Almost four years ago, I had the idea to create an "updated" version of the original USS Enterprise as it might appear if anyone were ever to revisit the TOS era of Trek with a modern television or film production. I sketched out some ideas for it and even did some preliminary 3D modeling of a few parts and pieces, but mostly the idea just languished while I focused on other projects.
Then, around the middle of last year, I had a conversation with someone who was interested in compiling some concept designs of what the new Enterprise in Trek XI might look like, nothing official or in any way connected with the actual fim, just some creative speculation. I was one of several people approached for this idea, most of whom were industry professionals that put my meager credentials to shame, so there was no way I could pass up the opportunity, especially since I already had a good start on something very similar.
It took me about three months to finish modeling and texturing my submission and I sent in the final renderings around the middle of November. Unfortunately, the original plan for exhibiting these designs never quite came together and is still in limbo as of this writing. Given that the official unveiling of the real design is now less than three days away, I have opted to go ahead and unveil my design on my own here on TrekBBS and a couple of other venues. Hopefully the original exhibition will go forward eventually and I will still be a part of it.
My design approach to this project was pretty simple: Make the ship more detailed and more visually realistic while preserving the essence of the original design. I didn't want the differences to be immediately obvious; I wanted people to have to study it a little to really figure out what I changed. Most of the changes are fairly cosmetic, things like added hull texture, visible maneuvering thrusters and weapons ports, or the glow of the inboard nacelle grills. Other changes are more significant, like softening some of the harder edges and angles, and adding subtle, elliptical curves to various cross-sections, the deflector dish broken up into concentric rings, the revamped impulse engines, the thicker, gently backswept nacelle pylons, and numerous alterations to the nacelles themselves. In almost every case, the key elements of the original design are still there and still recognizable, just slightly transformed and embellished. I wouldn't presume to be able to improve on Matt Jeffries' brilliant creation, but I'd like to think I did succeed in updating it a little.
So, without further ado, here is my take on what the new Enterprise in Trek XI might look like. Click the thumbnails to enlarge.
Obviously, there's been a lot of speculation about what the new Enterprise might look like and assertions made about what it should look like. I think these renderings adequately convey my own opinions on the matter and might help others to clarify what changes they are and are not willing to accept.
Have at it.
Then, around the middle of last year, I had a conversation with someone who was interested in compiling some concept designs of what the new Enterprise in Trek XI might look like, nothing official or in any way connected with the actual fim, just some creative speculation. I was one of several people approached for this idea, most of whom were industry professionals that put my meager credentials to shame, so there was no way I could pass up the opportunity, especially since I already had a good start on something very similar.
It took me about three months to finish modeling and texturing my submission and I sent in the final renderings around the middle of November. Unfortunately, the original plan for exhibiting these designs never quite came together and is still in limbo as of this writing. Given that the official unveiling of the real design is now less than three days away, I have opted to go ahead and unveil my design on my own here on TrekBBS and a couple of other venues. Hopefully the original exhibition will go forward eventually and I will still be a part of it.
My design approach to this project was pretty simple: Make the ship more detailed and more visually realistic while preserving the essence of the original design. I didn't want the differences to be immediately obvious; I wanted people to have to study it a little to really figure out what I changed. Most of the changes are fairly cosmetic, things like added hull texture, visible maneuvering thrusters and weapons ports, or the glow of the inboard nacelle grills. Other changes are more significant, like softening some of the harder edges and angles, and adding subtle, elliptical curves to various cross-sections, the deflector dish broken up into concentric rings, the revamped impulse engines, the thicker, gently backswept nacelle pylons, and numerous alterations to the nacelles themselves. In almost every case, the key elements of the original design are still there and still recognizable, just slightly transformed and embellished. I wouldn't presume to be able to improve on Matt Jeffries' brilliant creation, but I'd like to think I did succeed in updating it a little.
So, without further ado, here is my take on what the new Enterprise in Trek XI might look like. Click the thumbnails to enlarge.
Obviously, there's been a lot of speculation about what the new Enterprise might look like and assertions made about what it should look like. I think these renderings adequately convey my own opinions on the matter and might help others to clarify what changes they are and are not willing to accept.
Have at it.
. This shot, in particular, really does it:
(BTW, love the deflector dish!)
