Architecture in a Fantasy Setting

[ArqArturo]

Ok, I'm new here (altough I've lurked for a while, in awe of some of the great works done here), and I'm in a bit of a creative conundrum.

A friend of mine wants to develop a tiny D&D software that, amongst other things, helps the players see the world they're exploring. And so, I offered him I'd do the illustrations for the environments, while someone else does the critters.

Five minutes after that thought sank in my head, I was scared shitless. I know enough about the architecture most fantasy settings explore: Advanced Medieval architecture (the Templar castles in the Middle East as my favorite example), gothic architecture and the like. But, these were all made to defend themselves from the issues of their time: Siege weapons, direct assault. The fantastic additions from D&D makes that architecture... Obsolete.

I know I'm exaggerating by putting real-life questions into a fantasy work, but it's something I might put into consideration. My friend most likely will want me to put the classic examples of the well-defended castles, high atop in the mountains, but I want to add a little something extra to it. For that sake I've been looking at real castles such as the Alhambra, and a few concept artist that caught my eye for a while, such as Stephan Martiniere. And, for interesting choices, I've taken an eye for Albert Speer's work (yes, I know, I know) and Louis Boullee's architectural drawings of epic proportions.

I don't have any works done so far, since I just got this offer, but during the week I might post some sketches.

So, any help, suggestions, where to find work and inspirations? Or, has any other designer/architect has done a similar study?.

[VirusArtist]

well.. i'm a bit confused at what your problem is, but basically i think you just want to do something out of the ordinary with your architecture.
I just dont get what you mean by saying that an ordinary castle would be obsolete against the additions from d&d. there still are siege weapons, footmen etc in that world. the only additions would be airstikes (from dragons for instance) and magical attacks, wich would be the equivalent of bomber attacks and atom bombs.

i guess the best way to approach the topic would be the classical "take reality and enhance it" approach. Like, for instance, a castle that can withstand a powerful magical attack maybe would look like a mixture of the taj mahal, castle kriebstein and a bunker with some high towers around it that generate a forcefield with magical stones. if you change the materials from stone and wood to maybe jade and gold and put some runes on there you should have a good, believable design basis to build on.

as for inspiration:

moebius

http://blog.kierankelly.net/wp-content/uploads/moebius_long_tomorrow_02.jpg

sparth

http://www.sf-magazin.de/image/bouvier527_37.jpg
http://cabezagigante.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/sparth-ac.jpg
http://www.sf-magazin.de/image/bouvier627_14.jpg

and for the basics, there's always the good o'l
osprey books (http://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Fortress-series-Vols-1-25/lm/3NQ8702VPZ9RF)

hope that helped,
Etienne

[ArqArturo]

Hmm, the additions could work, like adding riveted steel to certain constructions.
I think adding different styles would be odd, like a Disney castle. Still, I've been thinking that the french diamond-shaped fortress could work.

Great artists, BTW. I think I've seen Moebius' work before, and Ill look the rest of the others as well.

[Hookswords]

I would take a good look at the source material. I know I'm not blowing your mind by saying that. There may be some things designed for such problems your structures will face that real life structures dont have to worry about like magic attacks and dragons. Magical Defense orbs or something like that. Another thing to consider is that magic would allow you things that are impossible in this world, so you can really cut loose with some wild designs. In some of the books they talk about mages putting magical things in place to allow less than normal structures, magical time pieces, etc.

[Meloncov]

No architectural defenses are going to slow down a high level spellcaster very much, but in most settings more conventional threats are certainly common enough to justify medieval style defenses.

[Elwell]

If you want to take the influence of magic into account, I would consider it's effect on construction-- the ability to build in inaccessible places by levitation, grow structures out of wood or stone, make a full-sized structure by enlarging a tiny one, use gigantic creatures as beasts of burden, etc. Also, remember that our world is basically built for people who are around five to six feet tall, while a D&D society's population will range from three to over seven.

[ArqArturo]

Actually, the floating thing did occurred to me. I'm already starting to work on some sketches for the ideas, I'll update them some time this week (probably on wednesday), I just need a scanner.

I'm actually a little excited and nervous about this, it's the first time in a while that I dedicate a project entirely out of hand, and not in Auto-CAD or Sketch Up.