Marseille, France
DIORAMA, ATELIERS ALFONSO FEMIA, INSIDETHEWHALEAF517*
2018
ARCHITECTURE
J1 L'Odyssée, Naissance d'une Cité Subaquatique, is a mesmerizing ArchViz short film that captures the serene beauty of an underwater city, blending artistic imagination with cutting-edge CG technology.
J1 L'Odyssée, Naissance d'une Cité Subaquatique, an awe-inspiring architectural visualization short film, has been nominated in the Film (Commissioned) Category of the CGarchitect 3D Architectural Awards. This stunning piece, which delves into the mysterious and captivating underwater world, stands as a testament to the boundless creativity that such an environment inspires. From Jules Verne's "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" to Spielberg's "Jaws," the ocean has long fueled artistic imagination. J1 L'Odyssée follows this tradition, offering a breathtakingly serene and visually mesmerizing portrayal of an underwater city.
In an exclusive discussion with Uros Vukovic, facilitated by Fox Renderfarm, the leading cloud rendering service in the CG industry, insights into the creation of J1 L'Odyssée were unveiled. The team utilized Cinema 4D to transform their vision into reality, meticulously crafting ambient underwater scenes and tranquil architectural views. The nomination for the 3D Awards underscores the rapid evolution of architectural visualization within the CG industry, highlighting the ability of architects to leverage media for clear and innovative presentations.
The selection of J1 L’Odyssée for the 3D Awards was driven by a desire to showcase the team's unique style and achievements. Competing in the commissioned category allowed them to express their identity and proficiency in client-based projects. The film’s calm and atmospheric nature, beginning with a dusk mood and culminating in an aerial view of a Mediterranean city, captures the essence of Marseille's unique blend of architecture and nature. The tranquil ambiance, paired with the strategic use of music, directs all attention to the serene environment, making it a standout piece.
Inspiration for J1 L'Odyssée was drawn from a mix of Jungian analysis, David Lynch’s character development techniques, and the Seven Basic Plots. The team aimed to imbue the technical film with a distinct personality, crafting scenes that mesmerize viewers with their blend of environment, architecture, and nature. Despite the technical demands of the project, the film transcends mere architectural demonstration, offering a rich visual experience that speaks to the public’s right to aesthetic enjoyment. This duality of technical precision and artistic expression presented a unique challenge, yet it also defined the film's compelling narrative.
The influence of Jean-Luc Godard’s "Le Mépris," particularly the iconic scene where natural and artificial elements clash, shaped the conceptualization of J1 L'Odyssée. This inspiration led to the depiction of a world divided between the natural above and the artificial below. The underwater scenes, fueled by pure imagination, provided a canvas for abstract creativity. The film's color palette, with cobalt blue representing the futuristic aquarium and desaturated yellow symbolizing the restored warehouse, reflected the intersection of past and future, nature and humankind. This visual dichotomy underscored the film's thematic depth, while the swift production timeline and collaborative efforts showcased the team’s dedication and expertise in bringing this visionary project to life.