Archangel_XTS

UPDATE 11: Closing City Journal Thanks for all the supportive comments, but I am closing this journal. Cities XL is simply too much for my laptop and as my city grows, so increases the risk of permanently damaging my laptop. Cheers all.

UPDATE 10: Winding Heights It was to be Arivana's finest hour; the completion of the first executive-grade neighborhood. Luxurious homes located within plenty of lush green nature. Customized fiscal agreements used to attract the latest- and most exclusive shops. Even the public services are abundantly available to the executive residents. Clearly, no cost have been spared to make Winding Heights the most attractive neighborhood as possible. Unfortunately, this development is quickly becoming the biggest failure in Arivana's young history. Several months have passed and regardless of the great facilities and huge investment, many of the available lots remain empty. As criticism about the ineffective allocation of funds grows amongst the existing Arivinians, the mayor is reading the consultants' analysis on the failing expansion. The conclusions are no suprise nor complex, the solution on the other will challenge the young mayor to the maximum of his abilities. Attracting executive residents to Winding Heights will require further extensive investments from the government. It will be nearly impossible to convince the members of government, but the mayor knows further spending is the only way. Only time will tell exactly what this solution is and if the mayor will find success once more.

I see what you mean. I think this is dependant on the style of suburban development. It is actually quite common that suburban homes are placed away from the large roads. Most people do not prefer the noise, smell and sight of large- and busy roads.

I see what you mean. I think this is dependant on the style of suburban development. It is actually quite common that suburban homes are placed away from the large roads. Most people do not prefer the noise, smell and sight of large- and busy roads.

Thanks for the comments everyone, well appreciated. Jazyje, How should I orient the buildings towards the roads, do you mean the freeway and highways?

Thanks for the comments everyone, well appreciated. Jazyje, How should I orient the buildings towards the roads, do you mean the freeway and highways?

UPDATE 9: West Midlands Complete & City Overview It has been several months, and much political debate, since the first stone was placed, but today the latest chapter in Arivana's young history has been completed. With the completion of the West Midlands neighborhood, Arivana has reached close to 20.000 citizens. Not only does West Midlands offer more housing, it also includes a brand-new business-park for local SME's and for the first time there is agricultural development in Arivana. The mayor and all members of government were present during the modest opening-ceremony. Even though the West Midlands area is a marvel of urban-planning, the local press was determined to focus on the conflict related to the secretary of industry and the secretary of labor and their demands for agricultural development. Regardless of the succesful resolution enabled trough the mayor's compromise, the press was set to revive the incident. One journalist even questioned the secretaries motives, suggesting their personal gain is the real reason behind their demands. The mayor would not have this day ruined by speculation and rumors, but it is unlikely that this topic will not come back sooner or later, time will tell. With a final presentation of the latest full city-overview, the day came to end, many leaving home with pride and satisfaction, except for one man and his concerns for the stability in Arivana.

UPDATE 9: West Midlands Complete & City Overview It has been several months, and much political debate, since the first stone was placed, but today the latest chapter in Arivana's young history has been completed. With the completion of the West Midlands neighborhood, Arivana has reached close to 20.000 citizens. Not only does West Midlands offer more housing, it also includes a brand-new business-park for local SME's and for the first time there is agricultural development in Arivana. The mayor and all members of government were present during the modest opening-ceremony. Even though the West Midlands area is a marvel of urban-planning, the local press was determined to focus on the conflict related to the secretary of industry and the secretary of labor and their demands for agricultural development. Regardless of the succesful resolution enabled trough the mayor's compromise, the press was set to revive the incident. One journalist even questioned the secretaries motives, suggesting their personal gain is the real reason behind their demands. The mayor would not have this day ruined by speculation and rumors, but it is unlikely that this topic will not come back sooner or later, time will tell. With a final presentation of the latest full city-overview, the day came to end, many leaving home with pride and satisfaction, except for one man and his concerns for the stability in Arivana.

Hi Denux, I used Photoshop to create that picture, using paths to create the outline then work with transparencies and layer styles to get proper inner-glow.

Hi Denux, I used Photoshop to create that picture, using paths to create the outline then work with transparencies and layer styles to get proper inner-glow.

UPDATE 8: West Midlands The negotiations and discussions related to the recent plans for expansion in Arivana nearly resulted in two members of government resigning from duty. The original expansion across the A16 highway was solely focused on office-space and skilled-residential housing. Since the area also contained highly vertile grounds, the secretary of industry and the secretary of labor demanded the plans to focus on agricultural development and housing for the required unskilled residents. It was only after the direct intervention of the mayor that a compromise was reached; the new West Midlands area would contain both skilled- and unskilled housing, as well as office-space and agricultural industry. Several months later, the first residents are moving into the West Midlands neighborhood and the first crops are ready to be cultivated, while at the same time the constructions are moving further.

UPDATE 8: West Midlands The negotiations and discussions related to the recent plans for expansion in Arivana nearly resulted in two members of government resigning from duty. The original expansion across the A16 highway was solely focused on office-space and skilled-residential housing. Since the area also contained highly vertile grounds, the secretary of industry and the secretary of labor demanded the plans to focus on agricultural development and housing for the required unskilled residents. It was only after the direct intervention of the mayor that a compromise was reached; the new West Midlands area would contain both skilled- and unskilled housing, as well as office-space and agricultural industry. Several months later, the first residents are moving into the West Midlands neighborhood and the first crops are ready to be cultivated, while at the same time the constructions are moving further.

UPDATE 7: City Overview With the completion of the Hillside expansion, so ends a time of constant development and constructions. With relentless effort the mayor has stood at the start and finish of every new development. Arivana has grown from a mere vision into a thriving young city that offers the highest standards of living and working to over 10.000 residents. Rumor has it that the mayor has now set his sights to the area west of the A16 highway and that the new plans will be presented to the various members of government in several weeks. Exciting times are fast approaching.

Hi all, Many thanks for your comments, I really appreciate them and they are great motivation to frequently update my journal. For those who are wondering, I am using the standard game settings, so no cheats, no expert mode and no mods. I prefer gradually unlocking the new features and to have all restrictions and challenges. My goal is to really get that simulation experience and make my city as realistic as possible. - Borogwain: For all my graphics I use Photoshop and occasionally Illustrator to create the roadmap with vector-shapes. The Relief map I made using only Photoshop, working mostly on layer-transparency settings. - Damastius: I was stunned to read you recognized the Dutch-style layout, this is exactly the style I use for reference to make my city as realistic as possible.

UPDATE 6: Hillside Expansion It has been several months since the decision was made to start the large-scale expansion of north-east Arivana, but the day of it´s completion has finally arrived. Following the delay incurred with the last-minute requirement for a bridge-connection crossing the N209, the result was worth the wait. With the Arivana Golf & Country Club in the vicinity as well as the clear view of the green hills and Blue Stone river, the newly completed homes are being sold with little effort. The question on many Arivinian´s minds is what will be next? What will be next development in Arivana?