This project was my own rendition and styling of a 3D model of the Denver Art Museum, one of my favorite places to be and admire.
To begin this project, I worked on finding inspiration, from my own film archive as well as the good ole Google. This ranged from styling inspo to textures and materiality.
Next in my process was sketching and referencing to ensure my proportions were correct when I began modeling.
As seen below, there was a lot of progress to make, and I continued my modeling by switching between reference images to get the best possible layout.
Last was my favorite part, the materials and lighting. After a lot of experimenting, I actually found that I preferred the look of a white building to better reflect and accompany my lighting choices. I added grass with a particle system to contrast the real-life concrete that surrounds the Denver Art Museum to see it in a new landscape.
The final project can be seen below, as well as my official artist statement.
Artist Statement
The Denver Art Museum is an incredibly beautiful geometric building built in the heart of Denver, which includes several buildings, but most notably features the Frederic C. Hamilton building, or the Ponti Building, designed originally by Gio Ponti and later helped build by Studio Daniel Libeskind and Davis Partnership Architects. This building, inspired by the Rocky Mountains, is made mostly of titanium and glass, and features four stories, all angular and no one looking like another. I chose this as my final project because I have always been drawn to architecture, especially geometric designs. I thought it would prove to be a challenge, and I wanted to see if I could recreate it in all its glory. I have recreated the generalities of the outside building, but adding my own spin by choosing color and texture that I found to be interesting. I wanted to scale this down and place in an environment that looks almost like a disco scene, with bright pink, blue, and purple lights, illuminating each side of its facade in a different way.
I have always felt personally attached to the museum, usually spending a full day there every few months, particularly before Covid. I was new to the state, and have always found solace in art museums. It was my safe and happy space, allowing me to meander through, admiring new and old art, and looking at books in the gift shop. I would take photos and sketch outside and in, and always knew I could go there if I need a pick-me-up. This museum will always hold a very special place in my heart, being something that holds so much of my own growth and interests.