Works from an Urban Design/Planner
Done in Sketchup, shown in SimCity 4
Note: i wasn't sure the proper place to post this, please move to more suitable place if need be, thanks!
A word from starrdarcy
Hello SC4D community, this is my first official post, other than the introductory post in the newbie forum. Before I begin I would like to say thank you to the Admins and mods of these forums, as they have created an impressive website and have worked hard to create this community. I think more people should learn about this website, there is lots of imagination and potential here!
About
For about 5 years, and even before SimCity 4 came out, i have been creating custom content for the SimCity series. The main difference between me and most custom content creators for SimCity, also known as "BATers", is that I use a different program other than GMAX to do the bulk of my modeling and texturing. The program is called Sketchup, most of you have probably already heard about this program, and how it can be used to create buildings for SimCity.
I use Sketchup mainly because it is a more visually interactive and engaging program to plan and create custom lots for SimCity. Though GMAX has its advantages, and I still have use the program to export my building to SC4, I have always have and always will prefer Sketchup to do my modeling in.
Anyways, I thought it might be useful and inspiring to beginner BATers and even experienced lot creators to see what can be achieved by using SKP to create custom content for SC4. And at the same time, I just wanted to show people what kind of design concepts and lot types I mainly create and use.
Now for the pictures!
To start off, I would like to mention that all the following custom lots shown in the pictures have been modeled in SCP and then exported to GMAX, then to SC4. These lots are all used for conceptual purposes only.
Here is the first picture of a cityscape I created for a "new urbanism" demonstration, this was actually one of the earlier models that I created to be view by the SimCity 4 Community. Most of my work until only recently has been created for research and visual purposes, and not meant to be used for the simulator. Most of my work, is for planning and design testing.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstarrdarcy.mypicgallery.com%2Fnewurbanism%2Foaktowers-pic4_large.jpg&hash=019338bb2a22dce85f165c2d311d3e6bc87181d4)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstarrdarcy.mypicgallery.com%2Fnewurbanism%2Fparkplace-render3_large.jpg&hash=808f618fb6d137f800a717fc61d2a4c4ae2604a1)
Like I mentioned before, a great deal of the work I do that involves SimCity is for design and planning purposes. Right now, I am actively pursuing a career based in the urban planning and/or design fields. In this picture, I designed an "open" mini mall, with back alley/lane enabled lot. As you may have noticed the texture work is not up to par with SC4 standards... but this lot was done for conceptual purposes.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstarrdarcy.mypicgallery.com%2Fbattingtest%2Frender2_large.jpg&hash=6a9531286cdc1b72ca4c2f31b97f55baf601f7e1)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstarrdarcy.mypicgallery.com%2Fbattingtest%2Frender1_large.jpg&hash=c070bb28d47a56b3e146dccb281bf650fc92e4a4)
Before the render, the Sketchup side of the modeling
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstarrdarcy.mypicgallery.com%2Fbattingtest%2Frender4_large.jpg&hash=a0b8078c8e2fd964019ce194354cf90f9cb632fd)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstarrdarcy.mypicgallery.com%2Fbattingtest%2Frender3_large.jpg&hash=0b968bd0b04bc6c83f84db5e028cb8a7791d596a)
Some row housing I created, to visualize what "skinny" lots and residential would look like, and the best way to lay them out. In a lot of my work, I have been focusing my attention to small lots and spaces for my work. I think the future of urban housing for cities will be around using small spaces for infill and better utilization. As you can see in the second pic, I still use GMAX, to do some texturing work and of course to export to SC4.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstarrdarcy.mypicgallery.com%2Fbattingtest%2Fbatting1_large.jpg&hash=1705ce8e76b82bf568199b04ece7ae9bc0aed9e9)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstarrdarcy.mypicgallery.com%2Fbattingtest%2Fbat4_large.jpg&hash=328fb18751bd0d67e0c5977e3bb5893f34acfcf5)
I'll be upfront, I am not a fan of huge towering buildings that dwarf the surroundings and more important, do not serve the human scale. I look at Burj Dubai, and shake my head... though I do get the urge to draw up a tall building, or two, or three. The following picture is of "Trend Place" towers, one of few high rises over 20 floors I have created. It was inspired by the concorde pacific towers that are located in Vancouver BC.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstarrdarcy.mypicgallery.com%2Fnewurbanism%2F1trendplace6_large.jpg&hash=aa9c4e15ceb0f9cb9f8530a5b805d821ecd294d7)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstarrdarcy.mypicgallery.com%2Fnewurbanism%2F1trendplace5_large.jpg&hash=e94f672d09437e009c0907ca09cb36d4f071035b)
Along with Trend Place, I created a few parks to compliment the set, of course as usually, it ends up turning into another set altogether. I have a bad habit of turning little add-ons into full fledged projects!
