BAT-Artists -- Out of new Ideas?

[vester_DK 477]

You have be doing a lot of buildings. Just keep the coming. I might note post everytime I'm by, but I have been by several times.

[S.A.C 20]

Date: 8/28/2005 6:22:17 PM Author: vester_DK You have be doing a lot of buildings. Just keep the coming. I might note post everytime I'm by, but I have been by several times.

quote>

Yeah , eventually I got the speed up!  Still, like with SCURK it took me awhile to actually start using the BAT/BAPlus tool, but once there it was really fun!  And since you kindly replied, (it looks a lot better with at least one reply between my own postings in this thread ), I can continue with yet another image;

Any realistic city needs hotels, gas stations, restaurants, stores, and so on!  So why not combining a multitiled lot with all of these services? This particular lot, a 9x9 in size, was based upon a real life building in Sweden, the EuroStop, offering both hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and shopping opportunities in one place!



This is certainly a building I'd like to see in SC4!  Inspirational enough to any of you BATters out there?

[S.A.C 20]

A small, but older, bus depot that I used in the outskirts of Olympia.  Wasn't any regional possibilities available with SC3K, but the maps allowed for big cities to be built!



As can tell I made buses also back then, both as props and as details!  These buses are details, that is; building blocks with textures attached to them - unlike props which worked the same way as props in SC4!  

[Andreas Roth 616]

Man, I wish I had internet access in these days... I played SC3000 quite a lot (not that much as SC2000 or SC4, but besides Transport Tycoon, it was my one and only game), but never saw such beautiful BATs/BAPs. I'm amazed you were able to create such detailed buildings, despite of basically having just a LEGO set with some blocks in various shapes. I'd really like to see some of them transformed into SC4 BATs...

[Cjah 15]

I can only say this about your work,,,,You are some kind of god!

How and why can't we just make a simpler bat tool?

Look at all your glorous works!Is it or I mean was it that easy to make this stuff in SC3000?You are making baters like DT and Cobb look bad with your details and buitifully realistic buildings.

I am posting mainly to tell you how good these last few buildings have been and so you can post more....um do you fast food places in your Bap gallery?

[S.A.C 20]

Date: 8/28/2005 7:12:00 PM Author: Andreas Roth Man, I wish I had internet access in these days... I played SC3000 quite a lot (not that much as SC2000 or SC4, but besides Transport Tycoon, it was my 'one and only' game), but never saw such beautiful BATs/BAPs. I'm amazed you were able to create such detailed buildings, despite of basically having just a 'LEGO set' with some blocks in various shapes. I'd really like to see some of them transformed into SC4 BATs...

quote>

Thanks!  Actually, there were quite a lot of activities as far as BAT/BAPlus production concerns back in those days!  Apart from my site, SimGothia, which was the only site that handled buildings from one artist only, there was also Freeland and Sim Architect - both of them which functioned as collaborations between several artists.

Anyway, my first extra ordinary building was built once the BAPlus tool was released - which replaced the previous BAT tool, and introduced props as part of the building items to use - and I decided to build a downtown block of some sort!  Well, it was a bit odd, all in concrete as I choosed for it!  You'll be the judges;



Hmm, not all concrete though!  I forgotten about that white building upfront!

[S.A.C 20]

Date: 8/28/2005 7:19:09 PM Author: Cjah

I can only say this about your work,,,,You are some kind of god!

How and why can't we just make a simpler bat tool?

Look at all your glorous works!Is it or I mean was it that easy to make this stuff in SC3000?You are making baters like DT and Cobb look bad with your details and buitifully realistic buildings.

I am posting mainly to tell you how good these last few buildings have been and so you can post more....um do you fast food places in your Bap gallery?

quote>

Well, you can't really compare BAT/BAPlus with SC4's BAT tool.  It was easier to build up complex structures using the lego-pieces or blocks as it really were, but a lot was achieved if you also had an eye for details.  And further more, if you were able to create your own paints, details and props there wasn't actually any limitations any longer!  Of course, a bit of imagination and a creative mind helped out too!

