Environment Design - Fundamentals

Environment Design - Fundamentals

20/04/2026 - 13/06/2026  Week 1-Week 13

Valenz Jycee Primadi / 0373407
Enviroment Design / Creative Media / School of Design 
Fundamentals

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Lectures

2. Instructions

3. Proposal

5.Feedback

6. Reflection

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INSTRUCTION

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LECTURE

The lecture was taught directly in class.

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Fundamentals of Enviroment Design

Perspective Studies

In the first week, our lecturer introduced the fundamentals of environment design. Before we deep-dived into the main environment project, we were given several exercises to build our understanding and skills. The first exercise focused on perspective studies, where we learned about different types of perspective points and practiced drawing objects using those perspectives. This exercise helped us understand spatial awareness, proportion, and how perspective can be applied when creating believable environments.

Fig 1.1 Shape Perspective Studies.Pdf

Composition Studies

For my composition studies, I explored multiple layouts based on a maritime theme, focusing on a lighthouse as the main setting. These studies helped me understand composition, object placement, and scale, allowing me to create a more balanced and visually engaging environment.

Fig 2.1 Composition Studies.Pdf

Value Painting Studies

After completing the composition studies, Sir Kannan introduced a value studies exercise in class. We were tasked with drawing a house and trees while focusing on values to better understand light, shadow, and depth in a composition.

Fig 3.1 Value Painting Studies.Pdf

Ambience Studies

For the ambience studies, I used my composition studies as the foundation to experiment with different lighting conditions. Since the environment is centered around a lighthouse, I focused on creating a strong contrast between the bright lighthouse beam and the dark surrounding environment to establish the desired atmosphere.

Fig 4.1 Ambience Studies.Pdf

Color Management

For the color studies, I selected one composition and experimented with various color palettes, including green, blue, pink, and purple. This process allowed me to explore different moods and identify the color scheme that best suited the atmosphere of the lighthouse environment.

Fig 5.1 Color Management Studies.Jpeg

Vignette Set Design

For the vignette set design, I focused on the lighthouse at the top as the main visual focal point and the main entrance as the player's primary point of access. I also emphasized the bridge, as it serves as a visual guide that directs the player toward the main building and supports the overall navigation of the environment.

Fig 6.1 Vignette Set Design Studies.Jpeg

Photobash

For the photobash, I used my composition study as the foundation and integrated photographic elements such as cliffs, mountains, and other environmental assets. This process helped establish the overall environment, improve realism, and refine the visual composition before moving into the final design.

Fig 7.1 Photobash.Jpeg

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FEEDBACK

• For the feedback, Sir advised me to further explore my composition by developing a stronger narrative. He encouraged me to think about what is happening in the environment, who lives there, and what they are doing, allowing the scene to communicate a more engaging and believable story.

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REFLECTION

Experience
This exercise helped guide me in developing an environment with a clearer story and purpose. Throughout the process, I learned that environment design is not only about creating visually attractive scenes but also about communicating a narrative through composition, lighting, and visual elements. The exercises allowed me to explore different approaches and understand how each decision could influence the feeling and story of the environment.

Observation
The biggest challenge I faced was developing the composition. I created more than 30 different variations to explore different camera angles, object placements, and visual arrangements before finding a composition that felt suitable. At first, it was difficult to determine which ideas were effective because some compositions looked interesting but did not support the storytelling or guide the viewer’s attention effectively.

Findings
Through this exploration, I discovered the importance of iteration in environment design. By testing multiple compositions, I was able to identify which layouts were functional and which ones created stronger visual impact. I also learned that a successful composition should not only look appealing but should also communicate the environment’s story, guide the player's focus, and create a sense of immersion. This process improved my understanding of how design decisions contribute to building a meaningful and believable world.