Parametric design, Escheresque geometries, and architectural narrative all wrapped into a video game

2019-10-22T13:05:00-04:00

Architecture's influence in video game design has reached new heights over the years, providing architects and video game designers the ability to blend digital computation, mesmerizing graphics, and unforgettable worlds gamers can explore and get lost within.

Manifold Garden is one such example. The video game is the result of a seven-year effort by its designer William Chyr. This visually tasteful and mesmerizing puzzle game was released on October 18th and explores complex geometries, "unusual physics," and mind-bending architecture.

Manifold Garden game place screenshot. Image courtesy of Manifold Garden

Although Chyr doesn't have a background in architecture, his passion and interest in the field helped him create the geometric worlds in the game. In a press interview with Thomas McMullan of Alphr, Chyr shared, "Ando was the original inspiration. I can't have curved surfaces in the game – they all have to be 90-degree corners – because you can only fit along six gravity planes. ...

Monument Valley, a video game about impossible architecture

2014-01-07T17:32:00-05:00

For a few years I’ve thought about how one might design a game where the architecture was the central character. I’m particularly fond of temples, palaces, mosques, monasteries and other buildings which combine exquisite artistry with a potential for exploration and mystery. The main problem was how to make an interactive experience out of this.

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Parametric design, Escheresque geometries, and architectural narrative all wrapped into a video game

Monument Valley, a video game about impossible architecture