ST City & CJ school

[wacky32 0]

The guys at AIN suggested this to me, I hope to make better cities for my CJ in Linktoria and maybe my other recreations as well. I have a CJ at the AIN site.

[Frdm920 50]

Done some more work on the historic area. The idea now is that the rail line will mark the beginning of the transitional area. The only thing is I'm not too sure what to put in the gap between the road and the rail (3 tiles). Nor whether to continue the historic quarter further northwards past the MAVE-6 until it reaches the highway.

Also, how should I make it less bare-looking?

Thanks for the help!

[Joe 90 358]

Done some more work on the historic area. The idea now is that the rail line will mark the beginning of the transitional area. The only thing is I'm not too sure what to put in the gap between the road and the rail (3 tiles). Nor whether to continue the historic quarter further northwards past the MAVE-6 until it reaches the highway.

Also, how should I make it less bare-looking?

Thanks for the help!

Hey Frdm920, thats a pretty decent start you've made there

First of all I'd say using the rail line as a marker like that is a bad idea - transitions are supposed to be gradual and ultimately seamless, whereas the rail line puts a hard boundary in the way. The only real way to transition from one type of building (eg. W2W) into another (eg. office towers) is to gradually reduce the first type of building at the expense of the second. Here are a couple of examples I prepared earlier, where W2W is making way for more generic office blocks:

I usually make the transition over a couple of blocks, otherwise it tends to go on forever!

The 3-tile bit next to the railway is a little awkward, since my first thought was to have more W2W facing the road with the back of the buildings exposed to the railway (like building the railway required the other half of that block to be knocked down), but most of porkies orthogonal W2W lots are only 2 tiles deep. Plan B for me would be to run three or four short streets from the road to the edge of the railway cutting and then infill with W2W once you can get road access to the third tile back. If you then continue the streets on the other side it looks like the railway corridor cut them in half, which happens quite a lot with minor streets in real life. Also, the Arc d'Triomphe is horribly positioned there. Its a centrepiece, and sticking it off to the side like that just seems wrong.

With the avenue at the top, I'd have W2W facing it on both sides, but beyond that its up to you how you use your building styles.

A couple of other things I picked up from your pic:

Others have mentioned how cities like this have plenty of open plazas and the like, but its normally because the rest of the place is absolutely packed with buildings, which makes the empty tiles within a ring of W2W you have a little unrealistic (at least for the central city - suburbs you could get away with it). There are two ways to deal with this - make your roads closer together so you don't get holes in the middle; or slide a street into the middle to provide road access and then fill it up with buildings, like this:

The best looking answer is probably a mixture of the two, since you don't want to be copying yourself over and over again.

Secondly, to me the EL-station looks all wrong, like its intruding on the old quarter. Thats not to say that new buildings can't go next to old ones, but it looks like its filling a space that should rightly be an extension of the canal/plaza in between it and the Gare du Nord. I'd do something like this with it (please excuse the dodgy PSing!):

where the EL station is moved back over the avenue, and the main plaza now stretches between the two main E-W roads in the pic. I'd run ped malls alongside the EL station and have shops facing them, and create a pedestrian precinct around it with a mix of new and old styles (back to transitioning again ), and leave the area below the avenue to be the totally W2W Old City area.

But of course thats just me. Try it if you like, but don't feel bound to do it in any particular fashion. This game is all about messing around to see what works, so I suggest you do that a lot

[Jazzmaster 716]

Joe90 I like your tip about transitioning architecture styles. I'll have to apply that when I start working on my own 'Ameropean' suburb further down the road...

I think another good way of transitioning, though, would be to create a boulevard that is wide and lined with trees, planters etc., maybe even canals; similar to what was suggested for the historic district to the 'general districts' transition before.

[Evillions 552]

Even that helped me Joe and I'm supposed to be the teacher. I should do something like that soon.

[Joe 90 358]

I think another good way of transitioning, though, would be to create a boulevard that is wide and lined with trees, planters etc., maybe even canals; similar to what was suggested for the historic district to the 'general districts' transition before.

But that is still a hard border if you have old buildings on one side and new buildings on the other. It can be done, but I don't think it looks as natural as a gradual blending of styles.

Even that helped me Joe and I'm supposed to be the teacher. I should do something like that soon.

The day you stop learning is the day you die, Evillions. Glad I could help

[Frdm920 50]

Moved the HSR Terminus to the other side of the MAVE-6 as Joe suggested. Also sunk the roadway so now the plaza is entirely uninterrupted.

What I'm not sure now though is how far west (left), south (bottom) and east (right) to go with the W2W. Though to the right of the rail line might be more modern W2W and then eventually free-standing towers.

[MandelSoft 2,775]

I think another good way of transitioning, though, would be to create a boulevard that is wide and lined with trees, planters etc., maybe even canals; similar to what was suggested for the historic district to the 'general districts' transition before.

But that is still a hard border if you have old buildings on one side and new buildings on the other. It can be done, but I don't think it looks as natural as a gradual blending of styles.

