Procedural Modeling of San Pietro in Montorio is a technical environment piece exploring the power of procedural geometry and architectural modeling within Houdini. Rather than relying on traditional polygonal modeling techniques, the project leverages Houdini’s node-based procedural systems to construct a detailed, classical structure in a way that is modular, repeatable, and art-directable.

The creative direction emphasized architectural logic over manual detailing, using procedural patterns to define colonnades, capitals, arches, and ornamental features informed by real-world survey proportions. By encoding geometric rules into attribute networks and procedural loops, the design achieves both structural coherence and high-frequency detail without compromising the ability to iterate rapidly. This approach allowed control over scale, repetition, and variation across the entire temple form—turning what would normally be a handcrafted task into a rule-governed generative workflow.

From a lighting and look-development perspective, the piece uses physically motivated illumination to accentuate geometry and depth. Carefully placed key and rim lights define architectural forms and cast strong, readable shadows, reinforcing surface details and clarifying spatial hierarchy. Subtle ambient occlusion and soft fill lighting ensure that internal volumes and recessed details are visible without flattening the overall composition.

Creative Goals

• Demonstrate procedural modeling techniques for complex architectural geometry
• Enable art-directable control over modular architectural elements
• Use lighting to articulate form, depth, and structural rhythm

Outcome

The final result functions both as a technical showcase of procedural architectural modeling and a visual study in structured form and lighting clarity. It illustrates how procedural logic can be harnessed to recreate classical architecture in a way that is scalable, editable, and visually expressive—turning algorithmic precision into compelling digital craft.