Challenge #6 -Darkprince - cockpit chair

[darkprince]

Hi every one. This is my first time to participate in a challenge and im quite eager to get into it. Out of the few concept models i created i ended up going with a more functional, modular design based on current technology. The idea is for a near future cockpit and i hope that because of the modular design this can be simply dropped into the cockpits of many models to come! Anyways heres the concept model. Doesnt look like much but its mostly for me to decide upon proportion and shape.

[spudmonkey]

Don't forget your sketch... It's a requirement for this one. Looks like a solid shape, but without the sketch it's hard to talk about the overall design

[darkprince]

hmm after reading through the forums It was my understanding that a sketch didnt mean a piece of paper with ink or lead on it but rather a basic expression of the ideas you want to express in your final product. This could be done in many ways and with many tools and in my case this was a couple of 3d boxes.

anyways heres what iv got done on it so far. Iv noticed that alot of really good models use chamfered edges and ir makes them look alot more polished and real and... good. So i thought id give it a go myself. Its really tricky trying to make the chamfered edges especially for the guards around the sides of the seats. ATM im using chamfer boxes and minipulating them seems to be working ok. Is there any better/easier technique?

[spudmonkey]

Check this thread for the definitive sketch requirements

For chamfering, which app are you using? If it's Max then convert the chair to an editable poly, select the edges that you want chamfered and use the chamfer button to set the amount you want. You have to be careful with the amount if your edges form a fairly complex shape as you can get edges overlapping

[Zabiegly]

It's looking good. Fighter jet seat like but with a twist.

Don't panic over the sketch. You can always sketch out some details of your chair and post that here. But please do not finish your model, print it out, sketch over that and say "Uh, I just found that lying around and now my scanner is working again, so here's the sketch I did waaaay before I started modelling"

Having the sketch-rule is not ment to be a punishment for you guys. It is supposed to help you define and refine your ideas.

[tobian]

Hmm, I'd say try adjusting the curvature of the back a little.. it doesn't quite look comfortable in the lumbar area. otherwise it's a very promising start!

Sketching is really the best way to work out ideas, and get basic proportions: even if you go on to ignore them, as you go, the point is it provoked you to get it right: Doing 3D and lots of Photoshop/Illustrator sure does make you forget how to work your limbs properly, to draw! hence it's healthy to do a little bit of it to keep your hand in!

*note to self, draw some ! *

[darkprince]

thanks for clearin that up guys. In the introduction thread there was talk of basic 3d or somesuch as a sketch i guess thats what confused me. Ill b sure to draw up some of my ideas for later on in the modelling process. ATM im just gettin the functional elements and details modeled and will later add all the flashy next-gen seat features.. these are more where the concept is at anyways.

I suppose it does look kind of uncomfortable. I have modeled motors and hydrolics and such that allow the seat to be adjustable to some degree ATM the height of the new headrest is adjustable as is the position of the lower seat relative to the back support. Will sketch out possibilities for an adjustable back support but i like the idea of an ejectable seat and that kinda means the seat should be rigid.

Anyways.. Heres what iv got from today

[tobian]

Starting to look cool! Yeah adjustability is the key, not everyone is built the same Designs which encourage good posture though, are better hehe.

Your details are starting to look spiffing now, but you do need the controls !

[Ozylot]

You have some really great details there. your right though, it doesn't look too comfy. Perhaps some more soft cushions?

[darkprince]

I had a play with mr Biped and he seems to look pretty comfy in the chair. I took a side shot of him in the chair to show his posture. Is that ok? i really dont have any idea. I cant model off my own posture because i have really bad habbits and usually dont *sit* in the chair but instead i kinda slouch all over everything lol.