I have always been disappointed with the Maxis parking garages and have wanted to do something about them. When the ACE Modular Airport and ACB VLT Terminals and Jets Series came out, I decided that I would have to make some custom garages. I recently started work on this modular parking garage set after a ridiculous amount of time spent experimenting and thinking about how to go about this.
Here is what I have come up with.
so far...
This set will have 2 level, 4 level and 8 level garages.
each set has about 10-12 modular lots.
each modular lot will have between 4 and 20 family props.
you will be able to plop the lots and have little repetition due to the use of family props.
there will be transit enabled entrance lots for 2, 4 and 8 level lots available.
the lots will be in the parks menu and be
eye candy, but they will make our garages look so much better. fully functional garages.
The 8 level garages will be coming out shortly. Next up will be the 4 level garages. I hope to take much less than 2 years for these.
Planned for later...
overhanging lots to bridge roads, train tracks or whatever you can think of.
a special lot that spawns airport traffic for your airport garage complexes. DONE
lots that incorporate bus stops or subways. DONE BUS STOP, POLICE KIOSK
I may try to create some airport terminal buildings in the far off future. Terminals for large international airports. The ACB VLT Terminals are great but don't give me that large airport feel. If and when I do this, I'll make them compatible with the ACB VLT Terminals and airport pieces.
Drawbacks...
These are wall to wall lots that have to fit together perfectly without much overlap. I think I have done a good job so far, but the lots made so far are not perfect. There are occasional lines that pop up at times, but they are not too glaring.
I did not render these with large parking lot light poles. actually, the 4 and 8 level garages do have light poles. These are rendered with full nightlights though.
Releases
August 3, 2010 - The 2 level garages are now released on the STEX (http://www.simtropolis.com/stex/details.cfm?id=24568) and the SC4devotion exchange (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2444).
Here are the latest pictures:
This is a really interesting idea. I'll certainly use these once they're released!
This looks really good. :thumbsup: I get tired of having to use the same old Maxis garage everywhere.
They look good. We ()borg() would hate to fall off of one of them. ()stsfd()
Impressive... I would like to use them in may game :thumbsup:
That's an awesome idea. Surprised no one ever thought of this until now.
Looks awesome, look forward to seeing more! I would definitely use them.
Well, thats a surprise. Glad to see your back in action, and glad this idea finally has been implemented.
This is a great surprise to see you back in action indeed. But the bigger and better surprise is your awesome idea!
Robin :thumbsup:
Looks great...Welcome back...Can you replicate the scratches, dents, traffic backups and outrageous fees associated with our airport parking? That's what I would call realism!
These are perfect for airports because some have one long continuous garage and with these you can create that! &apls
Looking really good, great work :thumbsup:
Quote from: WillG_75 on June 19, 2010, 05:20:39 AM
That's an awesome idea. Surprised no one ever thought of this until now.
oh, I thought about it, but could not come up with a decent idea. Glad someone did.
Personally, I love modular stuff.
Love them! You touched in your earlier post about generating airport traffic from them. Is there any way to incorporate a rent-a-car theme to them as well? Hertz, AVIS. Alamo etc.... Many large airports house rent-a car companies in their parking garages and there seems to be a lack of them from a Lot standpoint in Simcity. I was hoping to make a parking garage row of different car rental companies in my airports to give them a more authentic look. Just a thought... Either way I'm looking forward to their release.
Good idea. I'll make good use of these once released! ;D
Thanks for the feedback folks.
To scottott999, I was thinking of making some airport shuttle buses and limos for the automata to be spawned. Not sure how I could incorporate the rental car companies into the BAT, but I'll look into it.
I have seen auto rental places all over the place, whether it be a run down de-railed yard, a suite in a tiny strip mall, a used to Be P, or an old McDonalds. I even have seen them in parking garages. It involves taking the bottom floor of a 1x2 or 1x3 ground parking section into a office. Other then signs and colors, (green and with the letter e) I really don't know what you could do here (as in BATing). In my RL, rental cars just usually are regular cars.
Wow, yes, good idea indeed! I like it. &apls
But, ahem.. maybe I didn't look good enough but the theme seems to be missing an entrance.
great, great. I think those will look extremly good for airports :D
- Giel :thumbsup:
not only for airports, this is a really great idea to avoid using the ugly maxis ones!
mauricio.
Here is a picture of the entrance I have so far. A little plain but it is transit enabled as you can see by the taxi exiting. I shall now continue tweaking my BATs.
