RSA Project (DM2128)
This page will show my work that I completed for the individual RSA Project.
Introduction to project
This projected required us to write and develop ideas for a RSA Challenge. The brief I chose was the where people meet brief, this involved creating a environment where people with disabilities could gain valuable knowledge on different topics or just meet new people like: Finding a job or even help looking into universities. I decided to focus on Autistic people as I know from my own experiences it can be hard to meet new people. My idea was to creste a market designed that gave people with this specific disability the opportunity to meet with others with the same issue and gain the support required for different topics. To complete this project I was required to produce my market in a way where someone can visually understand the process. This can be done as working prototype or even as a visual representation. I opted to create a diorama which is essentially a visual representation of enviroment/assets. I will now go into the project as whole which includes: 3d models, development of work and research methods and structures.
Mind Map
Above is a mind map which outlays the overall plan of the object, this was created by using figma. I created this mind map early on and I spent a good amount thinking of different directions that the project could go. I created 4 sections of the mind map which were: Target audience, Software, Ideas and objectives. together I was able to show off all my ideas and inetnetions to go forward with the project. above is the mindmap so you see for yourself how I presented it and I believe it was so improtant for helping me with creating the project. In the future I will try and more visual representation of my project within the planning stage as I believe that I could add some iterations and wireframes which is something I will try and work on next time.
Primary Research Reddit Questionnaire
Below, is my evidence of attempting to conduct primary research as I mentioned in my case study I received no responses as reddit detailed it as spam.
Drawings/pre production
Before I began working on the models themselves I decided that It was important to sketch out some ideas of how I plan to base my models and scene off. below is a top down map and some early iterations to help me with the 3d modelling process.
Blockout
I decided that the blockout would best suited to display my plans for the market.
Market Arch (No Textures)
stage 1
stage 2
Market Arch (Textures and Final Renders)
Analysis of the modelling and texturing process
Above are the final shots taken of my arch way before I began texturing process, this was made for the where the market would be hosted within the prototype. The arch way was a very fun process as I was able to use new tools and some common ones. This made my job much easier with the development of the work. To design this model I began to createe the arch. To achive this I began using a cube and then I had to use the bend tool to create the arch shape above. As i was doing this I realised that it was not quite accurate so I decided to use the symmetry tool which then allowed me to create the same shape and then I was able to attach it. The arch way was completed using 3ds Max and Substance painter. My design was based on a old medieval design of an old arch that dates back to the late 1400s. I wanted to create something that would feel unique to a usual markel but also keep the feeling of something unique that suits my case study and keeps to the requirements. I believe during this process I was able to make some good process in my practical skills but also helps my written work. the textures were done using a simple stone smart material then adding a rough texture to keep a good balanced texture for the arch. I should also mention I did not use a reference image for this model. The reasoning for this was mainly because I did find anything that I thought of in my mind so I created the arch and then expanded it like how its seen now. If there is one way I would improve this model it would be using references and more preparation however I overall i did enjoy creating this and believe it was perfect for the model.
Market Stall (No Textures)
Stage 1
stage 2
Market Stalls (Textures)
analysis of the modelling and texturing process
These are my final renders for my Market Stall. Firstly I should mention that the stall was one of the easier models I made this semester. This was mainly because based of my research images and the overall plan of the projects, I knew that I would find a good amount of reference images but the challenge was not making something that does works for an autistic market. based of my research I had to make sure that everything was kept to a small size and small population so the market did not become overcrowded. To achive I used a cube to act as the stalls base and then I used some cylinders To act as poles to hold the stall in place. The final stage of the modelling was to do final checks of the model and reference image to make sure that the model I created was reflected. Within the texturing process I began experimenting with different shades of wood for the stall. I did this to make sure the model had no overlapping polys and that it was ready to be textured properly. I began with using the polygon tool, this was a new skill that I had not really touched on before but I noticed it was very effective at targeting specific areas of the model without risking texturing other areas of the model that you may not want to.
UE5 Final Prototype Scene
Render 01
Render 02
Render 03
How was my research used?