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstarrdarcy.mypicgallery.com%2Fnewurbanism%2F1trendplace7_large.jpg&hash=381ec0bbde7fae8ff582ac5bdcb22f943c7289e0)
These next few pictures, I was experimenting with lot configurations, and more back alley development. It eventually ended up becoming a project to find out what back alleys would look like in SimCity 4. Today, most of my lots involved some sort of use of the back alley/lane, since I think it is a brilliant way to keep cars away, and encourage pedestrianism.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstarrdarcy.mypicgallery.com%2Fnewurbanism%2Fsurprise10_large.jpg&hash=a1b837e4f0592ca9cdfebab39af53625c5ec74cb)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstarrdarcy.mypicgallery.com%2Fnewurbanism%2Fsurprise5_large.jpg&hash=1e3c2fd82b911f9f2389e861360e43c84742b702)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstarrdarcy.mypicgallery.com%2Fnewurbanism%2Fsdrelease6_large.jpg&hash=93813bb2fc971e9567cceb702e3515f420266ba6)
Around 1 year ago, I began to create more detailed work with models for SimCity, this building called "Ceder Place" was intended to demonstrate a "master planned" mid rise residential complex. It was made complete with townhomes and private park in the back. Though the full creation never became into full fruitation, it was an interesting project to work on regardless.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstarrdarcy.mypicgallery.com%2Fnewurbanism%2Fcederplace1_large.jpg&hash=4afb6bfe1a3c4e8bdd9efefc4ca535d1eb44cd03)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstarrdarcy.mypicgallery.com%2Fnewurbanism%2Fsdrelease9_large.jpg&hash=8651b0eb75e2b44a8c6ae0492c814d60f8258549)
The next pictures show what I have nicknamed, the "houses in nowhere" and are the result of many hours trying to explore smart growth concepts, and to see what it would look like. Unfortunately, the results didn't really live up to what I wanted, and instead became an example of what NOT to do in smart growth. The roads go nowhere, and non of the houses had garages for cars, so what was the use for roads? Oh well, it showed that smart growth is not as easy as it sounds!
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstarrdarcy.mypicgallery.com%2Fnewurbanism%2Fnew-suburbs5_large.jpg&hash=7ad41023ffe8e44bb5a7e44830096611fefa35e9)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstarrdarcy.mypicgallery.com%2Fnewurbanism%2Fnew-suburbs4_large.jpg&hash=ac4051c40bbb40e4d3181beb38c0f88a9781dd6d)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstarrdarcy.mypicgallery.com%2Fnewurbanism%2Fnew-suburbs1_large.jpg&hash=3f7bd1b301929c59aa405b0a4e94c3e430d1ea79)
And finally, the last pictures I will show here is of some of the work I have done in the past. As you can see, I try to fit as much into my lots, even if it looks really cramped. Hmm, would people really want to live here? This is the main reason why I use SimCity, as tool to test out urban design and planning concepts. However, I have been thinking more and more about actually starting a City Journal or perhaps a few custom lot releases to the SC4 community.
A small canal set, for irrigation uses.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstarrdarcy.mypicgallery.com%2Fzoneindy%2Fcanals3_large.jpg&hash=3cfb1ec6c55a00bcc0426acee94c8ac5fde394e0)
Double level highways, used for eye candy
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstarrdarcy.mypicgallery.com%2Fzoneindy%2Fhighway-test4_large.jpg&hash=b53488f2b3d42c5a91a539a46b6948b4972ea6d8)
Some of the mid rise condo lots, with more double level highway work
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstarrdarcy.mypicgallery.com%2Fzoneindy%2Fhighway-test2_large.jpg&hash=6f8b8747dedda07a711a17eeda2576919ecbe99e)
Town homes and use of row housing
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpremium1.uploadit.org%2Fstarrdarcy%2F%2Fexp_lotsizes.jpg&hash=6b9a4a8a1844f45476ca66cbd99bfc0f4a3ef506)
Calgary inspired suburban homes
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpremium1.uploadit.org%2Fstarrdarcy%2F%2FDiferent_ofthesame.jpg&hash=985a9bfd2eaa5e6d2a1f30125d231522c66c0a89)
Tenements for urban areas, kind of gloomy looking :o
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpremium1.uploadit.org%2Fstarrdarcy%2Fbackyard%2Fexample2.jpg&hash=83b4796b771c5f5b6642e638e721d042a51c2c2e)
Use of the back alley/lane concept
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpremium1.uploadit.org%2Fstarrdarcy%2Fbackyard%2Fbacklot1a.jpg&hash=99a38b3652320bd94b18254b4b80909628ffd573)
To close off
This is small sample of the work I have been creating over the years, and most of it has not been published to the web. Though, over the next while, I will be working hard to introduce Sketchup as a invaluable tool in the concept process for larger projects, and even smaller creations. As well as a useful modeling tool for those who are new and old to modeling for SimCity custom content.
