Resume

Expansion of Architectural Heritage Research Paper

February 2023 - April 2023

Expansion of Architectural Heritage Conservation through Digital Interactions and Gamification: A Case Study of Singapore Thian Hock Keng

Abstract. The research aims to overcome the limitations of physical conservations of architectural heritage using digital interactions and gamification. Physical conservation is limited by practical factors like materials availability or durability of the originally used materials. On the other hand, digital 3D interactive models do not face all these constraints. Therefore, this project demonstrates how an ancient heritage temple, the Thian Hock Keng in Singapore, benefits from this expanded version of digital interactions and gamification. Digital Heritage (DH) methods, such as the generation of 3d point clouds and construction of 3D polygonal models, are used to create a hyper realistic scan of the heritage site. On top of a 3d walkthrough of the heritage space, classical narrative storytelling technique is used to keep the player engaged in the gameplay with a 3-act structured story plot. The outcome not only covers wider perspectives of the history of this space, but it also gains the advantage in its presentation through gaming, where the audience is fully immersed in the virtual temple space as a first-person player. The gamification of the 3D Thian Hock Keng temple serves as a case study to support further research on expansions of digital heritage conservations through interactions.

​

Written by Woon Lam Ng, Huiying Goh, and Royce Zhang Xiaoyin



The Departures, A Short Film —  Solo Project  

February 2023 - April 2023

"The Departures" is a captivating short film set in a time-stifling space reminiscent of the eerie "Backrooms." The film explores the uncanny, liminal world of a peculiar train, blurring the lines between reality and a game-like environment. In this enigmatic setting, encounters with NPCs (non-playable characters) from your past take an unsettling turn, leaving viewers questioning their uncanny appearances.

The project's initial goal was to deepen my understanding of the Unreal Engine. This journey involved experimenting with camera sequence animation and harnessing photogrammetry to generate lifelike scans of individuals, seamlessly integrating them into the project's environment. Notably, the testing of virtual camera filming techniques for a digital CG film yielded outstanding results, capturing the subtle, organic handshakes reminiscent of live-action films and enhancing the immersive viewing experience. 

Encountered numerous challenges during the research and development process, spanning tasks such as fine-tuning lighting arrangements, mastering virtual camera techniques, and becoming proficient in video editing software. These challenges led to my exploration and mastery of various tools, significantly enhancing my skill set and culminating in the creation of this digital film.
 

​

N30, Video Game —  Art Lead Creative Director 

 July 2019 - March 2020

N30 is an immersive Puzzle Stealth Game presented in a First-Person Perspective. Players step into the role of master infiltrators, entrusted with the mission of hacking into electronic systems and manipulating various objects to conquer intricate puzzles while evading detection. Rooted in the intriguing realm of Information Warfare, N30 requires players to skilfully scout the surroundings, decipher optimal navigation routes, and execute their mission covertly. What sets N30 apart is its distinctive approach – as players gain control over electronic devices through hacking, they must simultaneously ensure that these very devices do not expose their presence. This dynamic adds a unique layer of complexity, setting N30 apart from conventional puzzle-solving games.

In my role as Art Lead and Creative Director for this project, I established and maintained a cohesive visual identity throughout the game development process. Working within a small team, my responsibilities encompassed various aspects: As the primary environmental artist, I collaborated closely with our programmers to address technical challenges, including lighting, layout design, and gameplay interactions. Managed the creation of the majority of custom environmental assets, emphasizing high-quality textures. Prioritized user experience, meticulously planning each detail and pathway to allow players' deep understanding of the gameplay.