This was my very first class at LCC, where I was introduced to the course as a whole and given a brief introduction to Unreal Engine 5.
Course Introduction
During the first half of the class, I became familiar with the course’s learning outcomes, assignments, and expectations. The approach was somewhat different from my undergraduate programme, as this course emphasises on research and analysis. However, I believe this will benefit my career by encouraging me to make more critical thinking. Rather than purely focusing on visual appeal, I will learn to develop ideas with clear intentions and reasoning behind every artistic decision.
I was also introduced to myBlog, where I can document what I have learned each week. I found this useful for demonstrating my working process, reflecting on my thought process, documenting the challenges I encounter, and explaining how I overcome them.
To be honest, I initially thought that writing a blog would be time-consuming. However, I now see it as an opportunity to reflect on what I have learned, not only in class but also through independent study. It also provides a place to document useful tips, techniques, and tutorials I find out while working on projects. Therefore, whenever I encounter a similar problem in the future, I can refer to my previous notes and look for the solutions I have used.
Welcome to Unreal Engine
During the second half of the class, I was introduced to Unreal Engine 5. Although I had already heard about its capabilities, I had never had the opportunity to learn how to use it. Therefore, I was excited to finally explore the software and apply it to this term’s assignment.
One of the features I found impressive was its real-time rendering. Although Unreal Engine is mainly known as a game engine, I believe it also has great potential for creating immersive environments. In addition, the Epic Games Launcher provides access to a huge library of assets and ready-made projects. I have already downloaded several projects to get myself used to the interface and navigation system.
Debrief: “Environment as States of Being”
Regarding the assignment, we were also introduced to the design brief. Although the brief was quite abstract, it provided useful guidance on the project’s requirements and expectations, helping me understand what to include in my work and how to approach it. After the class, I began analysing the brief based on my current understanding and brainstorming some initial ideas for the project.
Based on my understanding of the brief, I identified three key considerations for the project:
- Start with something personal: Begin with a place I am familiar with or something that holds personal or emotionally attaches to me. The project should be based on my own experiences and perspective.
- Experiment with space, time and proportion: Explore proportions and physical elements such as space and time, and creatively transfer them to create something unexpected.
- Support creative decisions with research: Develop the project through relevant research and evidence.
Here are some initial ideas that I have brainstormed:
A Staircase of Memories
A wooden staircase inside an abandoned house, consisting of 23 turns, each representing one year of my life. Each step holds a memory associated with that particular stage of life. The staircase design is inspired by a fish tank. Footprints appear on every step.
An abstract representation of a girl climbs the staircase, sometimes walking slowly and sometimes rushing upwards. The lighting in each section of the staircase reflects the emotions associated with the corresponding stage of her life.
A Room of Memories
A room filled with glass lockers. Inside each locker is a strangely shaped DVD . Some DVDs appear blurry or distorted, representing memories that have gradually faded over time.
At the centre of the room sits a couch facing an old-fashioned television connected to a DVD player.