In my opinion, there is still a lot of uncharted territory when it comes to certain types of planning and design ideas for SimCity. While I do not use SimCity like most players, I have been using SimCity 4 more and more to demonstrate and visualize certain of my design ideas, to the point now that it has become an extension of my work.
I will be sharing these planning and design ideas to SC4D, and hopefully people can learn more about urban planning and design, so that they can use it for their own projects. Above all, I want to give people new concepts to work with, and of course, find some inspiration.
-starrdarcy
You really have shown some very interesting things. You should see if they are good enough to upload to the LEX. You need to post in the LEX Candidacy thread.
Maybe this thread could be moved there.
Robin :thumbsup:
Hi Starrdacy,
First off, welcome to SC4Devotion. This is a great community and I ma sure from your post you'll fit in well and will have the chance to discuss and explore a range of concepts.
I've loved the whole SimCity series from the original right up to SC4 and have run an MD here for nearly 6 months (which has helped me grow into a better city builder I think).
I really enjoyed reading your post and seeing what you've done - I'm very impressed. I've always faniced trying to create buildings but just found GMAX baffling. Maybe one day I'll really concentrate and get it. But I do enjoy re-lotting buildings. Your picture titled "Town Homes and use of Row Housing" really caught my eye. I've created a couple of lots with houses clustered around a "green" and really liked what you've done there.
I also like the homes in no-where pictures. The zoomed out shots look really interesting.
And Ceder Place looks magnificent. I am sure that with the talented people here on SC4D you would find partners to take your buildings and lot them and mod them for the game, to be used and enjoyed by many others. Indeed, I'd happily get involved with what I know.
Indeed, if sketch up is an easier tool than GMAX, I'd be interested to know more to see if it's a tool I could use (I have a head full of ideas but lack the confidence and skills to convert them to reality).
So, welcome, I look forward to seeing more.
Regards,
Paul
You use sketchup? I was wondering if you know how to get sketch-up models into gmax?
man, i love the buildings you created, please, release them soon ;)
I like your work much, but your textures aren't very good &mmm they look too plain in game. Improve them and you're a winner.
paroch Thank you, i have been working with Sketchup for quite some time, so it has allowed me to experiment with things and find the best possible export route to GMAX. As you probably already know, the sketchup file must be exported with the 3DS file format, however, at this time, the only was to do that is with the pro version, or export via another format, which i have yet to find. One of the services i will be setting up with SKlion, will be a 3DS exporting service for people who want to model in SKP but don't have the pro version, or just want to spend more time modeling.
Anyways, Meastro444i have been thinking for a while on whether or not release some of these BATS, as Krio mentioned, the textures will need working in order to meet SC4 standards. One reason for this is usually my work is for conceptual purposes. I have had much of feedback, from SimTropolis, and in the old days of SCC, there was demand for some of my work to be released, however, if i where to release them they would need to meet some basic texture and lighting standards.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpremium1.uploadit.org%2Fstarrdarcy%2F%2Fback_alley1.jpg&hash=4a559a2c06d887eec3b40ddd1e9dec92d4ec330c)
Personally, in order to get some of these ideas ready for release, i would like to team up with at least one other person to do the lighting rigs and modding the files to make them functional. Both of which for the meanwhile, i have little knowledge of. Somehow, 3DSmax seems like a good route to explore too.
For now, i will be just showing my conceptual work, and see what the reaction is, from there, we can figure out what do release.
I really hope someone teams up with you to help release these, it will be a HORRIBLE shame if they are not... :(
Those things in the pictures are incredible, you really need to release them.
Despite what you say about lighting I don't see much issue with most of those.
anyways just curious but where are you at in getting into planning? I am going to be starting a undergrad in Geography/GIS soon(doing the community college thing presently uggh). How it's going for you?
