Module 2 - Flatness vs Projection

Fig. 2.01 Given Mario World Elevation 1 & 2

Module 2 introduced about flatness and projection (2D and 3D). With a continuation of Module 1, I dived deeper into axonometric drawings and made use of new software such as Illustrator, InDesign and Rhino 6. The task was to combine two given Mario worlds into one. Between both worlds, reimagine the unknown spaces where flatness (2D) was projected.

Initial Stage: Google SketchUp

Fig. 2.02 Google Sketch Up for better visualization and planning

Before going through the workshops and starting the sketches, I thought I should give Google SketchUp a try to have a better visualization of the combined worlds. I wanted to see which areas would be good to project as well as start planning what could be in the unknown spaces. For instance I wanted to incorporate the clouds as a building block and hence with planning, I made sure the clouds are placed towards the back of the axonometric and not overshadow the spaces below it.

Mario World Building Blocks

Fig. 2.03 4 out of 6 Building Blocks

The Module required me to determine 6 blocks from the 2 given Mario elevations. I chose the cloud as a building block since it will take up most of the space on the top of the axonometric drawing. The other key blocks I needed was the Mario platform floating in the sky as well the soil that will be used in my world. The yellow mystery boxes have a nice yellow on it which could give some contrast and vibrancy to the earthy color scheme.

Laying out the Mario Elevations

The exercise starts out by projecting the first elevation at a 45-degree angle, followed by the second elevations parallel (diagonally) where both interacts with each other.

Fig. 2.04 Setting Up the drawing table

Thoughts: The reason why I wanted to project the elevations in this manner first, was to have a better reference and more accurate positioning of the platforms. With this reference, it has helped me project the elevations where it should be.

Fig. 2.05 Projecting the elevations as a reference

Floor Planning

After projecting the elevation, I thought that I should also include a floor layout so I could remember where the elements should be placed at. As the axonometric drawing would have more linework and layers in the later stages, having the floor and elevation at the bottom would be ideal.

Fig. 2.06 Axonometric Floor Plan

Fig. 2.07 Rough sketch of combined Mario World

Sketching and visualizing

Before starting on the actual axonometric drawing, I did a sketch of how I envisioned my Mario world to be using the building blocks and elements such as water and shrubs. Initially, I wanted the concept of "Mario World Offline: Santorini Holiday" however after receiving feedback, I was advised not to have any buildings or city in the world. I will be touching on this again in the later stages.

Axonometric Drawing ONE

As you can see from the figure on the left, the axonometric drawing consists of really basic geometric forms and shapes which was lacking in this exercise. I was given feedback that I should add more complexity by breaking things up, have repetition with some changes to the forms and lastly, not to include cities or buildings within the world which I intended to. Hence, I proceeded to make the necessary changes in another axonometric drawing which is shown in the later stages.

Fig. 2.08 Axonometric Drawing No.1

Color Palette and Illustrator Work

Fig. 2.09 Testing out colors on illustrator on Axonometric Drawing ONE

While waiting for the following week's studio, I jumped in to test out the color palette to see how the Mario World looked over the weekends. The general feedback given is as shown in the figure above. With that, I made changes to the colors and axonometric drawing.

Thoughts: A lot of work and adjustment is needed as it lacked a lot of what the module was trying to teach me. With the help of my tutor, I had a clearer understanding and decided to make use of the remaining time to truly explore the unknown spaces.

Before vs After

Fig. 2.10 Linework of Axonometric Drawing ONE

Fig. 2.10 Linework of Axonometric Drawing TWO

As mentioned previously, I have made the changes according to the feedback that was given. In comparison, you could tell that there is much more complexity and variations in the Axonometric Drawing TWO compared to the other. I used variations such as extruding, bending and adding complexity to the blocks. I decided to keep some areas from the first axonometric drawing such as the clouds.

Mario World 10-14

Fig. 2.11 World 10-14

Reflection

From this exercise, I learned about the perception of flatness vs projection (2D vs 3D) and what determines them. In my own view, the Mario elevation communicates itself as a neutral, flat information of the game. It is just there and I see it as it is. But to have an ability to view the world in a three dimensional way, that makes all the difference and suddenly, there is so much more being perceived in the same world, so much more is projected to me. It became a unique and personal experience to me when I viewed the Mario world in 3D. I believe everyone's perception would definitely be different from each other because it is, personal.

I enjoyed this exercise because I was able to give ideas and translate them into drawings as well as learning how to use new software such as Illustrator and InDesign. The introduction to Rhino 6 was interesting as well and a much better way to project designs in 3D compared to Google SketchUp. It has also allowed me to change and broaden my view. In future projects, I could try to approach a design from a different angle and push my creative limits in search of better ideas.

I find that this idea of perception could be applied to so many things in life. Why should I see my world in 2 dimensions when I could see it at 3? Having an objective approach to design is necessary, but it is just as important as having your own subjective approach. The exercise gave me the opportunity to "explore". Explore the unknown, imagine, re-imagine and present it to the world. To solve issues through a broader thinking, I feel that the module has enlightened me of aside from knowing the difference between flatness and projection.

RUBEN

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