Hard borders actually do happen in RL, at least in the Netherlands. I've seen one case in Alkmaar (old and new buidling were seperated by a canal) and in my own home city Zoetermeer (the Dorpsstraat, the Zegwaartseweg, the Stationstraat and the Voorweg are actually the only streets with old buildings, cutting right through the city, so actually these streets form a hard border themselves)

[Frdm920 50]

Well I guess it's partially a hard border/partially blending but this is how the historic W2W will give way to the modern W2W and then office towers

Any suggestions for improvements?

[MN121MN 11]

I think I would join this "lesson"

First up : Cleaning broken mod files

I'm looking to start working on Asian cities, since I've finished working on the marina, but couldn't fight the correct lot or Bat files or something else, any suggestions

Having a very large question: Where can I find the files for trams and HSR (Hi-Speed Rail)?

Sorry if I'm inconviniencing you, I talk much....

[Evillions 552]

Here's my version of Joe's tips. I'm pleased with the results and I do plan to expand even further.

============================================================================

MN121MN: Sure! Anyone can join anytime. As for your marina problem, did you download everything that it required? If you didn't download a certain pack of textures and props, then you're going to have boxes. If that's not the case, redownload it and see if that works. For the other question, HSR is an add-on for the NAM which means you have to download it yourself. The trams come with the NAM if you checked that box.

  Edited April 9, 2011 by Evillions  

[TekindusT 3,809]

When making transitions for my old to new areas, I tend to enclose my "old" district with a twisting avenue. It suggests that, formerly, a wall had enclosed the old district and it was torn down, as it happened in many European cities. I'd show an example, but I'm not in my SC4 computer now...

[MN121MN 11]

Here's my version of Joe's tips. I'm pleased with the results and I do plan to expand even further.

============================================================================

MN121MN: Sure! Anyone can join anytime. As for your marina problem, did you download everything that it required? If you didn't download a certain pack of textures and props, then you're going to have boxes. If that's not the case, redownload it and see if that works. For the other question, HSR is an add-on for the NAM which means you have to download it yourself. The trams come with the NAM if you checked that box.

Nice town, some of those buildings looks almost like the one from Paris - World After War....

I don't think I had any marina problem, just that it's hard to place (because it overlaps protected area, what's that?)

I've downloaded HSR, but I haven't seen any of their buildings that can be placed in the menu

Can anyone tell me where to find Asian architecture stye or mod for building Asian buildings? I would appreciate it...

Oh, and thanks for the warm welcome, I'm working on my industrial and port areas right now.....

[MN121MN 11]

Almost forgot, this is part of my city I've done working on, sorry if it's a mess and very small picture, still my first time...

[Cob92 360]

Almost forgot, this is part of my city I've done working on, sorry if it's a mess and very small picture, still my first time...

THE WREN! IT BURNS!

Seriously, though, get some custom skyscrapers and tear down those Wren Insurance (and the other repeated offices) buildings ASAP. They make your city one big eyesore.

  Edited April 9, 2011 by Cobhris96  

[MN121MN 11]

Seriously, though, get some custom skyscrapers and tear down those Wren Insurance (and the other repeated offices) buildings ASAP. They make your city one big eyesore.

I'm trying to find those good ones, however, this is the west part of the city or the old classic ones, the more modern ones are located to the east, but it takes quite a while to load because the city is too large....

Anyway... if you have suggestions regarding custom skyscrapers, please post the download link here, I always try to get my hands on those....

[TowerDude 2,187]

@MN121MN

It's seems as Wren is rulling your city, like Umbrella in resident Evil

Indeed do get more custom content, and try changing densities in some zones

you can see L.A here I find it a good example

► A dense CBD

► and sprawl around it

► parks

► Transport

► variety

and even in Manhattan zones have different sizes

for the ghetto around a CBD

Goofyguytpa's stuff is great

http://www.simtropol...nloads&mid=8691

Industrial, BSP and SimHottToddy does cool stuff

http://www.simtropol...oads&mid=137972

but don't forget to search stuff on the stex, but most of all have fun

Skyscrapers you say!!!!! I am TOWERDUDE the king of skyscrapers

Kodebo, for LA style

http://www.simtropol...loads&mid=54267

and the whole NYBT that's SimFox, Aaron Graham, PBVG, Sgt Pepper, Darknono35 etc...

http://www.simtropol...loads&mid=54267

as for water and tree's

PEG - Birgantine is good, or any other ones, Trees, CPT ot SimFox trees

I hope this helped and that you will be back, with some new pics, for me/us to give you further help ;)

@Frdm920

Nice!

as you asked here is some constructive criticism

► streets! the cobblestone streets fit well for the french style

► avenues, french avenues are large with tree's, you could use the porkissimo seasonal tree lot, inbetween your road/glr/road

► big stuff, galleries museum

otherwise keep it up

[Frdm920 50]

@ TD, as I explained on the last page there's a reason for not using the cobblestones

But the rest of your advice will be taken into consideration

Pretty much everything I have so far

  Edited April 9, 2011 by Frdm920  

[TekindusT 3,809]

@MN121MN: You can avoid all that Wren Insurance invasion with this mod [link].

