Building codes

Would it be possible to make some areas into themed builds, historic, modern, etc etc. We currently have a island, lots of trees, stream, rustic buildings, a old wooden sailing ship, warf area to be built still. Right next door and almost over the warf area is a huge modern style building. I don't mind moving my stuff to a different area, but how do I know it won't happen all over again. Nothing against the other builds, they probably think the same about my stuff, but these really conflict with each other.

As much as I hate "covenants" in housing developments and neighborhoods, I think this is a necessity. I picked my area over other areas I preferred because the houses surrounding me were done in a more conservative style, and I didn't want my view blocked. But that's MY style and certainly may not be another's, nor does it need to be.

I'm with you on this. Castles in the sky sure do look neat, and I've seen some amazing talent, but I don't want one next door to my log cabin.



mc

Somewhat along these lines, it'd be nice to have some commercial districts (other than isolated stores)... I think it'd be nice to walk along the boardwalk and look in all the shops. Or even build a mall. I don't think the economy right now could support something like that and I lack the connection (DSL crash...) and the money to implement it myself at the moment, but it's something to keep in mind for the future.
One of the biggest concerns I have about building a store is getting people to come. Sure, I can advertise, but a group of shops could all benefit from increased traffic. And it would help keep those quaint neighborhoods from feeling like a Wal-mart just sprouted on their front door.

What do you guys think about zoning different parts of the world? Would zones be the usual residential/commercial/ industrial? Or would they be tied to themes or architectural styles? Do you think Governor Linden should establish or zone areas or do you think a zone should be set and defined by the residents of a sim or region?

Robin, I think all your ideas are good! Certainly, as with RL, we could have separate zones for commercial, residential and industrial, as well as keeping with themes and architectural designs. I wouldn't mind a few commercial lots near or in my neighborhood as long as they keep with the basic design that's there. In existing neighborhoods IRL, most keep with a common house type (of course many all look the same too, which isn't good)!

I like the idea of Governor Linden setting zones, but of course with citizen input.

Hey, that gave me a thought of a SL "city" council. What do you think?



mc

of course, this isn't RL, it's SL

Excellent idea

I wouldn't mind seeing some uniformity in certain zones -- indeed I picked the spot in Tehama for my Poet's Seat because it was in a secluded, quiet woodsy area with a beautiful wooded environment being built, and I was very fond of that land (even if there are certain flute loops that played all too often when I was building the lodge...) I wanted to keep my building as unobtrusive as possible so as not to spoil the setting my neighbor has so thoughtfully built up, because honestly, they'd been there first.

And I do admit to considering buying up the rest of the unbought land to keep it more or less pristine, but with the way taxes currently are, a lot of people would have to beep Sheepy's nose and make a wish in order for me to maintain some kind of fiscal solvency.

I wouldn't mind seeing Tehama stay a fine, wooded area. And I'd predict that giving structure to certain sims might spur creativity: "Okay, this sim is going to be nothing but pirates and treasure islands" would definitely bring about some great ideas, wouldn't it? Maybe even special building competitions within a themed sim to see who could make the best 1950s diner or the most intriguing Greek temple.

But on the other hand, I would like to see at least some sims left unrestricted, allowing those who wish to build there complete freedom in what they do. Some of the coolest stuff I've seen so far can't be pinned down to any theme, and I'd hate to see anybody feel like they were restricted, creatively speaking, solely because there wasn't a place for true freeform building. But I know there's a happy medium to be found here, that's for sure.

And maybe the voting stations should have a choice to vote for or against. There's some mighty ugly buildings out there!

assuming there will be 4 more sims opening up in the next few monthes(i'm just guessing), and two of them were to be zoned/themed sims, what would you vote for? and what's the requirement(s)?

my votes are:

a dense mega/neo/tokyo (think Akira, Blade Runner, 5th Element). 1st floor could be shops, other floors could be apartments or condos
Requirement: all buildings must be at least 40m tall

adventure island - a disneyworld with multiple owners(and some competition for the Lindens' Boardwalk)
Requirement: each residence has at least one ride or attraction.

bp

^_^ I'm going for Mega/Neo Tokyo on this one, its easier to make a 40m building(and fun too) then it is to script a ride, and it would be great fun to hunt down BPJones on Kanede's cycle ~_^ but thats just my thought.

Amusement park! Amusement park! Amusement park!

I've already been toying with an idea of a dark ride system, and a gravity-powered roller coaster on tracks...

cam mentioned 'free form' and 'MMORPG' in the other post and... it'd be really interesting to have a roleplay sim. Or roleplay area. Or something. Maybe I'll build an IC bar/tavern/whatever where you need to be in costume and in character. I used to love playing MUSHes and being able to create plots and things in full 3D would be awesome.

- an exotic Arabian Nights

- castles

- Alice in Wonderland or Wizard of Oz

- and cam's amusement park

and a dark forest, with big trees ( like Ents) and lots of mist...

I'm all for the Neo/Mega/tokyo/babylon/sprawl/midgar look


I also vote for a "cloud city" look, where everything is floating and connected by bridges and flying vehicles.

BBC