There's some serious stuff here. It's always great to know that, no matter how many talented folks you might think are in this community at any one time, there's always some that you don't even know are out there. Thank you for showcasing your creations in this thread- I'd hope to see much, much more of the same.
David
starrdarcy I do have to say what everyone else has said and agree so I wont even say it again.... But you do have some good talent here and even going againts the norm and making that double decker Highway is just wow and the buildings to the parks.... I wish I could help in the lighting and all but I dont know a lick of bat, I just lot and modd.... So if you need help in those departments let me know and I would be more then willing to help out...
Just though i would drop a few replies. And BTW, i made a special announcement today here on SC4Devotion, which can be found HERE (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=4056.msg127181#new)
baconrocky
Yes, i would like to team up with several others who know how to create the lighting, and mod the lots so that they actually grow. Most of the examples that are shown here in this thread are ploped down, and not grown. This has been an issue, which i have not been able to work out, that area including lighting are the main areas i would need help in. There are a few details like an overview and project planning that need to be completed before proposing such a project.
Zaphod
Currently i am not in college, however, i am looking at all the options and seeing what is the best route for me, as i am not 100 percent what would be best for myself. Some people i should go for city planning, others say architecture ()what() I have already went to business college a few years back though.
dedgren
Yes, and there is even more out there yet to be discovered, which i way i have setup this Blog (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=4056.msg127181#new) so that more people can get there ideas and plans out into SimCity 4. I think if we can open up a new tool that is easier to use, we can get more people to create custom content.
Pat
Thanks, yes that lighting part i never really got a hold of, and the modding part is someting i am just learning. Thanks, i will be in contact with you soon!
Here is some more work (ugh, don't mind the color schemes &mmm ), these few examples where part of a greater city that i was creating at the time, it had over 80 blocks of buildings i created for it. Unfortunetly, these are what is left of that project, as the disk that had the files are now lost &ops
I nicknamed this one the "green giant" seeing that it looks very big compared to the people on the sidewalk. Hmm, perhaps i should have added some details inside!
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.mypicgallery.com%2Foakcity%2Foakcity-8.jpg&hash=21caba8e6d06672eb95e0ddefc32bc81688adfe6)
Another building from the same block, but this one was much taller. In most of my work, i do mid rise and low rise buildings, i find them easier to work with in my opinion.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.mypicgallery.com%2Foakcity%2Foakcity-9.jpg&hash=4ee5a996d9ad09b6662dcc1c09078a05153fbb1a)
Here is an overview of the lot.. it was big, and took me long time to fill with buildings. It eventually got to the point that i had to divide this model into several chunks in order to move and model the file without lagging to much.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.mypicgallery.com%2Foakcity%2Foakcity-5.jpg&hash=448772fa46637abeb04e3619833539cb04d39599)
I have to say, these designs are very very interesting! :thumbsup:
Does sketchup pro have a raytracing engine of some sort? Or are you exporting these into 3ds max or a similar program with built in ray tracing engines?
Quote from: autoVino on March 06, 2008, 06:41:36 PM
I have to say, these designs are very very interesting! :thumbsup:
Does sketchup pro have a raytracing engine of some sort? Or are you exporting these into 3ds max or a similar program with built in ray tracing engines?
These renders are done with podium, are actually done inside Sketchup, so now exporting. There are other options for which to export too if you want.
You have here some really nice work, starrdarcy! :thumbsup:
aah more from the unacreditted wonder (by unacreditted i mean you have not releaced any of them)
please release the green giant i love it.
Wow! :o
It's very cool what you're planning. I hope they will be released soon, with some texture updates, of course. :D
that all, is inspiring!!! and many good ideas are coming here, nice bats btw...
Looking forward for your work :thumbsup: keep on ;)
I do have to say this starrdarcy that the green giant does look wonderful and when you need me, just let me know!!!
damn...that's awesome. My computer blows up when I try to model anything that large in Sketchup, or apply too many textures.
Great program though. I am mostly BAT challenged but I have managed to make stuff in Sketchup that's presentable before...If I could get it in the game I might get into making stuff.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sklion.com%2Fstorage%2Fblog-post-images%2Fe1_blog_excerpt_1.jpg&hash=1a8f8206ecdde77ba2b167cea91d2ad99e599d80)
Good news, SKlion is finally Online on scheduled. I have placed the first blog post already.
You can view SKlion from here. (http://www.sklion.com)
Hey Starr...any chance you can release those red low rises you have on ur site? They look fantastic!
Nice site btw..that program you use looks interesting..you should put up pictures of how its interface looks and of it at work.