[MN121MN 11]

hmm... thanks for the input

I'm still looking for those Asian influenced buildings, but that's a start

I wonder how to make plazas with fountains like those (if you have the link, can I have it please? Thanks)

I'm having problem with my SimCity 4 CTD (crash to desktop) just by placing an avenue connected to a highway, it always crash when I placed anything with a sense of transportation nad custom lot....

[Forthwall 1,118]

I suggest you check Japanese Simcity Websites (http://blog.livedoor.jp/moonlinght/archives/cat_59226.html, http://somy.gozaru.jp/) or check the HK group's downloads for asian related items

[Ecko11 4]

Tnx for the replies made to my cities, I'll try to improve them, but right now I'm kinda busy with my mid-terms so it could be a while. Btw I tried to remove that sidewalk mod. I thought it was JRJ Sidewalk Mod, so I deleted that folder, but the screwed up sidewalk continues to appear!? Does anyone have a suggestion? With so much crap installed I dont even know what plugin does this modification...

[MN121MN 11]

Tnx for the replies made to my cities, I'll try to improve them, but right now I'm kinda busy with my mid-terms so it could be a while. Btw I tried to remove that sidewalk mod. I thought it was JRJ Sidewalk Mod, so I deleted that folder, but the screwed up sidewalk continues to appear!? Does anyone have a suggestion? With so much crap installed I dont even know what plugin does this modification...

Try finding files with the JRJ option, if not try bulldozing it...

You're still on midterm? @High school or @ college?

Good luck on that

---------------

How does one make plaza and fountains like those in Frdm920's city? Also how to make the underpass (is it from NAM)?

[Frdm920 50]

@ MN121MN

I would infer you mean the plaza between Gare Du Nord (the rail station) and the HSR Terminus.

To construct that I used the centre pole pedmalls from the NAM with Xylo's remover mod [link]

The road underpass is using FLuPs (again in the NAM)

The Canals and fountains are from PEg's PP Ponds Canal Kit [link]

Hope this helps!

[MN121MN 11]

@ MN121MN

I would infer you mean the plaza between Gare Du Nord (the rail station) and the HSR Terminus.

To construct that I used the centre pole pedmalls from the NAM with Xylo's remover mod [link]

The road underpass is using FLuPs (again in the NAM)

The Canals and fountains are from PEg's PP Ponds Canal Kit [link]

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the input

Oh, I'm thinking of creating a district full of large power plants to serve as the region utility center, do know any good ones I could use?

[Evillions 552]

I suggest you search powerplants up in the LEX and STEX. From there, you can find which ones you like. None of us know what you're exactly looking for, it's better to look it up yourself at times.

Anyways, I've expanded that W2W city inspired by Joe. Here it is:

https://www.simtropolis.com/forum/journals/1532/entry-10777-more-playtime/

[MN121MN 11]

I suggest you search powerplants up in the LEX and STEX. From there, you can find which ones you like. None of us know what you're exactly looking for, it's better to look it up yourself at times.

Anyways, I've expanded that W2W city inspired by Joe. Here it is:

https://www.simtropolis.com/forum/journals/1532/entry-10777-more-playtime/

Thanks, I've found it

Next up : trying and learning to make a city with a blown nuclear reactor, nuclear shelters, military outposts and camps, ruins and a heavily irradiated air (I'm trying to make a city with a Fallout game theme)

I'll post the power plant island later....

[wacky32 0]

I have a lot of cities in Linktoria that are metropolis's. Here's one Waterfront City:

Waterfront City is a one of the many metropolitan cities in Linktoria, Linktoria is on the atlantic coast next to the Carolinas. What should be fixed here?

[TekindusT 3,809]

I don't mean to offend, but there are many things you should fix in this city... The first ones that come to my mind are:

- Building repetition: seems that in your NW corner you have a dozen of buildings that look exactly the same. If you haven't made this on purpose, it isn't realistic. And this also happens with your 6-7 Brown Apartments in the city center; as well as other parts of the city with other kinds of buildings. I could suggest you demolishing them when you see there are too many in the same place, or even enabling the four buildings style (Chicago, New York, Houston and Euro-Contemporary) to get some more variety of styles.

- Airport: an airport fan would tell you that the first mistake is a Maxis airport, but if you like them, I'm cool with them. The problem is its situtation, I wouldn't want to live besides it even though sims aren't smart enough to think in this. Not to talk about the problems the planes would have to land there.

- Incinerators: I've counted three of them only a couple of blocks away your residential district; I seriously doubt you'll get some interesting development on their air pollution radius (which is pretty large in this case).

  Edited April 15, 2011 by TekindusT  

[wacky32 0]

How about the airport issue, is this better?

  Edited April 16, 2011 by wacky32