AMARNA

AMARNA: A 3d Reconstruction of an 18th dynasty egyptian city for animated use

By

Paul S. Docherty

 

Abstract

The project is the first stage leading to a larger animation project. This document is to be read as a guide to the research, construction and assembly of the associated animation.

The aim of this project was to construct a virtual recreation of the main city complex of the ancient Egyptian city of Akhetaten, presently known as Tel el Amarna, for use within a documentary style animation. The 3d model was constructed within 3d Studio Max and all textures were created and/or manipulated within Adobe Photoshop.

In addition to the city complex the model incorporates various animation systems such as crowd simulation, atmospheric, advanced lighting and cloth simulation. Foliage was incorporated, but due to the added performance problems, density and coverage were kept to a minimum.

The final animation created shows the model as a fantasy setting for a totally fictitious storyline. The animation sequence is a compilation of test renders used in the pre-conceptualisation of a much larger sequence currently in development, this animation also includes an appropriate soundtrack.