The base entrance was one of the most important elements of my establishing shot. I wanted it to reflect a brutalist architectural style, blending the futuristic with the human, while also staying true to the sci-fi theme of the story. Inspirations like Star Wars influenced my vision of a structure that felt both advanced and grounded.
Gathering References and Sketching Concepts
Since last winter, I’ve been collecting references of brutalist architecture and sci-fi designs to create a unique, cohesive style for the entrance. I even sketched out some building concepts to better understand the forms and structures I wanted. While these sketches guided my design, I also used two pre-made models from Kitbash. These fit seamlessly into my vision and saved time while ensuring the overall aesthetic was consistent.
Modelling and Adding Details
I began by creating the basic structure in Maya, keeping the geometry clean and functional. Once I was satisfied with the foundation, I moved into Houdini to enhance the model using the Gribble tool. This tool allowed me to add intricate mechanical textures and patterns, giving the entrance its futuristic and detailed look.
Balancing detail with efficiency was a key focus. Overloading the model with excessive geometry could have slowed down the project, so I made sure to optimize the details while retaining the visual impact.
UV Mapping and Finalizing the Design
After completing the detailing, I UV-mapped the structure in Maya to prepare it for texturing. This ensured that the textures would align perfectly with the geometry, enhancing the overall realism. The process gave the base entrance a polished and cohesive look, making it one of the standout elements of the scene.
The Finished Look
With the combination of original modelling, Kitbash elements, and attention to detail, the base entrance became a visually striking piece. It successfully conveyed the brutalist, sci-fi aesthetic I aimed for, setting the tone for the environment and providing a strong visual anchor for the establishing shot.