Desert Ruins Environment Art: Spring of The Fates

A mythical courtyard inspired by ancient greek architecture and dedicated to The Moirai, the goddesses of fate who spin the thread of life.

I created this environment for the Game Art Immersive course at Vertex School. This project has been a huge learning experience, and is one of the largest environments I’ve created. Thanks to everyone at Vertex School for the support!

The entire concept takes place on a floating desert island, but I started with a narrowed focus on the courtyard to develop the foundation of the architectural design. The courtyard is a mystical and mysterious place. The broken crater in the center represents past destruction and chaos, but has been filled with water and replaced with new life and beauty- reborn again. The sealed door in the back of the courtyard is designed to be attractive but ominous; something is behind it that shouldn’t be released.

To carry on the theme of the three fates (birth - the spinner, life / destiny - the measurer, and death - who cuts the thread of life) I tired to keep elements throughout the scene in sets of threes to represent the balance of the three stages of life.

The gold used throughout the scene compliments the rough stone, and pairs well with the dark red banners. I also used it as a subtle nod to the symbolism of Gryphons, who were thought to guard gold and treasures.