“In this video, I critically examine both the exteriors and the interiors of Star Citizen’s Space Stations that have recently been added into the game in 3.7 and 3.8.”
In this episode of “An Architect Reviews,” the host, Morphologist, examines the space stations in the video game Star Citizen. He praises the designers for successfully conveying a sense of scale and believability through the stations’ exteriors. The attention to detail and the modular design give the stations a futuristic, yet realistic, look. While the stations may resemble those in famous movies like Star Wars, they have enough uniqueness to stand on their own.
Next, Morphologist delves into the interior design of the stations. He acknowledges that the isolated shots of the spaces look breathtaking, but points out that the experience of moving through these spaces is different. He highlights the importance of wayfinding and programmatic adjacencies in successful architectural design. While Star Citizen uses a generated system to create the spatial relationships, Morphologist believes that a more thoughtful human touch is needed to ensure better user experience.
The lack of clear hierarchy and wayfinding in the station interiors becomes a major issue. While some individual spaces are well-designed, there are instances where important areas are not appropriately indicated, resulting in confusion and getting lost. Some viewers suggest using signs or color-coded lines on the floors to address the issue, but Morphologist believes the problem lies in the overall lack of hierarchy. To improve wayfinding, he proposes scaling up the lobby spaces and ensuring entry directly into a central hub, which would provide a memorable focal point for users.
Morphologist also mentions the disconnect between the station exteriors and interiors, especially in the circular stations. He suggests that the interiors should match the exterior design to create a more unique and coherent experience. While he appreciates the fine details in the stations, he acknowledges that they may not be practical in the real world but are visually interesting and appropriate for a video game set in the distant future.
In conclusion, Morphologist praises the overall success of the space stations in Star Citizen but identifies areas where improvements can be made. He believes that with some polish and attention to user experience, the stations could be even more fantastic. He encourages viewers to share their thoughts and ideas, as this series aims to inform and engage the general public about design principles.