More touch of realism
Hello Planet zoo community. Something that's been bothering me is the lack of realism I'm able to put in my zoos. I'm glad about my habitats and the realism I put into my habitats, but the pathing system and how the habitats shall be placed.
As you can see in my picture I sent, this is not how a "normal zoo" would place habitats. I just don't know how to path and plan the zoo correctly so it matches realistic zoos and how habitats would've been placed.
And how do I get better at this? Is it just by analysing videos on YouTube? Or do I just play and hope for the best?
7 Replies
I would recommend aerial photographs of zoos, or zoo maps!
Find some that you like and then think about what you like about them and/or try it out!
Can always practice a look or technique in sandbox before committing in your franchise zoo if you’re playing franchise.
Sometimes certain things are tough to do with the pathing system in game, but lots of creators have found out lots of tips and tricks to get certain interesting looks, that’s where YouTube comes in handy.
Hmm okay, so taking inspiration from zoos in real life, and then adjusting them to whatever I like about the planning?
Sounds like a good idea, but I feel as if it may remove the sense of it being my zoo.
Just a recommendation and a way that a lot of people learn!
No need to get into a philosophical debate about it, but some great quotes: Everything worth doing has been done before. Good artists borrow great artists steal. Imitation is the best form of flattery.
Inspiration is different than copying/Plagiarism — everything that people create is a product of what they’ve seen, their understanding or experiences, etc.
Implement techniques in your own way for how they fit your zoo. Are your paths ADA compliant? Are your exhibits up to the standards of care for the animals? Can people see where they are going or are they blocked by terrain, etc. Ask questions like a designer or a builder or an animal care professional would ask. I’m not recommending to do a to-scale replica of another zoo— although that is a totally cool and valid thing to do if you wanted and you’d probably learn a lot by thinking critically about why things are the way they are when you’re doing it. What makes it your zoo anyways? How would your zoo interpret that same idea or same logistical challenge? Is there a common design/brand/logo/theme throughout? Where is your zoo located, would it be challenging to source or upkeep certain materials because of the weather or temperature or location. Your zoo looks great already by the way <3
Implement techniques in your own way for how they fit your zoo. Are your paths ADA compliant? Are your exhibits up to the standards of care for the animals? Can people see where they are going or are they blocked by terrain, etc. Ask questions like a designer or a builder or an animal care professional would ask. I’m not recommending to do a to-scale replica of another zoo— although that is a totally cool and valid thing to do if you wanted and you’d probably learn a lot by thinking critically about why things are the way they are when you’re doing it. What makes it your zoo anyways? How would your zoo interpret that same idea or same logistical challenge? Is there a common design/brand/logo/theme throughout? Where is your zoo located, would it be challenging to source or upkeep certain materials because of the weather or temperature or location. Your zoo looks great already by the way <3
I see what you mean. And I understand what you're saying. Sounds like a great idea.
And thanks for complementing my two habitats haha, this was just what I've build in the Desert/grassland part of the zoo. Still needs a lot of foliage
navilovesyou received a thank you carrot!
One of my favourite ways I’ve heard is not making one view into an enclosure. Most zoo exhibits in real life tend to have different viewing points around the habitat via glass, open air and mesh. I find larger areas for guests such as plazas and seating areas with a playground can make it look more alive. I see you have a restaurant but it would be in a large plaza than a one way path. I recommend using the show grid in the path options then getting a general size. Or maybe sinking concrete/ your own path just above the path and under the guests feet.
Most realism aspects that I find difficult to add is backstage and staff areas. All modern exhibits in zoos now have specific backstages for individual species.
Just keep playing, keep discovering and eventually you’ll grow in visual intelligence. What I usually do before building a habitat is to visualize the open spots within my mind and see if it fits well, realistically and effectively. You can always take real inspiration from real zoos, content creators or just your imagination.
Not every project looks as well as I intended but thats just how it works