Archangel_XTS

Hi all, I have just installed Cities XL 2011 and decided to document the progress of my city in this journal. My goal is set on quality not quantity, but will try to provide updates frequently. Welcome to Arivana Arivana is the first city, and capital, of a completely new region that remains to be discovered by future expeditions. The land selected for Arivana has been claimed in 2010 by post-credit-crisis settlers, who search for new lives and ventures. Since it's foundation a local government and mayor have been elected and assigned to the daunting task of building a completely new city where all elements of life may thrive. Please enjoy my first city journal, I look forward to your comments.

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?

Hi all, I have had exactly the same problem, quite devastating to lose so much work, but I have been able to resolve the issue: I moved the entire folder 'Cities XL 2011' and it's content out of 'User > Appdata > Local > Focus Home Interactive'. I moved the folder to an alternative location for later use as it includes my existing cities. Next, I launched and closed the Cities XL application, which created a whole new 'Cities XL 2011' folder in the above location. Finally, to access my existing cities again, I copied the original 'Offline' folder back to 'User > Appdata > Local > Focus Home Interactive > Cities XL 2011 > Live', replacing the newly created 'Offline' folder and it's contents. When I launched the game again, I was able to access and play my city without troubles. So you basically remove all your existing cities and profiles, start the game and close it again. This creates a new profile, with 'fresh' data. Finally, you copy your city data back to the new folder, and it's available to again to use . I hope it works for you as well, if it does, please check out my Arivana CJ: https://www.simtropolis.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=401&threadid=118183&enterthread=y

UPDATE 5: Infrastructure As the amount of highways, freeways and roads is steadily growing, so does the risk of taking a wrong turn and getting late to an appointment. In combination with the recent requests for accurate maps from a foreign bus-company, who are considering to launch their services in Arivana, it is clear that an overview of the current infrastructure is to be provided quickly. Considering the high sense of urgency and the potential of attracting bus services and investments, the mayor rejected the proposal from the department of infrastructure, which basically involved walking and mapping every mile of road in Arivana. Instead, the mayor approved the costly expense of satellite imagery, sustified by primarily the speed of delivery and quality of measurement. Regardless of the criticism voiced by a minority in the local government, the end-result is nothing less then spectacular; a crisp-clear and 100% accurate map of Arivana's infrastructure, ready in mere days. Only time will tell if the quick resolution will result in the foreign bus company actually introducing their services to Arivana.

UPDATE 4: Ferris Wheel & Golf Course While the construction of the recently designed residential expansion is being prepared, development of the existing neighborhoods does not stand still. As more and more young parents find their homes in the Ventura area, so increases the demand for entertainment and activities for the youngest Arivinians. The new ferris wheel should provide plenty of that. Hillside residents have responded with little interest to the celebrations of the new ferris wheel grand opening in Ventura, which can be clearly seen from many of their top-windows. Their modest envy would not find justification for long. With the goal of equal levels of quality across the region always in mind, the mayor had approved the construction of a new exciting development in Hillside long before, which was to be completed mere days after the opening of the ferris wheel. With a solid swing and slightly drawed tee-shot, the mayor officially opened the new Arivana Golf & Country Club. The club features a classical- yet challenging 9-holes tournament course, with a spectacular 520-yards par 5 closing hole. As the sun was slowly descending towards the ridges of the nearby hills, the residents of Arivana returned home, still extatic from their introduction to the new golfclub and -course. With this new development completed, the Hillside neighborhood is becoming ever more popular amongst settlers from the surrounding region, which would soon find their new homes in the planned expansion of the area.

UPDATE 3: Next Steps - Urban Planning While the latest inhabitants are getting familiair with their new homes and surroundings, the mayor is growing concerned. The city is expanding at lightning-speed, yet hardly sufficiënt to cope with extreme demands. Have we been too ambitious? Should we pause the development of our great city? The advisory board anticipated the concerns and have prepared new plans to accomodate further growth while maintaiting the highest quality. Using the natural boundaries of the north-east hills, carefully planned residential growth is recommended at the area east of the N209. The report indicates that the area can offer housing to at least 5.000 new inhabitants, almost doubling the existing capacity. The mayor looks pleased, let's move forward. Let's grow and further improve the quality of life in Arivana.

UPDATE 2: First Foundations & Quality of Life Ensuring that growth and expansion do not dominate the quality of life for it's existing citizens is a promise made by the mayor during the first day in office. Now that the city is generating sufficient funds it is time to invest in that promise. The new local health centre is but a first step in the delivery of first-class public services. Curing sickness is important, yet preventing them is crucial. With this in mind, the local government has decided to invest the remaining budget in two basketbal courts; one in hillside (south of the N209) and the other in Ventura (north of the N209). The residents have responded with much enthousiasm, introducing weekly games and even considering a local league.

UPDATE 1: Early Planning & First Foundations Immediately after the election, the mayor ordered a broad-scale spectrum analysis of the surrounding lands. The information is vital to long-term planning and this mayor is not taking actions without considering the future consequences. The terrain is clearly suitable for a capital-style city. The planning department is recommending a classical ring-design freeway with surrounding residential areas. Considering the surface quality, the north-east region would prove the best location for immediate development. Only six weeks later, the high-level plans have been translated to detailed designs and schematics and the first construction-workers had arrived in Arivana, time was not being wasted. Day and night the work continued and for brief moments when the dust settled, one could clearly see something great in the making. With remarkable effectiveness, the first homes and shops have been completed in mere months. Due to it's promising future, all real-estate in Arivana is being sold quickly, some even exceeding the original pricing. As demand grows, so is the average home-price. To limit the speculation on real-estate and to return balance to the overheating market, local government intervened with the emergency expansion of the residential capacity south of the N209 freeway. In addition the mayor ordered the development of a small business area to accomodate the entrepreneurial demand. Considering the impact on the satisfaction levels in Arivana, traffic is always under inspection. The first reports show that capacity is currently sufficiënt, which is supported by the below quick-scan, which was taken during an average morning commute of the N209 intersection to A16 freeway.