As for fast food restaurants, I believe I made a McDonalds but I can't find that file right now.  Have to dig a bit deeper in my shelves!  But perhaps this culture center from Olympia will do;

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It's supposed to store a library - among other things!

[S.A.C 20]

More hotels to look at!  The first one was an early building made in BAT but updated once the BAPlus tool arrived!  It's a SAS Hotel and is a quite simple building;



...and the second one was built at the end of my BAPlus career!   It's a hotel built for the Expo Scandinavia in Olympia;

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Both of them built on a 3x3 tile!

[S.A.C 20]

...and the final one before bed time!  Believe it or not, but I grew up in this very building!  In Kristinehamn, Sweden!



To be more exact, on the seventh floor!

Cya tomorrow!

[DJGspinNhitz 7]

I use to play SC3K all the time until I found SC4, I built serval buildings, I remember the first was a superwalmart like the one I worked at eventually, even had the TLE (tire lube express). I can't seem to use the BAT but the older tools seem easier or I'm just getting old, and I can't learn new tricks.  Hope some of these make it into SC4

GQ

[packersfan 666]

I'd like to see some BATed stadiums, like Miller Park in Milwaukee, Lambeau Field, Reliant Stadium, etc.

[DuskTrooper 314]

Thie is NOT a BAT request thread. Please place those building requests in the official BAT request thread. This place is for showing off SC3K creations.

[Cjah 15]

Date: 8/28/2005 9:26:42 PM Author: DuskTrooper Thie is NOT a BAT request thread.  Please place those building requests in the official BAT request thread.  This place is for showing off SC3K creations.

quote>

 

You can't argue DT on this one.This is a place of past glory not some whack Bat request hot line.

 

Anyway Lambeau Field has already been made in SC3000 because this one guy on the chat showed me it and it even had all the things it had in real life.He aslo posted it on a stadium request thread not too long ago.

 

SC3000 tools are much better then any bat tool.Lego blocks sound perfect thanks for explaining it to me.Also these hotels are excellent and that replica of your home was cool too!

[jt_144_2004 0]

Am I mistaken or is this, in a way a request thread to turn these buildings into SC4 buildings?

[Lord_Bertrum 3]

Date: 8/28/2005 10:25:40 PM Author: jt_144_2004 Am I mistaken or is this, in a way a request thread to turn these buildings into SC4 buildings?

quote>

I guess you're right, but tell me? Who isn't enjoying looking at these creations?

[S.A.C 20]

Date: 8/28/2005 10:25:40 PM Author: jt_144_2004 Am I mistaken or is this, in a way a request thread to turn these buildings into SC4 buildings?

quote>

Not so much that as it is a way of sending some inspiration to all those excellent BAT-artists out there - who, for some odd reasons, seems to be able to make time for doing fun things!  I wonder what their secrets are, because time is my biggest issue right now!

Anyway, building inspiration is one thing - at least for those using BAT.  It's only fair to send some inspirations to those using the LE as well, because that would be the only thing needed for these lots, wouldn't it;



Simple and suitable parks possible thanks to BAPlus and the ability to add props - something which opened up a completely new door as far as custom lots concerned the SC3K-game!  In this case and for this particular lot; flag poles, trees, streetlights - not to mention, my very first prop ever; the little boy on his small bike - taken from the game itself!

The tree flora extended greatly later on as new props began turning up;



These trees, btw, were taken from another game!  Would anyone with a sharp eye be able to tell which?

Another thing that increased the amount of reality was the addition of people props, made by some prop makers out there!  Possibly a Freeland artist, if I may take a guess!

