Hi Andrew,
If I understood, u succeeded in doing what you wanted using a simple shape (a sphere as in the picture), but when you tried to do the same work with something huge, it did not work. I am not sure, but if you mean by huge complex shape with a lot of polygons, then I think you should use a shape complex and regular at the same time, I mean that there is symmetry between its four sides, or at least between two sides (as in the attached pictures), and that the shape is hollow from the inside, so that the development occurs in a harmonious manner somewhat similar to what happened with the sphere.
I hope this helps you.