I am so glade you are doing these..you have no idea how long I have wanted to have modular parking garages. After everyone started making modular items the first thing on my wish list was for parking garages since we already had modular parking lots. This will make areas that use them look a lot more unique since we can make garages of difference sizes instead of using the same garage each time. Keep up the good work man.
Having a piece, with a ped bridge would be cool.
Very nice mike , nice to see you back. :thumbsup:
You mean like this?
Yup, that looks perfect.
Would it be too much to ask for a few different versions?
Robin ;)
well, right now I want to concentrate on the style I have going now. Later when I have a good start on these, maybe a different style can be made. Also, this is going to clog up a lot of slots on your parks menu as-is. About 20 or so. So each additional style will will 20 or so more slots on the menu.
And here is what I was up to last night...airport shuttles. rough drafts. This weekend, time permitting, more BATing.
I have 2 questions.... will the Airport Shuttles be spawned by the garages or will they be another downloaded vehicle for the game and will the bridge be longer then you show in the picture? other then that I can't wait for these to come out! seams like every time I get ready to rebuilt my International Airport somebody else comes out will more cool stuff that puts it on hold! ::)
I am thinking the garages will spawn the shuttles...not as a separate download. The pedestrian overhanging bridge shown is 1 tile long. I believe I'll be doing a 2 tile long bridge also.
This is sweet !! ... When will you release this bats? I can't wait !! :thumbsup:
This bat will fit perfectly in my Airport recreation :)
Very, very nice! No more ugly Maxis garages or non-functional custom content! :thumbsup:
Looks nice! Maybe you can use a entrance of a toll house or something?
Definitely gonna use this!
Great work Mike! Very useful and wonderfully made :thumbsup:
I do have two small suggestion. Maybe you can add a gradient to the brick texture. It will add some extra visual detail too it. Other thing is that I would be a bit scared to walk close to the edges, the railing looks a bit low ;)
Fantastic idea! &apls
I wanted to have a parking garage in my Santa Barbara Downtown but could not find one that fits. Yours seem to be perfect.
tag_one,
Your points are duly noted. I am afraid I'm too far along to make those changes with this version. Will probably release these when they are done then make a new version with improvements.
I was always looking forward to being able to drive around inside the parking garages in UDI.
QuoteI was always looking forward to being able to drive around inside the parking garages in UDI.
Maybe driving around on the ground level, but don't jump the gun on muti-level setups.
@ Mike and anyone else building parking structures, it would not be impossible, BUT the only way this could work is with puzzle pieces, just for driving around on other floors, and I don't think thats what this is. The only modular transport building set I have seen come close to this where it goes right next to elevated NAM puzzle pieces, and uses them for this purpose of 2nd level driving access to a terminal/hotel, was on a foreign site, and I don't think ever went anywhere else. I only got that building set, because someone else redirected me to it. Doing something like that would be a lot longer, if not tougher to do for modular parking decks/garages, especially if both UDI versions for multi levels and working parking lot versions were done. I suppose overhanging models could be made to go over existing NAM pieces or El-MIS, as similar stuff with under-bridge props has been done, but again, easier said then done.
I think there may have been a misunderstanding. The entrance piece is transit enabled so you see cars enter and exit the buildings. I fear all pathing in sim city.
A little update on the garages...I have started over. I was unhappy with the results and started over. A picture of the 1st section is here and I would like to see your comments regarding the new look.
On an unrelated note...How do you make a header-type page for a thread, like they have for the RHW and those projects. I believe this may become a rather long-term undertaking.
Hey Mikeseith, Jack wilds here...
Thought I'd drop in and say hi...
I like the new proposed direction for the project; it appears more believable, reasonable, realistic... :thumbsup: also like the proposed shuttle buses...
hello Mike's thread (fancy header here).... sorry can't be better help... ::) (yes I'm being facious - $%Grinno$%) Happy 4th of July -fireworks galore and all that... stay away from the potato salad :sunny: :D
Jack 8-)
If you intend this piece to be a "central" module you would need to address the shadow issue.
Look here you see that light shines into the structure:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs39.radikal.ru%2Fi083%2F1007%2F3a%2F3a3239a85656.jpg&hash=2d8350082749b6b00eedd9ac7fedcfc5c975f7da)
if you plop them in game you have this:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs003.radikal.ru%2Fi202%2F1007%2F43%2F648779b081cf.jpg&hash=4ac3da3ded8a80e8e56ecc6fb25933e82adc59f7)
you have a shadow on the left and they it suddenly disappear...
