EYE MODEL

I need a floating 3d model of an eye as a repetitive visual symbol for the omnipresence of AI. Suspended in mid-air, this eye represents the algorithm's gaze - ever-present, quietly observing, yet transcendent and impersonal. Inspired by mythology and the motif of the divine eye, this element merges ancient symbolism with futuristic surveillance, highlighting how AI plays the role of a mythic creator while being a silent overseer of cultural narratives.

preliminary modelling

 

Planning object placement in blender

Modelling concept

In the early stages of the project, I came up with initial ideas for character modelling, scene composition and environment layout.

I plan to take a minimalist approach to modelling, starting with basic geometric shapes such as cubes, cylinders and spheres. I will also design the environment with reference to various architectural styles.

ArchDaily. (2018). Modernism: The International Style that wasn’t. [Photograph] Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/906063/modernism-the-international-style-that-wasnt [Accessed 13 Jan 2025]

UE5 can realize the effect

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxkGJc0qT3k 

Inspirational Elements

1. Immersive Natural Environment
   The dynamic natural elements in the video, such as swaying leaves, flowing sunlight, and detailed ground textures, offer a visual reference for my "Traditional World."

   • Application: By incorporating vegetation and natural lighting, I aim to bring life and emotion to the "Traditional World," emphasizing the warmth and diversity of human storytelling.

2. Dynamic Lighting Effects
   The video demonstrates sunlight filtering through trees, enhancing the depth and realism of the environment.

   • Application: I plan to use Unreal Engine’s dynamic lighting system to create similar effects, highlighting cultural relics and enhancing the sensory appeal of traditional narratives.

3. Visual Detail and Textures
   Elements such as moss-covered rocks and muddy ground in the video provide strong references for realistic natural textures.

   • Application: I will create high-quality natural textures using custom materials or free assets from Quixel Megascans to enrich the visual fidelity of the "Traditional World."

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Technical Guidance

1. Environment Construction
   The video demonstrates how to construct a layered forest environment in Unreal Engine by combining vegetation, optimized lighting, and terrain design.

   • Application: I will use Unreal Engine’s terrain tools to create uneven landscapes and the “Foliage” tool to populate the environment with plants, quickly generating a rich natural scene.

2. Performance Optimization
   Although the video showcases high-resolution scenes, it highlights how material and lighting optimization can balance performance with visual quality.

   • Application: By adjusting lighting complexity and material details, I can optimize my scenes to run smoothly on mid-range devices.

3. User Guidance
   The scene in the video subtly guides viewers’ focus through its path design, illustrating how environmental cues can encourage exploration.

   • Application: In my Traditional World, I will place interactive elements (e.g., cultural totems or story fragments) to guide players while preserving a sense of freedom.

UE REFERANCE

 https://chatgpt.com/g/g-p-677b374bfa448191ae6b17b195dd1df8-degree-project/c/677b37da-8ef8-800b-84b1-59d6317b97ff

How This Resource Helps My Project

The article and video, A Cultural Heritage Digital Experience Powered by Unreal Engine and the Epic Ecosystem, provide invaluable insights into how Unreal Engine can be used to preserve and showcase cultural narratives in a digital and interactive medium. As the creator of a project that explores the interplay between AI-generated narratives and traditional myths, this resource aligns closely with my goals and offers practical inspiration for realizing my vision.

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Inspiration and Relevance

1. Cultural Representation:

   • The video demonstrates how digital tools can be used to preserve cultural artifacts and traditions, transforming them into immersive virtual experiences. This aligns perfectly with my project’s focus on showcasing the richness of traditional myths and contrasting them with the homogenized narratives generated by AI.
   • How I’ll Apply It: I can incorporate digital recreations of cultural elements, such as carved stone tablets or symbolic totems, into the Traditional World of my game, emphasizing authenticity and depth.

2. Immersive Storytelling:

   • The use of Unreal Engine to create interactive environments where users can explore cultural stories offers a model for designing my narrative pathways. The seamless blending of technology and culture is particularly inspiring.
   • How I’ll Apply It: I plan to use similar techniques, such as dynamic lighting and interactive objects, to engage players with the narrative and draw attention to the beauty of traditional storytelling.