five weeks were focused on making the hero prop, while the remaining five weeks were for making the environment and props.

We were tasked to create an indoor environment with outdoor lighting, so I decided to be inspired by a glass dome. At the end I landed on an astronomy tower and let the idea evolve from there. 

Hero Prop | Armillary Sphere

For the hero prop I wanted a giant piece that would have a fantasy look and would also attract the player's attention. After searching for many references, the dimensions, colors, and movement generated by an armillary sphere really appealed to me.

The most challenging part about this step was defining the main idea. At a certain point, my proposals became either too complicated or too simple, and this generated an artistic blockage. Looking at many different references, taking short breaks and asking for my classmates perspective was what really help me move on with the project.

Moodboard

Proportions & High-Poly

Wireframe & Textures

Environment

The hardest part of the project was creating an environment that was cohesive with the hero prop and that would feet the project requirements (Indoor light, Foliage, Modular Set and Trimsheets). After a lot of iterations on the blockout I managed to adapt my original idea to suit the hero prop while keeping the fantasy element in the scene.

Moodboard

Process 

Modular Set & Props

Foliage

Textures & TrimSheet

In game

This is how the project would look in Unreal. While there is room for improvement, I'm really satisfied with the result. I've enjoyed the process of making the hero prop, and learning Unreal and Zbrush was particularly interesting for me. I'm eager to continue using the different programs and developing my own techniques and abilities.