Thanks SimNation
Quote from: SimNation on March 16, 2008, 06:58:35 AM
Hey Starr...any chance you can release those red low rises you have on ur site? They look fantastic!
Nice site btw..that program you use looks interesting..you should put up pictures of how its interface looks and of it at work.
Thanks SimNation
Thanks, yes thanks for that input, the upcoming saturday when i first posting on a weekly basis, i will be sharing the first tutorial on "basics of Sketchup" later on after that another tutorial "Sketchup to SimCity"
Yesterday i also made available a 3DS export service for people who want to export there sketchup models but dont't have the pro version.
Darcy I will echo what i said at SKlion, Its great to see you have it up and running and i soo cant wait to see what happens and maybe learn sketchup
I shall return, with new material and projects, been a while, so i just posted this to show a preview of what i am working on :)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpremium1.uploadit.org%2Fstarrdarcy%2F%2FTight_Squeeze_One.jpg&hash=d940c7bed379e05e582af64aecba02e277f29631)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpremium1.uploadit.org%2Fstarrdarcy%2F%2FTight_Squeeze_Two.jpg&hash=da07e4b555a940b9771f54751330685045ae3631)
this is awesome !! &apls
Its good to see you back stardarcy and with a wonderful new building too!!
Wow nice work &apls
Hello Guys, thanks for the response, i feel that i have let people down for going away for such a long time, it happens often since i have lots of other things on the go in my life. It doesn't help that i suffer from "designers block" now and then, however for a while now i have been thinking of ideas on how to create user material for release on Sim City 4. Right now, i still need help with lighting, and thus i will be requesting help for this, as i want all of my buildings exported with 3DS Max, not g max.
Anyways, i have been working on this little lot for the last few days, and made this addition. Note, the lot on the previous building i shows was 5 x 10 meters, an ultra small lot! This one is a little bigger, at 10 x 10 meters.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpremium1.uploadit.org%2Fstarrdarcy%2F%2FTight_Squeeze_Three.jpg&hash=032dba00966cb5eef352a98b98fbaa88e0f58e3a)
My current work that i will be eventually using for LEX and STEX release material will revolve around urban infill, small lot, new urbanism, with modern architecture. Please note that most of my ideas have been inspired by real life buildings :)
I got the idea for the small roads and lanes from Japan, another place i am looking for ideas :)
-Darcy Cardinal
the newest Bats are awesome &apls
Its all good there starrdarcy RL is first and foremost important!!! I understand about having blockage too so dont worry there either it happens to all of us... But its good to have you back and in force too!!!
Amazing work Starrdarcy!
Wow, this bat is looking super, great work &apls
Hey Guys and Gals! Thanks for the response and comments! I have some new pictures of what i have been working on, of course right now i do not have any renderings for you in BAT, however from these pics taken in SKP you can get an idea of what i am working on.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpremium1.uploadit.org%2Fstarrdarcy%2F%2FTight_Squeeze_4.jpg&hash=5e272ea6c672b213499817ecb53a518f81ddc564)
I have been recently inspired to work on smaller buildings and lots due to the fact that there is not much attention to smaller infill lots in SC4. Most poeple deal on the level of larger buildings, either towers or large complexes. However, IMHO it's the smaller buildings in a city that make it a city, not just the big buildings.
Also, i have been creating textures just for my work, like these smaller roads and special pathways. Of course these textures and sized would not suite well in SC4, as the default tile is 20x20 meters, not 16x16 meters. The smaller ones then go from 10x10, to 5x5, much smaller configurations that what most if not all BAT creators are working on - this is the very small.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpremium1.uploadit.org%2Fstarrdarcy%2F%2FTight_Squeeze_5.jpg&hash=9f956addca5ad3bb0e6dffb812b413ebb8414d75)
Something interesting happens when you work down on the these small levels - you get to work on the human scale of things. From what i mostly see in other projects, people are working on BAT lots and buildings that are massive in scale, and in the process loose connection with the human scale. When i work on my buildings, i really get to see what really works and doesn't, as well as get a perspective on how these buildings would function and look like in the RL. The typical size of the buildings i work with are usually under 20 meters, and the lot sizes does not exceed 10 meters. At this level you add detail to buildings that otherwise would have been overlooked.
SC4 was not designed to work at these levels, so some serious lot adjustments would need to be made to accommodate these buildings. And as such, these buildings you see in my thread, are concepts or prototypes of the styles that will be seen in larger buildings for SC4.
