Entrance Help
- Thread starter Orkan
- Start date
Steal one from a reallife zoo
In all honesty, taking inspiration from real life is super helpfull when coming up with entrances
That's what I do as well, I'll admit I have never actually made an entrance for a zoo by my own creativity. Searching online for zoo entrance pics helps a ton to see the variety of layouts possible from simple 'rustic' forest entrances to complex modern entrances.Steal one from a reallife zoo
In all honesty, taking inspiration from real life is super helpfull when coming up with entrances
I have a different technique that’s probably not what you’re looking for lol I put a placeholder like a simple sign, skip to making enclosures. Then after a few I make the entrance, that way you know what kind of style to make it based on the enclosures.
Happy to find this thread.
I often have difficulty with park entrances as well. It is often a small enclosure and staff facilities, often just enough to get an income and research building styles before I could remodel the Zoo. I never know what is the best way to do park entrances, as I limit myself to whatever the Path's width is.
I often have difficulty with park entrances as well. It is often a small enclosure and staff facilities, often just enough to get an income and research building styles before I could remodel the Zoo. I never know what is the best way to do park entrances, as I limit myself to whatever the Path's width is.
This one looks great.
It's weird but I love building mad entrances! There are a couple in my workshop and some individual pieces that can be placed together to build an entrance. Take a look at them just for some ideas if you like. I find entrances are where I can really unleash my creativity and go big. I'll post some screenshots 1 sec...
1. Desert zoo entrance with riad style porcupine habitat in centre (this one's a bit older)
2. Tropical entrance for a park based around a large circuitous river with aquatic habitat running underneath
2. Tropical entrance for a park based around a large circuitous river with aquatic habitat running underneath
3. Modern zoo based around concept of trees - my current project, went BIG on this one, as in massively oversized!
4. Concept for a spa-zoo - "Thrive" wellness retreat (I had just been to a spa and was thinking how much cooler it would be if it also had animals)
4. Concept for a spa-zoo - "Thrive" wellness retreat (I had just been to a spa and was thinking how much cooler it would be if it also had animals)
Some tips if you want to create your own entrance:
The pieces I use most are the plaster wall pieces, conservation slats, stained wood wall/floor pieces and plastic shapes for smooth flooring if you want to use the mud-column method for round plazas
- include some open air space
- consider incorporating a habitat (use an animal that is confident around people as there will be huge foot traffic, and provide them places to hide away)
- utilise space, it can quickly feel cramped. Avoid tight spaces that will create bottlenecks - gift shops are a nightmare for this so place them away from the main zoo entrance thoroughfare
- the modular gift shop pieces don't work reliably yet, use with caution
- use lighting in a fun way, change the colour of the lamps etc
- add a water feature
- make your own paths
- lots of foliage
The pieces I use most are the plaster wall pieces, conservation slats, stained wood wall/floor pieces and plastic shapes for smooth flooring if you want to use the mud-column method for round plazas
Oh and don't build the paths on the grid, everyone will get stuck! I do big sized paths without kerbs underneath custom floors, and make shops/ticket booths have space for small paths for queues so people don't pile up and get squished
Are you playing in Franchise? You definitely don't want to blow all your budget on a huge entrance right at the startHappy to find this thread.
I often have difficulty with park entrances as well. It is often a small enclosure and staff facilities, often just enough to get an income and research building styles before I could remodel the Zoo. I never know what is the best way to do park entrances, as I limit myself to whatever the Path's width is.
You could run a long path up from the free entrance provided, and make a really small simple entrance with the staff buildings you need. Then go back later on when you're rich and have some ideas, and build your entrance then. @CharlieXGaming 's suggestion basically - it's a really good one!
Oh i love that parking lot.
Also i really would love a tutorial on how to do those tree things in a smaller scale because i have planned to add something similar to the interior of the info and gift shop buildings and probably the restaurant.
Thank you! I am really happy with it
The tree theme gave me the idea of parking spots that branch off. Each part of the lot is named for a different tree, in alphabetical order, and planted with those trees to match:Something like this?
There is one in my workshop but for a tutorial, do you know the mud column technique? Basically that but using the conservation slats, build them up into an arch, rotate. Once you have a few rotated, add lighting to some at different heights, and rotate again so that you get some random variation. Let me know if you'd like more detail, I can write it up properly or make a short video
Awesome! Yes those. Although similar to the big one for the branches was what i had in mind. What pieces did you use for the branches?Thank you! I am really happy with it
View attachment 392201
View attachment 392199
Something like this?
View attachment 392200
There is one in my workshop but for a tutorial, do you know the mud column technique? Basically that but using the conservation slats, build them up into an arch, rotate. Once you have a few rotated, add lighting to some at different heights, and rotate again so that you get some random variation. Let me know if you'd like more detail, I can write it up properly or make a short video
I do know the technique, i've seen it online but never tried it my self. I need to practice my circles haha
Again I started with the conservation slats, I just extended the arch and made it super curvy, ending in a tight spiral. After rotating, I added a bigger spiral bit on to one of the arches, so I had a couple of different versions. Then I attached the conservation basket lampshades on to the bigger spirals hanging down. I alternated the lampshades (ie big long, small short etc). Here it is in progress:
Then for the centre, I made a second circle using the LED poles:
For the roof (separategroups - it's best to make everything in its own group so you can easily change just a part of it) I think I used the plastic shapes? Can't remember! And then another circle made out of ropes. This was tricky - I combo-ed the curved and straight ropes to give the sense that they are hanging semi-loosely from the structure at the top (attached to the LED poles).
Here it is if you want to put it in your zoo and dissect it
Thank you for starting this thread! There are some great tips here.
I just wanted to say I too get stuck with playing “Planet Entrance” lol
I just wanted to say I too get stuck with playing “Planet Entrance” lol