But then again, this thread is for BAT-makers and their need for inspiration, so it wouldn't be fair to leave that concept.    Here's yet another downtown building which was made shortly after I finished the concrete one, showcased above;



The white modern building is a hotel, Hotel Anglais to be more specific as the sign on the roof points out!   The older building is supposed to be a typical european downtown building with shops, caf

[S.A.C 20]

Yet another typical European downtown block, made of four 3x3 tiled lots compiled into a 6x6 lot - although it sure looks bigger!  This one shows what could be achieved by creating different kinds of details, (like windows, doors, signs, and so on).  It also shows the technique - which we eventually learned - of adding invisible parts in BAPlus.  A closer look at the building, (roof), to the left shows the intended glass roof that made it possible to create in-door scenery!



BAPlus limited our use to block peices to acertain degree, but as we finally were allowed to add props - which wasn't possible using the BAT tool - we could create those things that the blocks prevented us from.  An example is the church built between the commercial/residential buildings.  I refer to the church spire in this one!   

[Lord_Bertrum 3]

What I love so much about these pictures that you are posting S.A.C. is something that I feel has been lost (or never replicated) in Simcity4. That is whole blocks premade to consist of a number of European buildings making up that block. A number of your pictures show very realistic town/city blocks made up of a number of buidings of various styles and sizes. This of course is how many European city blocks really look. I think in SC4, a lot of BATters have concerntrating on creating one building per block.

Yes there has been the W2W project and it has created standards that allow the creation of European blocks consisting of multiple buildings. Off the top of my head I know Porkissmo has done alot of this. Also if you look at Frogface's CJ: 'Thames' you can see this.

 

But I think we have missed an opportunity with SC4 to create these prepared blocks that would ensure we have sorely European City centres without relying overly on the whims of what grows within a block.

[S.A.C 20]

Date: 8/29/2005 3:35:33 AM Author: Lord_Bertrum

What I love so much about these pictures that you are posting S.A.C. is something that I feel has been lost (or never replicated) in Simcity4. That is whole blocks premade to consist of a number of European buildings making up that block. A number of your pictures show very realistic town/city blocks made up of a number of buidings of various styles and sizes. This of course is how many European city blocks really look. I think in SC4, a lot of BATters have concerntrating on creating one building per block.

Yes there has been the W2W project and it has created standards that allow the creation of European blocks consisting of multiple buildings. Off the top of my head I know Porkissmo has done alot of this. Also if you look at Frogface's CJ: 'Thames' you can see this.

But I think we have missed an opportunity with SC4 to create these prepared blocks that would ensure we have sorely European City centres without relying overly on the whims of what grows within a block.

quote>

Couldn't agree more!   In fact, I've been compiling a few European stylished BAT's on larger tiles for use in SimCity 4, some of them as shown below;

EXAMPLE - SC4 BAT/LE - 1;



EXAMPLE - SC4 BAT/LE - 2;



EXAMPLE - SC4 BAT/LE - 3;



EXAMPLE - SC4 BAT/LE - 4;



These are just examples, and with some more efforts it's very possible to create larger blocks suitable for a European stylished downtown area!

Here's another SC3K style downtown block for a European city - just to get your inspirations going;



This block is a more modern one and was originally created using the former BAT-tool.  The lack of props clearly indicates this.  For some reason I called these lots, (four 3x3's compiled into a 6x6 lot), the Reco Set!   I have no idea why though!  Can't even remember what this Reco thing stood for!

[S.A.C 20]

With all commercial buildings posted lately I think it's time to show a little more of the residential buildings I made.  Many new ones was created for the Expo Scandinavia's Exhibit Livin'2002, something which has been mentioned a lot lately - for obvious reasons!   SC3K, just as SC4, lacked lots of European residential buildings of all kinds, and even though the introduction of the Unlimited/World Edition also gave us two new building sets, the European and the Asian, it still didn't gave us more options.  The BAPlus tool was the solution!

Below are some examples of European highrises which are very common in Europe.  I, for one, would hope these could be an inspiration to all you BATters out there to start looking into residentail buildings;

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The above ones are similar apart from the colors!  It should also be mentioned that these - along with soo many others of my BAPlus buildings - were further improved using the SC3URK tool.  This allowed for shadows and other realistic touches to be added!  The building below is yet another one of the same style - although green!

