My Chosen Theme

So after some debate and a little more research into each of my possible themes, I've chosen to create my modular asset kit based on Romanesque / Norman architecture.

Why Romanesque / Norman?

After some researching and image browsing, I felt that Romanesque / Norman architecture had a good balance of modular design translation and a good amount of structural and decorative features to really drill down into.

This architecture style also allows me to go out into the field and create my own reference material as suffolk, norfolk and cambridgeshire have multiple Norman buildings. The access to the buildings will prove valuable when I'm looking at the details, scaling and the overall experience of being in or around the style of building.

Peterborough Cathedral (Norman)

Ely Cathedral (Norman)

Norwich Cathedral (Norman)

What I Need To Translate

With any architectural style, there will be key features and traits that transfer over from a preceding style. I will be trying to collect, understand and document my finding when dealing with the most common traits found in Romanesque / Norman architecture.

Some key things I will be looking at:-

• Ceiling (Barrel / Groin / Ribbed)
• Columns/Pillars & Piers
• Structural integrity (thickness and Layout etc)
• Decorative vs Structural designs
• Arches & Arcading
• Materials

Modularity

 As the dissertation is focused on creating a Modular Asset Kit, I'll be looking at the overall design of structures and have to design assets to work not only aesthetically but also practically from a level / environment building standpoint.

Thankfully the architectural style is well documented and I will be able to use blueprints and layouts of buildings to help break it down into modular assets.

Basic Form of Ely Cathedral