Aye, and it's easy to fix. You can either extend the floors out past the LOD box, or you can make a copy of the LOD, delete the faces on the outer (as in... the bit where you want the sun to shine in) and upper sides of the LOD. So you have something like this:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi597.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ftt56%2Fjoelyboy911%2FLODbox.jpg&hash=28a1e8cfe67956144f4c1f487a61550e3e0e3e49)
Then apply to it a texture with 0% opacity. This should stop unwanted shadows from showing themselves.
Hope I'm not telling you something you already know.
Best of luck with these garages. They look great.
QuoteHope I'm not telling you something you already know.
I didn't know this at all. I have 0 experience working with LODs. Extending the floors is not an option, so I'll have to start looking for tutorials on working with them(LODs). That sunlight/shadow thing was becoming a distraction for me.
I have been working on the garages and may have some pictures posted Friday. Stay tuned.
Hello everyone. Its progress report time. As you may know, I have gone back to the drawing board and started from scratch. I like the results so far.
The night lighting is less jarring and more natural.
The walls are a little higher and more interesting.
There are light poles.
The building is now set back a half tile from the road.
One major problem has popped up. The wall pieces have a shadow/lighting issue and I have not worked out a good fix for it yet. More pictures below.
Looking really good there.
A progress report...
Made more family props to add variety. Made a building with elevator and stairs. Made outside corners with stairs.
As always, some pictures...
The stair case elevator parts are very realistic, I think I have parked in this garage! :) are you still planning on doing bridges?
Yep, I'll be doing the bridges soon. Right after the entrance and straight ramp pieces. Then its on to the 8 level garages again.
....liking the progress :thumbsup:, will there be two level p.garages too ()what() ...also those access towers opportunity for a couple three differant looks different roof profile and color, windows clear or windows frosted, and parking ramp vehicle entries could also have some sort of 'architecture' appearance too... color, texture whatever... just some thoughts for cents &idea ...
your project, your call its looking good so far ;)
... lighting issues I'm sure your aware of and I'll leave that to someone who knows better what to do than I can add... ::)
jack
Really cool project with lots of applications. I'm already imagining where these garages would be perfect for my cities.
One concern though. In all of the pictures I see the outlines of each modular lot. I imagine this is something that will get smoothed out eventually, and my experience with such things is woefully shallow. Great progress though. The buildings are very cool additions and as someone already said, I feel like I've been to your garages before. :thumbsup:
The funny thing is, at night, those look like a real picture.
Here is my latest update:
I decided to make 2 level garages to start off with. This way I can make mistakes on a smaller scale. The pictures below show the work so far (the ramps still need work).
The most interesting thing about them is what you can't see. All the garages act like the Maxis garages. They allow sims to come in, park and walk through to another transit option. The best part is, each lot does not have to be on a street...no street access zot!
Expect the 2 level garages within about 2 weeks. I still need to work on the ramps. render a few more parts for variety. Then some menu work. Then, continuation of the 4 level garages.
Great work Mike! love the fact they are functional &apls
Is there going to be a version of these (4 floor) carparks flush against the side of the tile (ala, 2 storey)? I ask this because it's common over here for only half of the carpark to be multi-storey and the rest to be open-air.
And another question/request, is there going to be a version of the entrance instead of being on the corner of the carpark, but on the straight side?
Thanks in advance,
Jdenm8
jdenm8:
The 4 and 8 level garages will be set back from the edge, half a square to be exact. The 1st post has some pictures of the 4 level garages in the game.
I have been thinking of making straight side entrances available but did not make them. I have been trying to make these as simple as possible in order to use fewer menu spaces. The 4 and 8 level garages will have about 12 lots each. I know my menus are full and things are harder and harder to find anymore. I don't want to clutter up everyone's menus unnecessarily.
Thanks for the input jdenm8 and everyone else.
Great job :) I do have a small problem though, people seem to be getting off the train and converting to cars, is there a way around this? shouldnt they just be driving to the garage in the morning and getting their car at night ?
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa.imageshack.us%2Fimg46%2F1451%2Fsimcity4201008210147391.jpg&hash=d041b95c3207f8f4a0749b95b449900f671e0da0)
It looks that the garage could also work as a taxi place ;D
(Not a problem, just a little odd. But still will be useful :thumbsup: )
your right, not so much of a problem, but not what i expected, i expected them to drive to the garage, walk to the train station and take the train. but instead the take the train, walk to the garage and drive :p
Quote from: travismking on August 20, 2010, 10:49:54 PM
Great job :) I do have a small problem though, people seem to be getting off the train and converting to cars, is there a way around this? shouldnt they just be driving to the garage in the morning and getting their car at night ?