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[rp2005 165]

This is without doubt one of the most inspiring threads to appear for ages.  While the individual buildings don't compare to the SC4 BAT creations, the fact that they are used in coherent blocks makes for a better overall look.  I also like the vibrancy of the palette. 

 

I think what this thread demonstrates is the effect of the SC4 lots.  By making building sized lots the emphasis of BATters is understandably on creating the most realistic and detailed individual buildings that they can.  This as been one of the plus points of SC4; some of Porkissimo's Paris buildings are so good as to be nearly photorealistic.

 

The downside is that by focussing on stand alone buildings we've lost the plot a bit in terms of creating realistic cities - one of the reasons I'm concentrating back on small scale everyday stuff.  There are far too many signature buildings and not enough that are suitable for use in combination.  I also think that the time and effort that goes into creating each building makes it very difficult to think in terms of BATting an entire block at a time.  The disciplines of BATting and lot-making have pretty much parted company (with the notable exception of vlakhaas who is excellent in both areas).

 

The supposed 6x6 growable lot size limitation has also probably prevented many lot builders from attempting the kind of city blocks you have been showcasing.  The lack of decent lot builders is also a problem for SC4 as there are very few people who would even attempt anything more than alternative single building lots.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Shadow Assassin 336]

quote>
SAC, you don't mind me trying a variation on this building in the BAT? I like this one.

[S.A.C 20]

Date: 8/29/2005 7:12:14 AM Author: rp2005

This is without doubt one of the most inspiring threads to appear for ages.  While the individual buildings don't compare to the SC4 BAT creations, the fact that they are used in coherent blocks makes for a better overall look.  I also like the vibrancy of the palette. 

I think what this thread demonstrates is the effect of the SC4 lots.  By making building sized lots the emphasis of BATters is understandably on creating the most realistic and detailed individual buildings that they can.  This as been one of the plus points of SC4; some of Porkissimo's Paris buildings are so good as to be nearly photorealistic.

The downside is that by focussing on stand alone buildings we've lost the plot a bit in terms of creating realistic cities - one of the reasons I'm concentrating back on small scale everyday stuff.  There are far too many signature buildings and not enough that are suitable for use in combination.  I also think that the time and effort that goes into creating each building makes it very difficult to think in terms of BATting an entire block at a time.  The disciplines of BATting and lot-making have pretty much parted company (with the notable exception of vlakhaas who is excellent in both areas).

The supposed 6x6 growable lot size limitation has also probably prevented many lot builders from attempting the kind of city blocks you have been showcasing.  The lack of decent lot builders is also a problem for SC4 as there are very few people who would even attempt anything more than alternative single building lots.

quote>

Very much my point indeed!  I can only look at my own experience with SC4 and especially BAT's and Lots created by all these excellent artists out there.  While I admire most BATters creations, their tremendeous skills and their abilities to produce one astonishing building after another, I still do think that as many of them do suck when it comes to creating lots for their stuff!  But who ever said that everyone should be able - or have skills - to do everything?

Still, I do believe with an eye for details and with some imagination it's quite possible to develop rather interesting blocks for use in SC4.  A lot can be done with both 3-tiled up to 6-tiled lots, and combined in a proper environment the result would most likely amaze anyone!

So, for the sake of inspiration, here are some more of my SC3K BAPlus creations;



Yet another downtown block using a mixture of different building types - something which is often very common in European cities!  The yellow brick building is - interesting enough - my VERY first BAT ever, and later on somewhat improved using the BAPlus tool.

Date: 8/29/2005 7:56:32 AM Author: Shadow_Assassin

quote> SAC, you don't mind me trying a variation on this building in the BAT? I like this one.

quote>

Not in a million year!  I started this thread and posted these images in order to get your inspiration going, so go just ahead!  Can't wait to see the final result!  Do you by any chance need to see the lot from all 4 angles?  Let me know!

