Pagoda

INFO

I modelled this pagoda based on a miniature pagoda from The Walters Art Museum. The goal for this project was to produce a realistic image as the final product, so I paid a lot of attention to lighting the scene. I modelled the pagoda in Maya, creating the textures in Substance Painter and using Arnold to render out the final images.

ROLE

3D Modelling
Texturing
Lighting

Close up of upper section

The makers of the real-life miniature pagoda, the Komai Workshop, used a textured inlay technique called nunome-zogan to achieve the decorative imagery (Walters Art Museum, 2025). Unfortunately, I had to source different patterns as a stand-in for the hand-engraved designs.

Side by side wireframe and shaded model.

DETAILS

Most sections were similar in design, with only the drawer shapes and layout differing. The bell trinkets and roof spire were the most complex to model, as well as achieving an accurately and subtly curved roof.

Upper Section:

Lower Section:

Lower portion showing fence and steps
leading up to the platform.

SIAN MACFARLANE