Unreal Engine 5 for Architectural Visualization: Intermediate Level Course
Course Overview
- Focuses on architectural representation using Unreal Engine 5 (UE5).
- Level 1: Static images (still renders).
- Level 2: Animations (guided 3D tours).
- Level 3: Interactive environments (free movement and interaction).
Key Functionalities Covered
- Object Movement: Ability to move objects like doors and windows.
- Material Switching: Shuffle through materials on a per object basis.
- Sunlight Control: Change sunlight angle interactively.
- Object Transformation: Change objects themselves.
Course Materials
- Uses a scene created in the beginner course.
- Option to download models and files from a Patreon link.
Chapter 1: Interactive Environment - Door Animation
- Setting Up: Ensure project is in first-person character mode.
- Creating Interaction: Use line tracing to interact with objects.
- Blueprint Setup: Use UE5 blueprints to create interactive elements.
- Door Animation: Create a door that opens and closes interactively.
- Utilize timelines for smooth transitions.
- Implement events to toggle door states (open/close).
- User Interface: Add visual feedback with decals.
Chapter 2: Material Switching
- Blueprint Creation: Use blueprints to shuffle materials on objects.
- Implementation: Create a multi-gate for material transitions.
- Examples: Apply to floors and wall niches.
Chapter 3: Object Transformation
- Static Mesh Transformation: Change objects like a banana into a book.
- Collision Setup: Ensure objects have collision properties for interaction.
- Physics Simulation: Enable objects to react to physics (e.g., fall to the ground).
- Interactive Control: Use blueprint logic for transforming objects.
Chapter 4: Sunlight Control
- UI Creation: Develop a minimal user interface with sliders for light control.
- Directional Light: Adjust the sun’s horizontal and vertical angles.
- Blueprint Logic: Use casting and event ticks to update sunlight based on slider input.
Packaging the Project
- Settings: Adjust project settings for desktop platforms.
- Maps and Modes: Define the starting map and editor settings.
- Compilation: Package the project for shipping or development.
Additional Notes
- Collision Adjustment: Fix shadow inaccuracies by adjusting Nanite settings.
- User Feedback: Enable user interaction through simple inputs.
- Performance Considerations: Manage project resources for optimal performance.
Conclusion
- Encourages users to expand on the base functionalities to fit specific project needs.
- Provides foundational skills in interactive architectural visualization within UE5.
These notes summarize the key concepts and steps covered in the lecture. They provide a structured guide to implementing interactive visualization techniques in Unreal Engine 5, focusing on creating dynamic and immersive architectural experiences.