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Scaffolded Havana Building

Date 04/2025
Tools Houdini 20.5.410
Pinterest Board View References

Overview

 
All reference images all in Pinterest: https://pin.it/2vCSNZY4P

Much of Havana’s architecture stands today in a liminal space, part decaying, part preserved, often surrounded by scaffolding and undergoing slow, careful restoration. This duality became a key conceptual focus for the project. The procedural model was designed to reflect both the static beauty of heritage architecture and the dynamic incompleteness of buildings under repair.



Tech Guide


To improve clarity, accessibility, and user experience inside the project, several layout and workflow features were designed within the main Geometry node:



  • 1. CTRL node: Allows users to change parameters without going back to the top-level.
  • 2. Merge Panel: Allows users to view individual building modules separately.
  • 3. Tool Panel: Quick Access Panel for Useful HDAs and Wranglers.
  • 4. Detail Panel: accessible networks, organized into separate containers.

Additional Features - Low-Poly and High-Poly Control for Arches


Elements like door arches include resolution sliders, letting users switch between simple proxy geometry and detailed lookdev geometry. This improves workflow efficiency for game assets.


Additional Features - Custom Extrusion Tool


Using a Resample & Ramp workflow to procedurally extrude complex surface forms—ideal for generating shapes like vases, decorative columns, or stylized architectural ornaments.

Additional Features - Ramp Line to Curve


A feature that modifies a straight line using a ramp function, ideal for creating flexible cables, clotheslines, or decorative hanging elements.

Additional Features - Cos Curve for Arch


Uses a cosine-based curve deformation to generate arch shapes.

Challenge & Technique


Scaffolding




Using VEX to programmatically connect scaffold points, creating realistic crossed bars and structural framing.


Balcony Spike Generation


A radial spike system was implemented via VEX, with division count adjustable for customized railing settings.


Reference

  • https://pin.it/1wZ22GENh
  • http://www.deborahfowler.com/
  • https://in.pinterest.com/pin/223983781463171405/
  • https://www.alamy.com/cuba-old-havana-street-scene-house-under-restoration-image344601378.html?imageid=875533AC-180F-4B0E-8E22-7CE8235320C9&p=1249180&pn=1&searchId=efe0fad55052c853b577afca31b39d54&searchtype=0

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