The research was the most important part of this project. As I was modelling I was always working with reference images to come up with differnet ideas and perceptions. I began to think about how could the market be presented and I then decided to create it on a stone platform that had a unique feeling to it. This would eventually lead me to create a arch way that would be the the centre piece of the project. I then talked about how I collected my research, the first major area was to collect statistics and images of how markets work and weather autistic people could relax in a market place. To understand this i began picking out specific terminology and talked about how It could be used to improve my arguments. the most important area of this project, was making creating a market that supports autistic people and I knew that I had create a market that was had low amounts if noise and no where near as many crowed. To achive this I was given guidnece my my peers and teachers and I decided to use the ue5 mannequins to act as workers within the market. This was used to then give some picture of how the research was used and how the project fits in with the RSA project. Within the project I made sure that the aims and objectives were realistic to achieve, as I made clear within my written case study I wanted to link in my aims and objectives to my research so both can be interpreted and then be better for my practical work. Below I have discussed how my projects fits into the sustabiliy criteria as well as the research sources that supported my arguments. Overall my research was massively beneficial and has given me the right support to steer the project in the right direction.
How is my project Sustainable/Ethically stable?
I believe that the definiton of sustainability could be defined as longevity or aimed at eco-freindly. I will discuss both and how they can be utilised in the project. To keep the market running I need to focus on creating new activities that focus on communities like quizzes. the market will continue to focus on supporting people in education and finding jobs but I believe this could be a good activity that would not waste energy. The second reason was making it more eco-freindly, my overall idea was to host the market that was outside and that would keep the usage of energy to a bare minimum. As the archway design is made of a simple stone it can be easily maintained and funded, the use of less energy would firstly be supportive of the planet and can easily keep funds available for improving the market and like I discussed earlier creating new activities and opportunity. The final point I will make is about the impact of large markets and why they are not good at stopping damage to the envirioment. Within my research I discovered that large community events can lead to food waste and littering. My small market will only offer snacks and drinks like water that use disposable cups that use Polyethylene. based on my resarch the cups use 95% paper and 5% polyethylene plastic (m.recycle (2023). while these do still contain minimal plastic they would be far better than offering bottles of water. overall this research has supported my ideas and have allowed me to emphasise on how the project can be maintained to be sustainable and ethically good for the planet. I will link my research below.
Research Links/Sources
Source 1 (Reducing waste) more, recycle (2023) Paper cups - recycling process, Recycling | Takeaway Cups Recycling Process. Available at: https://www.recycle-more.co.uk/how-to-recycle-and-reduce-waste/recycling-in-the-workplace/national-cup-recycling-scheme/paper-cups-recycling-process (Accessed: 03 February 2025).Source 2 (Environmental Impacts Of Events) Event hosts, I. association O. (2020) Environmental impacts, International Association of Event Hosts. Available at: https://www.eventhosts.org/resources/event-impact-standards/environmental-impacts-2/#:~:text=Events%20cause%20impacts%20resulting%20from,the%20reduction%20in%20natural%20resources. (Accessed: 03 February 2025).
SketchFab Renders/Wireframes (ArchWay)
SketchFab Renders/Wireframes (Stall)
How does the prototype work?
The prototype that I have created is a completed design of what the market could look like in real life. The way the market works is the customer would go to the ticket booth and show the worker the ticket and they would be granted entry. To keep it quite and inclusive the market will have limited spaces daily so it keeps it standards and the point of the project is to create a solution to the brief and i believe this was achieved. The final area is the mannequins in the scene. I downloaded these to act as workers which again gave me a better perspective of the scale of the project, this was a major area of feedback that I received and I was able to use this feedback and finish of the prototype. The design documentation will offer a better breakdown of the models and structure of the market.
Design documentation/Handover files
Design Documenation/Handover files
Above, I have linked my design documentation and model FBX files within a google drive folder. My design documentation contains my final renders, measurements and scales and design strategy within a powerpoint/google slides. It essentially will look like my sketches but using my finished renders in digital form. The FBXs file types contain the finish models if you would like to have access to them.
What software was used?
- 3DS Max
- Substance painter
- Unreal Engine 5
Conclusion of the project
My overall thoughts of this project is that in contained alot of areas that I found interesting and some parts that I was not as happy about I will firstly discuss the areas that I enjoyed. Firstly I did enjoy the concept being allowed to focus on anything. This allowed me to spend the time focussing on 3d modelling and 3d art in general. the briefs from the RSA were not as interesting as I had hoped but I was always happy to stick with it as I was able to improve my skills in different departments. In terms of the modelling I only needed to create 2 models which made it easy to control the scale of the scene and then it would allow me to explain the decisions and research used to create the prototype, the goals of this project were achieved and I was able to do the best job possible. This project did feel good to complete but the their are areas that I would improve on. For example I would spend time more on planning and maybe including iterations which i didn't do as my sketching ability and this is something that I can work on next time. In summary I believe the project was a success and I really enjoyed the concept using the RSA brief.
Click here to visit Stall reference img