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SimCity 4 Devotion Custom Content Showcase => Independent Development Projects => Independent BAT (Building Architect Tool) Projects => Topic started by: fdkotor on August 02, 2009, 07:47:11 PM

Title: Rotating buildings: Is it possible to create?
Post by: fdkotor on August 02, 2009, 07:47:11 PM
When I saw this http://www.exclusive-realestate-worldwide.com/actuality-turning-skyscrapers-dubai-2.html (http://www.exclusive-realestate-worldwide.com/actuality-turning-skyscrapers-dubai-2.html) I was wondering how someone would be able to do this in-game.
Title: Re: Rotating buildings: Is it possible to create?
Post by: KoV Liberty on August 02, 2009, 08:21:24 PM
First of all Welcome to SC4Devotion fdkotor! Secondly the only one I can think of is this by Ks_Jpn. Linkie (http://27.pro.tok2.com/~chilitomato2/). Just go to BAT & Lot and click on RES buildings. Then scroll down till you see the "Infinity Tower." Hope this helps!
Title: Re: Rotating buildings: Is it possible to create?
Post by: RebaLynnTS on August 02, 2009, 08:28:47 PM
It is possible (using one of a few methods) to build a tower that moves in game. It would not be able to be as complex as that in the video, however, as that would be too taxing on the game for most players.
Title: Re: Rotating buildings: Is it possible to create?
Post by: fdkotor on August 02, 2009, 08:36:39 PM
Thanks Driftmaster07, that tower is definitely interesting but I doubt it moves.

RebaLynnTS, my computer should be fine so how do you create one?
Title: Re: Rotating buildings: Is it possible to create?
Post by: tag_one on August 03, 2009, 03:11:34 AM
If you have the BAB and Gmax you should be able to make animated things. I have no experience with animated props in SC4 and I don't know if it's possible to make animated skyscrapers. It has never been done before as far as I know.
Title: Re: Rotating buildings: Is it possible to create?
Post by: joelyboy911 on August 03, 2009, 03:15:25 AM
Possibly, one could make something animated by using a series of very perfectly timed props - however I have no doubt that the file size would be enormous.
Title: Re: Rotating buildings: Is it possible to create?
Post by: Diggis on August 03, 2009, 04:12:32 AM
Quote from: fdkotor on August 02, 2009, 08:36:39 PM
Thanks Driftmaster07, that tower is definitely interesting but I doubt it moves.

RebaLynnTS, my computer should be fine so how do you create one?

Actually, each floor of the building is designed to rotate 360 degrees (as written in the linked article).

BAB isn't able to produce animations on that scale.  It's limited in the area it can animate and also the speed of the animation.  I would suggest if you wanted something like this then timed props would be more suitable.
Title: Re: Rotating buildings: Is it possible to create?
Post by: SimGoober on August 03, 2009, 05:31:44 AM
I have worked with BAB and can say it most likely wouldn't work.  Animations are for one thing, limited in size.  You would have to make a rather narrow building, and animate each floor independantly. You would never be able to cordinate a complex movement between the floors, and it would move rather quickly.  Animations only last about 30 frames, or 3 seconds, then repeat.

I wouldn't want to have a water bed or fish aquarium on a building moving that fast!
Title: Re: Rotating buildings: Is it possible to create?
Post by: RebaLynnTS on August 03, 2009, 05:32:34 AM
Quote from: fdkotor on August 02, 2009, 08:36:39 PM
Thanks Driftmaster07, that tower is definitely interesting but I doubt it moves.

RebaLynnTS, my computer should be fine so how do you create one?

The best way to simulate it in game would be with timed props. You would need at least four, stepping the angles at 22.5 degree increments. You would need a model for the bottom floor that is stationary, as it would not move. A set of four models for the remaining floors (one at 0 degrees, one at 22.5, one at 45, and one at 67.5).

From the four models you want to make 3 or 4 sets of timed props set to display at different times of day. You then simply stack the props on top of each other in LE in what ever order you choose.

I think this would make the best results.

NOTE: All four sides of the model need to look the same, so it appears to move in a 360 degree circle.