Overview
For my university module Negotiated Brief, I collaborated with Hope Mill Theatre, an independent venue in Manchester, to create a detailed 3D digital recreation of their performance space.
The aim was to explore how 3D design could enhance the theatre experience — providing an accurate, interactive representation of the venue for future use in planning, marketing, and virtual experiences.
This project combined my interests in theatre and 3D design, challenging me to bring a real-world space to life through precise modelling, lighting, and texturing.
The Challenge
I wanted to develop a 3D model that not only looked realistic but could also serve as a practical digital asset for the theatre. The goals were:
- Build an accurate digital version of Hope Mill Theatre from floor plans.
- Develop my architectural modelling and scaling skills in Blender.
- Learn how to apply realistic materials using Adobe Substance.
- Prepare the model for future use in Unity or interactive applications.
The biggest challenge was interpreting architectural floor plans and photographs to create a 3D space that matched the physical theatre — without being able to visit the venue in person.
Design & Development Process
1. Floor Plans & Setup
I began by importing the theatre’s floor plans into Adobe Illustrator, simplifying them into vector shapes for clean import into Blender. This allowed me to extrude walls and structures to precise heights using elevation drawings as reference.
2. Architectural Modelling
In Blender, I modelled the theatre’s key structural features, walls, arches, rigging, lintels, and girders, ensuring each element matched real-world measurements. I used modifiers like array and mirror to replicate recurring components such as arches and light rigs efficiently.
3. Materials & Texturing
Using Adobe Substance, I created and applied realistic materials including old brick, wood, black metal, and aged steel. These textures helped capture the venue’s industrial character and ensured a high level of visual authenticity.
4. Seating & Details
I sourced a base chair model online, adjusted it for accuracy, and duplicated it using array modifiers to reflect the real seating layout. Additional details such as pipes, lighting, and roof elements were added to complete the environment.
5. Lighting & Rendering
Basic lighting setups were tested to replicate how light interacts within the real venue. I rendered preview shots to assess realism and make final texture adjustments.
Outcomes
The final product was a highly detailed 3D model of Hope Mill Theatre, accurately reflecting its physical space and materials.
Deliverables included:
- A fully modelled and textured environment in Blender.
- An FBX export ready for import into Unity or other 3D platforms.
- A video walkthrough demonstrating the space and highlighting key details.
This model gives Hope Mill Theatre a foundation for future digital applications, such as interactive venue tours or metaverse-based events.
Reflection & Next Steps
This project was a major step forward in my 3D design practice, helping me refine skills in:
- Architectural accuracy and scale translation.
- Efficient modelling workflows in Blender.
- Realistic material creation and lighting.
If given more time, I would have:
- Imported the model into Unity for interactive exploration.
- Added user movement controls and lighting presets.
- Integrated UI elements showing live venue measurements.
Despite its challenges, this project taught me valuable lessons in scope management, client collaboration, and technical precision. The result is a professional, adaptable 3D representation that showcases how digital media can support the performing arts.
This case study demonstrates my ability to combine 3D modelling, design accuracy, and storytelling, creating digital spaces that bridge creativity and functionality.
