DGN4210 3D modelling & virtual space
Learning Outcomes
• Be able to use 3D imaging software to create environments and objects
• Have an understanding of the principles of designing objects and spaces in three-dimensions
• Be able to apply surface qualities, lighting, textures, and imported graphic files to elements in a three dimensional composition
• Be capable of exploring the range of options and controls
• available through 3D imaging and modelling software applications
• Understand and manipulate camera properties and viewer perspectives
• Have knowledge of the various tools and techniques used for realtime 3D computer graphic applications.
Details of Task
During the first half of the semester, you will receive three sets of images that you need to use as a reference to create accurate models of objects. To assist you in improving your skills in Polygon Extrusion and NURBS modelling, you will participate in class tutorials. Once you have completed the tutorials, you can apply this knowledge to the exercises and challenges like those covered in class. You must ensure that your models of the objects, which include chess pieces, a bottle, and a computer mouse, match the reference images provided by your lecturer. Any work that does not meet this requirement will not be accepted. Make sure to create your models using real-world scale and explore surreal arrangements. Note that you can only scale the objects in the final submission. To pass Project 1, you need to complete three exercises - Exercise 1, Exercise 2, and Exercise 3.
Exercise 1 - 10%
• Model the King, Rook, and Pawn chess pieces accurately to the image given to you by the lecturer.
• Define the Maya project folder to provide an organized Maya folder structure. Ensure you do not move the project definition file “workspace.mel.”
• The Maya project file must contain the well-labelled parts of the chess pieces. Parts detached in the real world must be detached in 3D, labelled and grouped accordingly during the modelled process.
• Submit on Moodle a zipped Maya project folder that has your name and student ID as the folder name.
• Due date end of week 3 - Saturday by 11:55 PM
Exercise 2 - 10%
• Model the bottle based on reference images provided in week 2. (Due end of week 5)
• Define the Maya project folder to provide an organized Maya folder structure.
• The Maya project file must contain well-labelled parts of the bottle. Parts detached in the real world must be detached, labelled and grouped accordingly during the modelled process.
• Submit on Moodle a zipped Maya project folder that has your name and student ID as the folder name. Include the project definition file named “workspace.mel” in the Maya project folder.
• Due date end of week 5 - Saturday by 11:55 PM
Exercise 3 - 10%
1. Model the computer mouse based on the reference images provided by the lecturer. If the model is not close to the reference image(s) the work will not be accepted.
2. Import objects from Exercises 1 and 2, arrange them in a visually pleasing composition and apply 3-point lighting and basic shaders. Rename the objects with descriptive labels.
3. Scale the images to real-world sizes and model them.
4. Arrange the 3D objects in a visually appealing composition, considering camera angles and 3D space dynamics. Allow for surreal arrangements and scaling as per your artistic vision.
5. Consolidate all three exercises into a single Maya file, labelling various parts of objects and grouping them with well-labels for clarity. Do not combine the objects; the lecturer must see the various parts. You will get close to nothing if you combine objects with various parts.
6. Apply basic Arnold shaders to the objects to enhance their visual appeal.
7. Set up basic 3-point lighting to illuminate the scene effectively.
8. Create 3d cameras with different lenses to provide the work with interesting points of view that you can render.
9. Submit a well-defined Maya project file on Moodle with reference images and three rendered images in their appropriate subfolder - “sourceImages” and “images”, respectively. Remove any unnecessary files and folders from the project folder before submitting.
10. The project is due end of week 7 on Saturday by 11:55 PM
Deliverables
Submit on Moodle a zipped Maya project folder that has your name and student ID as the folder name. The Maya project file must contain all three exercises, well-labelled and grouped objects.
Include the project definition file named “workspace.mel” in the Maya project folder.
Ensure the reference materials are in the appropriate “sourceImages” folder.
Render and submit three 1024x1024 pixels high-quality images (PNG or JPG) and save them in the “images” subfolder.
• All related files for this project must be organised correctly in a Maya project folder.
Marking Criteria
• Accuracy and detail of the 3D models.
• Creativity and effectiveness of surreal arrangement and scaling.
• Composition and use of camera angles to create visually appealing scenes.
• Quality of shaders and lighting setup to enhance the overall presentation.
• Organization of Maya file and folder structure for clarity and efficiency.