-Darcy Cardinal
waow very nice tower and street :thumbsup: you do an excellent work with sketchup &apls
Hey Darcy love the building there and the surrounding area!!! Just very good, one question though is how do go about creating the textures for SKP... I was wondering cause I just this past week picked up on SKP and its seems a lot more friendlier to me then BAT lol....
Wow.. this looks very good =)
When will you release some of it?
Very nice :thumbsup:
Wow super work &apls
Hey devotion members!
I have been busy over the last few days getting more models done. Right now my main concern is to discern a style that i will use mainly for my "normal" buildings, ie buildings that will show up most often. The buildings in these models will most likely will not be released, at least as functional lots as they are very small in comparison to even the smallest functional lot. These buildings you see here are more for conceptual use, as i am experimenting with styles that you will see in future releases. Currently i am experimenting with textures as well, you will often see washed out or repeating textures, which is why i am searching / creating new ones to replace them.
For today, i am showing some teaser shots, i have more, but right now i will only show these.
Here is the latest to be worked on, i had to split up the big city section in previous pictures into blocks, because all the models where slowing my computer. It also makes it easier to work on several models at a time, as opposed to many.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpremium1.uploadit.org%2Fstarrdarcy%2F%2FTight_Squeeze_8.jpg&hash=36706c08304c7699763338cd7b4de3e4d2a358a5)
Inspired by the streets i see in Japan, via Google earth, you can get a hint of what i'm working on for future releases. The roads are very small for the most part, only 5 meters by 5 meters, far smaller than what you would see in SC4.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpremium1.uploadit.org%2Fstarrdarcy%2F%2FTight_Squeeze_6.jpg&hash=0cc6a522da01fcb26d2db4aacc42901e019e6f12)
An overview of these streets. I love working on these levels. :)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpremium1.uploadit.org%2Fstarrdarcy%2F%2FTight_Squeeze_7.jpg&hash=514e10309efd4519c9e758a25e05dd547b3c117b)
When will you see any renders in Gmax... well probably not likely, i will instead be looking around for members who model and render in 3DSmax and will work with them to render and eventually release via 3DSM, instead of Gmax. I feel that my models need top quality for both rendering and lighting. I do not have any experience in lighting, textures or rendering in 3DSmax, therefore i will be looking for those members who can help me on that.
If anyone could give a helping hand, that would be much appreciated, i can offer something in return as well :)
-Darcy Cardinal
that's awesome ! &apls great work ! :thumbsup:
Dear starrdarcy,
Great work!
Just to let you know again, there are many of us in the SC4 community who really, really would like to see that double-decker highway, even if it's just eyecandy released!
And as for the rest of the work, it's looking great, and your particular style is definitely one that the community will enjoy, due to its fresh, original look. I'm not sure what style it fits into exactly.
But I've noticed that you keep asking for help here on your thread for lighting, etc. Have you approached anyone in the community specifically? I sense that, perhaps, you haven't--probably because you are unsure who to ask. I'm not a BATter myself, unfortunately, but I do know some excellent BATters that you would find most helpful. It just so happens that they are all in one BAT team: The HKT (Hong Kong Bat Team) found at http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?board=77.0. SimFox is the eminent expert on lighting. His work in that field is truly breathtaking. Cockatoo-210893 and bixel are also quite good. You mentioned that some of your work is inspired by what you've seen in Japan. Well, the HKT focuses on Asian styles in general. If you ask anyone of those BATters (those 3 should be the most active, too), you will find the help you are looking for, and I predict that your work can be up on the LEX in no time!
As for that double-decker highway (or, for that matter, anything transit related), you can certainly benefit from the HKT's help. However, you should also consider joining the NAM Team. Tarkus comes to mind as the most important member, though there are a few others.
Lastly, you should drop into the Simtropolis Live Chat every now and then. I see a number of BATters on there often: fukuda, bixel, glenni, xyloxadoria, etc. Get to know them there, and I'm sure you will find a helping hand if you can catch one of them.
Starrdarcy, Surdanis-san is definitely right, I second him! I figured out texturing with max from Fukuda in live chat, there are a lot of people who can help you! I will even offer to help you, but if I can't answer I will point your to other, more experienced people. Don't hesitate to drop me a PM my friend! :thumbsup:
EDIT: Oh, and yes I work with 3ds max, so I will be happy help you render these models with max and niteliting! :)
Hey guys, just stopping in. I can't believe i am getting requests for those old double level highways i made a long time ago, well i still have them, and can make some more modifications to them if you would like. I did manage to install simcity 4 today, i had to go buy deluxe again, my 4 copy, i lost the other ones lol. Anyways, i will make a more larger post later, for now though, i managed to bring this screeny, showing some progress of bringing in the road textures into SC4. Lot of work still to be done though.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpremium1.uploadit.org%2Fstarrdarcy%2F%2FIngame_tightsqueeze.jpg&hash=30e1c09a7b689eb28ccf23f7aa2ea1a21efde665)
Update: i managed to get one last one before i go!
