Resurrection
The Jewel of Khmer
Master's Project
April 2024
In exploring the theme of utopian futures, I've always been drawn to the idea of revitalising an existing public space. I find it interesting to imagine what stories walls could tell as they've been around for a long time, seeing a lot of changes.
We often wonder where they came from, why they fell apart, and what they meant. So, I had decided to work on this project with the idea of bringing back one of these old places, making it look like what it might have been in a perfect world.
"Resurrection: The Jewel of Khmer,"
a utopian reinterpretation of the venerable Banteay Srei temple
from Cambodia.
About:
Modelling
The temple was designed in Maya using the temple plan as a guide, following a square format with four courtyards and the sanctum in the innermost courtyard. While Banteay Srei is well-preserved, it has suffered extensive art theft and destruction over time. The innermost courtyard retained intricate carvings, while the outer structures faced severe damage. Drawing from temple maps in Finot, Parmentier & Goloubew (2000) and Google Maps for bas-relief references, the structures were recreated in Maya.
After finishing 80% of the basic modelling, texturing began in Substance Painter. However, due to the limitations of 2D height maps, much of the bas-relief detail was lost. To enhance the experience, interactive elements were introduced, such as collectible coins that projected bas-reliefs up close, allowing players to examine them in detail and access related information.
To provide a proper 3D viewing experience, depth maps of the bas-reliefs were embossed in ZBrush. This was a first-time exploration of ZBrush, but after multiple attempts, significant sculptures from pediments and lintels were successfully embossed. The embossed coins retained the architectural details while making the sculptures more accessible.
Gold elements were incorporated into the textures to highlight damaged and restored areas, aligning with an Aetherpunk aesthetic. Additionally, guardian sculptures were sculpted in ZBrush Core Mini, recognizing their architectural significance. The final outcome aimed to showcase the temple’s elaborate carvings and intricate craftsmanship.
Game Mode - Overview
This isometric view allows players to observe the temple as a 3D model, with fascinating bas-reliefs recreated as coins hovering over the corresponding pediments. By clicking on these coins, players can learn more about the depicted sculptures.
Game Mode - Explore
This is a first-person exploration mode where players can collect coins and learn about them in the inventory. All controller instructions are provided within the game.