Immersive 2D Cities From Around The World

Lesson Summary

In this project, students will design immersive two-dimensional cityscapes that invite viewers into a richly imagined world. Through careful planning, observation, and creative storytelling, students will illustrate towns filled with visual depth, atmosphere, and detail. Each city should feel alive—encouraging the viewer to explore streets, buildings, landmarks, rivers, bridges, and everyday activities.

Students may design original, fictional towns or draw inspiration from real cities such as New York, Paris, Seoul, or Hong Kong, reinterpreting their unique character through art.

Lesson Objectives

• Design immersive environments that engage and guide the viewer’s eye

• Analyze the structure and key elements of city environments

• Recall, observe, and visualize real or imagined places

• Use theme, color, and detail to create a cohesive composition

• Apply basic perspective techniques to suggest depth and space

Creative Process

1. Observe & Imagine

• Study real cities or reference images.

• Notice patterns, shapes, textures, and small details that bring places to life.

• Think about what you want your city to feel like.

2. Choose a Theme

Select a clear theme for your city. This will guide:

• Architecture

• Color choices

• Mood and atmosphere

• Types of buildings and activities

3. Sketch the Layout

• Lightly sketch streets, buildings, and major structures in pencil.

• Think about how the viewer’s eye moves through the city.

• Add architectural details like windows, rooftops, signs, and doors.

• Design a city title or name to introduce your world.

4. Add Life & Story

• Imagine what is happening in your city.

• Add people, vehicles, markets, parks, bridges, rivers, or festivals.

• Small details help the city feel active and believable.

5. One-Point Perspective (Optional)

• Choose a vanishing point on the horizon.

• Draw perspective lines from buildings toward the vanishing point.

• Use these lines to guide building depth, windows, and streets.

6. Ink the Drawing

• Carefully outline your final drawing using a waterproof black marker.

• Clean, confident lines will strengthen clarity and structure.

7. Add Color & Atmosphere

• Choose colors that support the mood of your city.

• Warm colors may suggest energy, warmth, or excitement.

• Cool colors may suggest calm, mystery, or distance.

• Use color to guide the viewer’s focus and enhance depth.