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpremium1.uploadit.org%2Fstarrdarcy%2F%2FIngame_tightsqueeze2.jpg&hash=cfa539e2a8ba78562a2cd6e44a41b6bb7f68b542)
Thanks for the support, i will answer questions later on :)
WOW! :thumbsup: This shall be a fine addition to the SC4, if you release it of course... ;)
I can't wait to see more my friend, any issues, feel free to ask! :)
hmm, i'm concerned about the transit pieces. granted, they look cool, but unless you were to add traffic to them (and i'm assuming you haven't), then they are just pure eyecandy. when i was referring to the double-decker highway pieces, i called them eyecandy--but i didn't mean it in the pure sense. i was operating under the assumption (there i go assuming again :)) that those ddhwy pieces were also transit-enabled. understand that at the present moment, there is no real way to simulate true double-decker highways (so the NAM Team says). someone correct me if i'm totally wrong on this.
so, anyway, in summation, while it would be nice to see all of those transit pieces (ddhwy, lined avenue, and what appears to be an asian-style one-way of sorts), please try to get them, at the very least, transit-enabled (though it would be nice to actually see moving automata).
but if i erred in this post--and that you do, in actuality, have them already as functioning puzzles pieces or whatnot (where they might, in fact, be draggables (was is tres cool) or complete over-ride mods of the present one-ways and avenues (which is not so good))--then disregard my request.
thank you, and happy BATting!
daaaaaaang Darcy those roads are looking sweet as well as the other building with the corner lots!!! :thumbsup:
Wow ! it's simply awesome &apls &apls
Wow :o this is really amazing &apls
Hello SC4D members
Sorry for the long delay, I have been dealing with RL as usual; thank goodness I will be going part time soon at my day job, so I will have 4 days a week to devote to me projects, including this one. I realize that right now my works have been rather dodgy, with no real direction set in place – don't worry about this, I am in the works of planning a complete project, with a few members here. I think this will be a great opportunity to release some new & unique material for the SimCity 4 community.
Just to point out, I really like the membership here at SC4D, I see a lot of unique projects being worked on, and despite being not as big as some other sites, I believe that is an advantage for SC4D. As such, I will most likely be releasing a unique package just for SC4D members. The likely hood of releases elsewhere will be decided later, based on some factors that I will later mention.
At any rate, the progress continues with the previous buildings, though I think I have finally found out a particular style which best suits my tastes. First off, I like to work on the very small, and human scale of buildings, second; I have been really enjoying working with "modern" architecture, and been exploring small lot configurations for my buildings. This includes so called "infill" and "new urbanism" as some people like to call it.
I would like to show some pictures tonight, however I am in the process of finalizing a completed block, so I want to show it once it is finished and rendered... which will be Vray via Sketchup. As for any in game renders, I have been reluctant to do so, as it would be time consuming and counterproductive if these models where to be rendered in 3DS Max. I will update later on whether this will be done or not.
Surdanis:
The transit pieces you see in the last two pictures are non functioning, and where placed in the game for visual purposes. Right, now the only way I know how to transit enable them is with the SC4Tool, I know you can do it in iLive reader too, but there isn't enough textures to justify that yet. The highway pieces are too not transit enabled, as I do not know how to build that into the lots. I would like to release a custom road/street texture pack, though it would be slightly different from what you see here. The last two pictures are done on the "mini" grid and scaled to 10x10 meters, not 16x16... so it wouldn't work for many users right now. I'll go into more detail later on as to why I am doing this, but just as a hint, it has to do with a city journal.
-Darcy Cardinal
Hello SC4D members
Well here I am again, with a major update of some sorts, as I am moving one step closer to seriously starting a project that will see material released to the SC4 community to enjoy. While there is still a lot of work to be done and I still have to find some others who I can call on when I need their help, and am confident that a major project can be started and completed by mid 2009, possibly earlier.
The main things that need to be done is find out what kind of building set to build, along with how many to include in the package. For design, I know how to do the modeling, but I wouldn't mind help in finding others who can populate my models with appropriate props. Lighting has been on my mind, and I would like my creations to be rendered in 3DS max with the best lighting that can be done. These models should be as realistic as we can get them. Starting today, I will be looking around these forums and approaching people that I feel could help me out. Of course I want to give something in return of their service, and I am open to suggestions.
