I like playing with unusual shapes for common items, and so I created these stairs using non-uniform rational b-spline (NURBS) which lead up to set of narrow windows that look out onto the neighboring lake, while providing natural light onto the pool below. Smaller square windows to the side give a view of the greenery outdoors on the swimming level. Three glass sculptures (a blue glass shape array suspended on the stage above, and two emerging from the pools on either side of the walkway), decorate the room as well.
I think this space would make a great throne room as well, with the sovereign sitting atop the stairs and the light cascading in from behind them. Very intimidating environment for the right character.
This was rendered with global illumination and a lens flare shader on the external lights, which cast god rays into the room via volumetrics.
+ Autodesk Maya 7
+ Photoshop
