Encased Mirage:
A UE5 AIGC Project Together with Sysco and Outernet London
The "Encased Mirage" project stands as a testament to the intersection of digital art and environmental aesthetics, rendering a meticulously detailed rainforest ecosystem contained within a glass box set within an artificially darkened room.
It encapsulates the convergence of sophisticated technology and nuanced artistic interpretation, culminating in a vibrant, self-contained biological microcosm housed in a realm of perpetual darkness.
This innovative endeavour signifies an exciting paradigm shift in the landscape of digital environmental design.
UE5 PCG
This project, in collaboration with Sysco production, culminates in a public exhibition at Outernet London in September 2023
Transposing this AI-derived blueprint into a tangible digital environment was achieved through Unreal Engine 5 (UE5). Not just a tool for visual reproduction, UE5 facilitated the creation of an immersive sensory experience that extends beyond the visual dimension. In order to expedite this process and maintain an exceptional level of detail, Quixel Megascans were utilized. This extensive repository of 3D photogrammetry assets furnished highly detailed models of soil textures, rocks, and foliage, thereby facilitating the creation of a convincing, diverse, and richly textured environment.
Further enhancing the overall environmental depth and realism, the GraphN tool, a procedural content generation (PCG) tool, was employed.
This tool produced smaller, detailed foliage elements such as moss, gently creeping over tree trunks and rocks, augmenting the realism of the scene.
In conclusion, the "Encased Mirage" project demonstrates the potential of integrating AI tools and digital environmental design in the production of immersive art. It offers a visually compelling rendition of a self-contained rainforest ecosystem, bathing in artificial light amidst a vast expanse of darkness.
This project represents an innovative exploration of the relationship between technology and nature, exemplifying the creative potential of digital design in mimicking and presenting natural ecosystems. Thus, it signifies a captivating example of the potential for AI and digital design tools to produce immersive and realistic experiences, challenging the boundaries of traditional artistic and environmental aesthetics.
