Architectural visualization project needs a front-end.

[Nexys]

Okay, I've got a project I'm working on, but it needs a bit of explanation:

I'm a student of Architectural design, and I'm working on my undergraduate thesis. The topic is virtual design - making architecture in the computer-generated environment. For my final presentation to the faculty, I'm going to demonstrate the theories I've developed with an interactive 3D experience (generated by the Unreal Engine, via UT2004).

The project itself is based around exploration. Specifically, the player will be exploring an anomaly on Mars. The overall experience will be like a single-player FPS, without the shooting. It's all about how design plays a role in explaining and heightening a story.

Now, I'm pretty capable as far as design goes, but the thing that I need some help on is the experience itself. Namely, I'd like a simple intro screen and some HUD changes (mostly taking things away). These are geared toward heightening the level of immersion, which is a big part of the architectural theory I've developed. Other than that, I don't really need any changes - I'm just looking for a polished way to navigate my design work in order to show it off.

Anyway, let me know if you'd like to collaborate on this. It would be a HUGE help to me, and you can get your name in the credits of a fascinating new look at design. Also, any thoughts you have on how I might (easily) achieve this myself would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Bav]

Just a suggestion, but maybe use the runtime instead and then design ur own hud to go with it?

 

[jimboh]

Yeah I agree. Runtime takes up way less space than UT2004, and you don't need to risk using your UT04 CD-key on another computer in order to run it (think of the hackers who can get your CD-key banned).

Here's some mathematical equations to support what I've just said:
Runtime ~= 1-2MB
UT2004 ~= 3-4GB (that's capital G, capital B);
price of UT2004 > price of Runtime (free);
Runtime = good for non game purposes
UT2004 = good for games

GL on your endeavors

EDIT: In terms of your HUD, the Runtime only has a skeleton HUD, but you can look at the UT2004 HUD code and start from there. I'm pretty sure the legal part of it is that you can look at it, but you CAN'T COPY THE CODE.

 

[Tafka]

Have you tried just togglescreenshotmode in the console? would that do the job? Also 3D Buzz may have some fab video tutorials which may get you there. Personally I'd stick with the UT2004 build as what I think people are forgetting is the number of assets available with UT. Have you also explored Matinee for enhancing the visualisation?

Just to note I am also an architecture student doing a virtual design module and infact implementing UT2004 as part of a realtime visualisation project. What uni are you at? as I am under the impression that this kind of application of UT is quite specialised.

I think it is a cool crossover though between architecture and games that has yet to be really tapped into as personally I have come from games to architecture and now getting full circle back to games.