I'm going to end this particular post by adding a CityHall from the city of Olympia.  It was made before the BAPlus era, otherwise it would have been built up using far more props than it finally received after being updated using - the BAPlus tool;

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[S.A.C 20]

Another residential building!  This one was originally made by another artist during the BAT-era!  I believe I downloaded it from the old BAT exchange over at Maxis, and made some changes to it such as new bricks and stuff!  Anyway, it fitted perfectly in Olympia!



Eventually, as with most BAT's, I used BAPlus to add some more props for the sake of realism!  However, can't say I would have added that piece of water today! 

[S.A.C 20]

Yet another residential building.  This one was showcased in Olympia already in 2001 during the Expo Scandinavia Exhibit Transport 2001, the one that introduced trams and local trains in Olympia!



Another Expo building, this time from the year 2002 for the Livin'2002, made use of some more challenging colors, but despite everything it certainly fitted in and added to the realism overall;



This last one was also further improved using the SC3URK tool in order to add shadows - among other things.  But it's final appearance above is from the BAPlus tool!  

[S.A.C 20]

A prison is what this building made in BAT used to be - as I recall!  I downloaded it from the old BAT exchange and made a few changes to it in order to use it as a TV Tower of some sort!

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Can't remember who actually did the original BAT though!  The one below is my work from the first to the last block.  It's yet another RecoSet lot, a total of four 3x3 tiles compiled into one 6x6 tile!  And as can tell it's another addition to the European downtown building set as I developed in the SC3K version of Olympia;

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All these four lots were created during the BAT-era, hence the lack of props. But some of them received an update once the BAPlus tool was released!  It was a completely different thing regarding the below lot - also a downtown stylished one, obviously!  The number of props being used - along with the invisible technique allowing for in-door-scenery reveals that these lots were developed once the BAPlus tool had been released after the introduction of Unlimited/World Edition!

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So guys - and girls, do you need more inspiration posted?  Let me know!  And btw, anyone else with SC3K lots in their lugagge?  Feel free to post them inside this thread!

[S.A.C 20]

One final BAPlus for your inspirations before bed time!  This time a town square with a large chapel in the back, (the glass thingy), along with a Culture Center.



I believe I also made it as a TV Network Company along with what's described above!   Anyway, back tomorrow with more - if you're interested!

[Lord_Bertrum 3]

Sorry to go slightly off-topic here SAC. In one of your previous posts you showed a small number of SC4 BATs. I was wondering what example 4 was. It's a lot consisting of a couple of buildings with a road which goes underneath them. I've seen this on your Gothia site before, but have never seen it anywhere else. I know it's a few years old so I wonder if it was transit enabled of just for eye candy?

[S.A.C 20]

Date: 8/29/2005 10:32:11 PM Author: Lord_Bertrum Sorry to go slightly off-topic here SAC. In one of your previous posts you showed a small number of SC4 BATs. I was wondering what example 4 was. It's a lot consisting of a couple of buildings with a road which goes underneath them. I've seen this on your Gothia site before, but have never seen it anywhere else. I know it's a few years old so I wonder if it was transit enabled of just for eye candy?

quote>

I believe you're referring to this;



It's a lot I made myself!  You could say that I simply extended the original Road-under-Bridge lot with a few tiles so it allowed for me to add buildings on top of the bridge and at the sides!  The Road-under-Bridge lots was already transit enabled - although not functional for UDI if I remember correctly!  Or was it the other way around?    Well, never mind really!

The idea was - and is - to produce a number of European stylished downtown lots that combined/s several buildings on one lot - something which is typical for European downtowns, and pretty much in the same manor as I did with the SC3KU lots back then.  Another example from that previous game is posted below;



The same goes for this SC4 example!  This is basically a train station which also has been extended to allow for buildings to be added - as one of many options to get a realistic touch!



I hope that answers your question!

Now, let's have another inspirational SC3K-lot posted;



This is yet another early BAT-building which has been updated using BAPlus.  Not very special, but for some reasons I like it a lot!  

[Slowhand 0]

Hey there!

I'm not really good adt BATing but I'll give it a shot.

Have you made a couple of these lots for SC4?

They look so cool.