3D Modeling: Assignment 2

 Week 10-Week 13(17/6/2025-12/7/2025)

Lim Shi Zhe 0357534
Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours)

3D Modeling: Assignment 2

1.0 Project Overview

• By Week 8, we were assigned our second major project, Assignment 2, which required us to design and model a futuristic sci-fi object. The goal of this assignment was to practice creating a high-quality hard surface model using the techniques we had learned in class. The object could fall into one of several categories, such as a weapon (e.g., blaster, sword, or mech arm), a device (e.g., scanner, drone, or communicator), or a vehicle (e.g., bike, pod, mini mech, or robot).

  This assignment was not only about modeling a cool concept—it was also meant to deepen our understanding of mechanical forms, panelling, and functional design, while ensuring we maintained efficient topology and clean geometry throughout the modeling process. We were encouraged to approach the design with both creativity and technical discipline, paying close attention to detail, proportion, and form.

  After gathering reference images and brainstorming various ideas, I decided to create a futuristic sci-fi gun. I chose this because it allowed me to experiment with both functional design and imaginative elements, while applying hard surface modeling techniques like beveling, clean edge flow, and precise detailing.

2.0 Project Progress

Main barrel

The main barrel serves as the core structure of the weapon. I started by creating a cylinder and adjusted its shape using extrusion and beveling techniques. I added grooves and mechanical ridges to make it look more functional and industrial, reflecting a futuristic firearm aesthetic. The barrel was designed with symmetry in mind, and I used reference images to keep the proportions balanced and believable.

Secondary barrel

The secondary barrel is mounted beneath the main barrel and was modeled to resemble an auxiliary firing system or energy outlet. I used a thinner cylinder, then applied edge loops and panel-like cuts to make it appear modular and detachable. This added an extra layer of realism and mechanical detail to the weapon.

Energy cartridge

The energy cartridge was created to serve as the ammunition core of the gun. I designed it using a combination of cylindrical and boxy shapes, modeling it to look like it could store futuristic energy cells or plasma. I included grooves and clamps around it to imply it could be removed or reloaded. This part added visual interest and played an important functional role in the design.

Grip

The grip was designed with ergonomics in mind. I used the Insert Edge Loop and create polygon tool to shape it, making it look comfortable to hold. It is positioned at the center-top of the model to balance the gun visually and physically. Small design cuts were made on the grip to reflect a textured or rubber surface.

UV Mapping and Texturing

After modeling all parts of the gun, I proceeded with UV mapping to prepare the model for texturing. I used the Automatic Mapping and Layout tools to ensure each component had a clean, non-overlapping UV map. I also organized the UV shells efficiently to optimize space usage and texture clarity.

For the main and secondary barrels, I applied a metal texture with a slightly worn and brushed steel look, giving the gun a sense of industrial realism. The texture includes subtle edge wear and roughness to make it feel used but well-maintained.

The energy cartridge was textured with a glowing yellow energy shader, giving it a high-tech, powered-up appearance. I adjusted the emissive settings slightly to create a subtle glow, making it feel like the core source of power in the weapon.

The grip was assigned a dark, matte rubber-like texture to contrast with the shiny metallic parts. This helps visually ground the design and adds to the realism, as it reflects how real firearms often have a rubber or textured grip for usability.

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