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa.imageshack.us%2Fimg46%2F1451%2Fsimcity4201008210147391.jpg&hash=d041b95c3207f8f4a0749b95b449900f671e0da0)
Hi, That's not what I would expect either. I don't know if its just the way the game does things or if I made a mistake there. How does the evening commute go in that situation?
On a side note, there has been progress on the other garages. The progress has just been a little slow.
It seems kind of a matter of perspective regarding the "X" (ie train) to "car" transition. This seems perfectly normal.. if it's a parking lot, then a pedestrian should certainly be able to find his car and drive away! On the other hand if you wish to FORBID this behavior it is in the "inside to outside" conversions for transit enabling.. simply don't allow that transition.. up to you. If you don't allow it though, those who "park" there and take the train may not be able to return commute home. A round-trip commute must be possible or the commute simulation will fail and you'll get "no job" zots.
hehe but in the evening they drive all the way home, so they pick up a new car every morning from this garage :D <3 stupid sims :p
From the picture, I'd say they were riding the train to town, picking up a rental car, then heading to work :)
BTW, you have inspired me to finish my parking project (MPK - Modular Parking Kit).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropbox.com%2Fu%2F9297768%2FMPK%2Fmpk_promo.jpg&hash=3adbde2aed907127b78820d7b41b8fa66161035b)
Our Sims will have lots of parking options. I like the kiosk at the entrance.
Thank you.
I think we are better off with this little strangeness. Perhaps there could even be a cab stand added to make more sense out of it.
As SC4boy says, its either all or none with the transit switch. I was looking at the SC4 parking garage and there seems to be no switch to cars. I have never used one. How do people cope with the return commute as of now?
The other thing is that I would guess the sims in Travismaking's picture are headed out of town for the morning commute. Perhaps that is an issue for the town board.
PS: sweet train on the bottom left :)
Its high time for an update. I have been busy lately but have had time to work on the garages. Most of my efforts have been on the 8 level garages, and here is a sample of what is done so far...
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.props.freeservers.com%2Fimages%2Fgarages%2Fgarage%2520new%25209-13%2520c.JPG&hash=76fa151b4fb9d250d12f2f720da8ddaa8e2b07f4)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.props.freeservers.com%2Fimages%2Fgarages%2Fgarage%2520new%25209-13%2520f.JPG&hash=2f10d1d9873b7bcc12b179ddbabc1094cd635ff1)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.props.freeservers.com%2Fimages%2Fgarages%2Fgarage%2520new%25209-13%2520b.JPG&hash=7b20ff6ad5e519788fbb194fa3c341b1c09f360b)
I have also been working on the airport shuttles. The modeling is mostly done and next up is putting them in-game.
So, the project is progressing. If you have followed any of my other projects you know how slow I can be to release my works, but it'll get there. Eventually.
cant wait til the 4 and 8 story ones are out :) Im currently using the 2 level ones with plans to change them to 4 or 8 when they get released, the 2 story ones just dont look too good around a huge busy downtown. BTW the 8 story look FANTASTIC
...man! you have been busy :D Particularly like the stairs/elevator towers... how are the entries going to look ()what() and will the entries be given some appearance enhancements as well %confuso
I'm using the two story version and I like for the most :thumbsup: part but I wish that I could tell one piece from the other -I'm pick-n-plop-n-bulldozer &mmm in search of the right piece... I guess I haven't memorized the icons well enough
Jack :satisfied:
Thanks for the replies folks. I think these are going to look good when finished too. Jack: Sorry about the difficulty with searching through the lots, it was the best system I could think of. I'm afraid you won't be too pleased with the 4 and 8 level garages. They will each have about twice as many lots each as the 2 level garages
...don't get me wrong I do like what is made and use it... perhaps some sort of label on the icons to state what it is may help to ID between pieces in the menu ::) &idea (perhaps your already aware this %confuso)...as the icons for the set I have are all the same... but it doesn't keep me from making use of the lots ;)
Jack
if you mouse over the icon the description says exactly what it is :p
Quote from: travismking on September 14, 2010, 02:48:18 PM
if you mouse over the icon the description says exactly what it is :p
...oooh or dooh ??? (spelling ()what() ) my bad sorry ()sad() -now I know, thanks
very impressive. &hlp
Since these are modular, are there any plans to include modules with train, subway and/or bus connections?
