The Project
For a level design project to improve my understanding of lighting and architecture, I chose from a series of scenic images to attempt to remake in Unreal Engine, and what I settled on was an image of an old cistern to use as a source of inspiration.
PART ONE: Basic Layout
The first part was to figure out the general layout of the environment according to the sample image used. I began by using the basic game objects as placeholder shapes to get a general idea for placement and layout.
PART TWO: Assets and Architecture
Once the basic layout was done, tweaks were made to the layout to better suit my needs. The second level was entirely abandoned to capitalize on the open-air aesthetics with plans of setting the scene at night. I used Quixel to source a lot of Roman-inspired stone patterns and 3D models for the floors, walls, and environmental clutter for the level.
Skybox - Night
Tweaking UV
Foliage
Before UV Tweak
After UV Tweak
PART THREE: Sky, Lighting, and Polish
I used a free plugin called GOOD SKY from the Unreal Marketplace and that enabled me to quickly set up a new skybox without too much fuss and change the level to a night setting.
Next, I wanted to touch up the UVs on the new arch trimmings against the wall so that the marble textures sit a little more flush. And display consistently across the models
Lastly, I went into Quixel and grabbed a few foliage assets I used over the environment to feed into that overgrown and destitute feeling.
