Ok I have this clocktower model here made in blender http://img523.imageshack.us/my.php?image=clocktowerscreenshot.png Does anyone have any advice on things I can improve on this model, or any comments? (note the face is yet to go on the clock and it is more round than that, the screenshot is just munted.

What level of detail is this model designed to be viewed at? i.e. is it for an overhead view (like an RTS), a first person view (shooter),or something in between?

My immediate comment is that it is very lacking in detail, although a high-resolution texture with normal map could do wonders.

Quote: Original post by swiftcoder
My immediate comment is that it is very lacking in detail, although a high-resolution texture with normal map could do wonders.

^^ what he said ;)
Even just putting some horizontal bands around the outside (e.g. make some bricks stick out a little bit every 3m up the middle bit) would make it look a lot more realistic by implying that there is actually some kind of internal structure holding the tower upright.

I agree that it needs more details but i'm not so sure the horizontal bands will look so nice. Thanks for the feedback though :) Also I would like to know how to do lightmapping/normalmapping or texture baking in blender so I can make it look nice.

@Swiftcoder:

3rd person view

Quote: Original post by KieranW
Also I would like to know how to do lightmapping/normalmapping or texture baking in blender so I can make it look nice.

There should be some tutorials around, but basically, you create a high and low resolution version of your model, with matching UV mapping on each, and then use the high-resolution model to bake textures for the low resolution. You can bake normal maps and ambient occlusion, which adds a lot of depth to the scene.

Hey, how about butresses around the bottom, maybe 2 on each side. and or open the bottom up like an archway or like a 2-way archway (4 corners holing it up) if you know what I mean. Other than that I would only suggest windows.

Just to add... like this clock tower in Wales (UK)...

http://www.walesdirectory.co.uk/tourist-attractions/images-attractions/Machynlleth_Clock_Tower.jpg