JACK: you might look into using the DAMN (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1775) as you can add your own descriptions to the ploppables to help yourself keep track of them better.
These are beautiful! Great job &apls
Great progress. I have several garages around my city that badly need expansion. ;)
Got to say this looks real on a twenty-eight inch screen. &apls
Here is the latest with the 8 level garages. Using the magic of overhanging props, I present to you...A parking garage straddling a 2 square wide space.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.props.freeservers.com%2Fimages%2Fgarages%2Fgarage%2520new%25209-24a.JPG&hash=a38719e354b6ad2f3c8f07b517a79cde25389b2e)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.props.freeservers.com%2Fimages%2Fgarages%2Fgarage%2520new%25209-24b.JPG&hash=49487734670d0fce34b14de151ad308016fd9ac7)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.props.freeservers.com%2Fimages%2Fgarages%2Fgarage%2520new%25209-24c.JPG&hash=d101379e475bc18899e9ab7f267e21cddfefefb2)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.props.freeservers.com%2Fimages%2Fgarages%2Fgarage%2520new%25209-24d.JPG&hash=5045d83de0362054c601b6082d997286a11c652d)
Now on to the negatives. I know the nightlighting is a little too bright on the bridging pieces and will have to be re rendered. Also, there are some shadow issues that I may never get a handle on. It is only really with 1 piece and I'll probably never find a fix for it, so I won't worry about it at this time.
Now, on to the pedestrian bridges...
I just fell out of my chair......
Great work. &apls
that is amazing mate, cant wait til they are ready :) youve really made the night lights amazing, looks almost real
:shocked2: I'm speechless. It's even better than I was expecting. %BUd% %BUd%
Woah, this is just... great! The overhanging pieces really make the possibilities almost unlimited! Could we have the same for the 2-level garages, so people could line their elevated roads and rails over the garage?
But really, these are the best parking garages ever! :thumbsup:
Ciuu96 ,
That's an interesting idea. I may just have to think about working up some of those.
Wow, the overhang is a stroke of genius. Even if you never get those shadow issues worked out, these will still be so useful to those space savers among us. :thumbsup:
Hey mike, I love your work. Its amazing. But I you have the time could you make the stacked parking lots?
I tried to make one with L.E. on the fly.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi55.tinypic.com%2F2qdv3nn.jpg&hash=1ca9b23fb1587c042e00bcb95e1a537e754d3527)
Its pretty bad but I know you could make a better one.
Whoa josh6! Pretty bad? More like damn good...especially "on the fly." You clearly have the skills to complete that project yourself, and I for one would love to have it. Its a great detail piece for crowded downtowns and CBDs.
Awesome work josh6 &apls
I'll echo everything Andrew said
I've used the two level lots extensively and love them. Any idea of a release date for the larger sets?
Considering MikeSeith hasn't posted in this thread since September... I'd say not for the forseeable future...
Looks great, I always wonder how the cars get down. :thumbsup:
Saw the 8 level garage over on STEX, gotta say, bravo on your accomplishment! The modular concept is HUGE, and your design is just awesome. Kind of holding out for the 4 level modular garage ("in the works") for my typically smaller cities. Can't wait to mess around with this 8 level beast, thanks for putting it out there! :thumbsup:
I thought this project was dead and then BAM! the 8-level set is on the Lex. :thumbsup:
Back in action again! Great to be Eight!
I take it we use the in game street to connect the 8 level garage to other roads?
Quote from: deanva on September 19, 2012, 05:05:46 PM
I take it we use the in game street to connect the 8 level garage to other roads?
Yep, the entrance lot is transit enabled for the street.
Thanks for your answer. Have a suggestion on the entrance to the parking garage, in addition to the two way entrance, make an entrance only and a separate exit only like they use at a majority of airports in the at least the United States.
As stated on ST, I think very highly of this particular creation. After spending 3-4 hours experimenting with various configurations, I have identified a revision that I believe has the highest benefit/effort ratio - The addition of an opposing outside corner. Doing so would significantly increase possible permutations and compatible grid layouts. Did I say that right? Anyways, thanks for sharing your work.
Mikeseith,
ABSOLUTELY LOVE your parking lots/garages. I use your lots/garages A LOT in my cities as it adds to great realism. I am really hoping and holding out for your FABULOUS work with the 4 level parking garage.
Again, keep up the AMAZING work and please don't hang up your creativity.
dyoungyn
I guess Mikeseith is MIA or no longer doing his WONDERFUL parking garages.
You think? His last post was over three years ago. It's generally frowned upon to reopen zombie threads.