Architecture

Basically, I have folders and folders of architecture I like and try to unpack what I like about them. There are also rules I follow, like not mixing rounded and pointed arches in the same building (also known as Romanesque and gothic arches respectively). There are a lot of little tips like that that make a building work visually. Another tip dear to me is not to put a protruding window frame on a stone/brick building. The stone itself should be the window frame. The stones around the window should be arranged in a load bearing way. Like this. Since building textures are always tiling, this requires careful UV unwrapping, but it’s how you make buildings look believable. It helps to know how buildings are built. For instance, if a building is structurally stone, you know the frames can’t be wood. Wood usually can’t bear the weight of the stone. One day I’d like to make an article exclusively dedicated to these kinds of tips. As far as blending the building with the landscape, all we need to do is look to real life! Actual architects and game architects face most of the same problems (though real ones have a few more to worry about). Foundations, trims, planters, and foliage can help ground a building to its surroundings.