Currently I have many ideas for building designs, ranging from the normal to radical. I wanted to strike middle ground for the buildings that are released, at least the ones that will show up more than once in a city. The more radical designs could be used for museums and schools, anything that is plop able. The more normal designs that I will be using are show below, they will be used frequently in the buildings I created. Please note that the textures and overall designs will vary from each model, so that to not create too much repetition.
(sorry mod about the large pics, i will size them down today 11/18)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpremium1.uploadit.org%2Fstarrdarcy%2F%2Fevoke_final_front.jpg&hash=5e1d44f75a8d7cbdb35f61dd9b1a3fd1edcc0b5b)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpremium1.uploadit.org%2Fstarrdarcy%2F%2Fevoke_final2.jpg&hash=ca841cbf7810d441cdc60b8be0e5e0f1f73313be)
In my future releases I am going to be focusing on low-rise infill and green fill developments. As mentioned in my previous posts, I like working on the human scale, so you will notice that my buildings compared to others will not be that noticeable from a high zoom level. However, I feel that up close, these small buildings will make a great contribution to create a more "full" city. What I mean is that there is more than just houses and tall buildings, often I have to admit that I see too much of either extreme. In reality, there are buildings of all shapes of sizes, in large and even small cities. I hope to make my mark in this area as a designer for SimCity.
So what has been happening recently for me? Well I no longer do 9-5 and live off my investments online. That means I have much more time to devote to projects like this, and you will see me on the boards here more often. I have really enjoyed the new and refreshing material show here on SC4D, so hats off for the other designers!
I am also taking in suggestions for buildings you would like to see in a future release, and any comments on my designs, critics are also welcome too :)
I hope to work with some great people and finally – release a product for the entire community to enjoy! I am sorry it took this long, however as I always say "some things get better with time" believe I; this project will produce an awesome pack for people to use in their cities!
Thanks for reading, and thanks for being so patient with me!
:)
-Darcy Cardinal
If there is one thing I DO want to see is Urban In-fill buildings that incorporate the old facades of historical buildings or renovations of old buildings retrofitting them into new modern structures....Such a common occurance in today's ever gentrifying cities yet severely lacking in our Simcities!
Hey Darcy good to see you back and also good to hear your making a killin on investments to where you are the boss!!! I agree its always the best comes to those who wait!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh yeah and I would seriously suggest those road textures for SAM or something
Would love to have that in my city =p
*hint* *hint*
Looks almost like a max render, nice work. :)
Thanks for the reply's, i almost forgot that those where the old pics, i have some more updated material from a few days ago, here you go:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpremium1.uploadit.org%2Fstarrdarcy%2F%2Fevoke_final4.jpg&hash=d8f5d8cfc4aa1b75d57a77e6d710a721dc2bae0d)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpremium1.uploadit.org%2Fstarrdarcy%2F%2Fevoke_final5.jpg&hash=951a09dd2c144bb42a5b5c739986e214c398661b)
I will be going away for a few weeks, however, i will be working on creating a draft plan for the project, along with what would be included in the release.
-Darcy Cardinal
Darcy have fun on your weeks off and I cant wait to see what you come back with!!!
Looks really nice. Keep it up. :thumbsup:
excellent work on this tower Starrdarcy &apls It's looking very good !!
Wow, this bat is really excelent :thumbsup:
Dear SC4 Members,
One more step towards an official release of my creations!
I have officially launched my latest project codenamed "Urbanz" fittingly.
I have decided that this future release will cover mostly residential buildings, and some commercial buildings. Currently i also have in the works to release custom road and street textures, those seen in the previous pictures in this thread.
In order to get this project completed in a respectable timeframe, i am currently looking for others who want to work on the lighting and props for my buildings, as well as people who are experience in creating custom lot information and query gui's. I think a team effort will produce the best results, and will produce something unique for the SC4 community.
I will be persoanally contacting members who feel they are experienced in lighting and rendering in Gmax, as well as advanced modding of lots. You can also pm too if you feel you can contribute to the project :)
One more thing to take note of is that i will be restarting SKlion, and be posting a new blog entry later in December, along with updating some of the features of the website.
This thread has served me well, however, i will no longer be posting anymore replies in regards to this project in this thread - a new thread will be started to handle the project.
Thanks for reading SC4 members,
-Darcy Cardinal