More Awesome Than You!

Build the MATY Senate Building Challenge!

This is a building challenge to all prospective TS2 architects and wannabes out there.  That's right, wannabe prospectives.

Be the architect of the MATY Senate building.  All citizens are invited to participate, as well as run, panic, and loot.  All submissions will become the property of those who chance to acquire them, to do with as they please.

The challenge is to construct the MATY Senate building, in accepted and usable TS2 format, and submitted here for approval, or more likely ridicule.  The main idea is of a large, mostly useless government-type structure that can serve primarily as a meta lot impostor for atmospheric placement in a neighborhood.  Of course, it enhances a neighborhood only with the splendor of the architecture, and nothing of the substance as to what goes on there.  Like any government building, as such it is not even really important if sims would go there.  If sims do go there, however, as particular processing resources might allow, it is hoped that it might be useful for something.  (The history of all worlds demonstrates that this something is only ever MOAR FIGHT, though sometimes there are other things.)
 
Also, we can only hope it should be awesome.  That is the idea, anyway.  That, and to provide users here with a selection of decorative lots of this type from which to choose to flesh out their neighborhoods.  Everybody wins, hopefully.
 

Rules are simple, and as follows:

1.  Do as thou wilt.  But consider that if you do not at least submit a lot construction that could possibly be imagined to be used as a petty government building, even considering the wildest, most preposterous manner imaginable, you fail.  I hope you understand.

2.  Allowed file types: txt, pdf, zip, rar, bz2, gz, tgz, 7z, package, sims2pack.  Choose thoughtfully.

3.  Maximum attachment size allowed: 640 KB

4.  All submissions and commentary should be made as replies confined to this thread.  Don't go wandering off.  Hey!  This means you!

5.  Winning entry and winner should be harvested and properly congratulated during the Gawai Dayak festival, Monday, June 1st or 2nd, 2008 C.E.  Whenever.  Headhunting and piracy is to be expected.  There is plenty of time. 


Although the rules are simple, the following judgment prerogatives should be considered, possibly:

A. As an architecture school dropout, I am obviously more qualified than any registered or accepted architectural authority in the known universe to be arbiter and judge of this contest.  Also, this is because I made the challenge.  (Nyah!)  Only El Presidente currently supersedes this authority here, to my knowledge.  If you don't like this, you do not have to play.  Bribery and other chicanery is normal and expected, and also there will be a gross conflict of interest if I also choose to play as well.  Such is life, and politics.  So ist es eben im leben.

B.  Any submission that neglects to describe any or all required expansion packs, or at least the particular expansion pack condition under which the lot was created, will be automatically disqualified.

C.  Any submission that is not built upon a level lot is automatically disqualified.  If you do not know what this means, search is your friend.

D.  Any submission that is otherwise obviously flawed is naturally disqualified.

E.  Automatic preference will be given to any lot that is compatible to any and all possible combinations of expansion/stuff packs, and is base game only compatible.  This means that if only one lot submitted is this way, then it will be the winner by default.  (Crafty players might have one ready to go, ready to submit at the last minute and snatch victory in this challenge, in the event no one submits one.)  Is this condition even possible anymore?  Who knows?

F.  Failing universal compatibility, the elimination award goes to a lot in the tier of contestants with mEAxis expansion/stuff compatibility in any combination, and no custom content.  Submissions requiring the installation of custom content to use as designed are relegated to the consolation prize and likely to fail, unless all submitted are thus, or it is truly awesome.

G.  Opinions matter!  If only so others can dispute them.  Give yours, even if you do not play.  Cheering, taunting, and throwing of lexical and rhetorical rotten vegetables and eggs is typical.  Stones are not uncommon.  I am likely to be swayed in judgment by groundswells of popular opinion and hearsay.  Bribes would need to be very good to outweigh that.  Otherwise, expect that the presentation and submission that fails the least shall be the winner.

H.  Screen shots matter!  Submit at least one in your presentation, or your design proposal is likely to be rejected.  Sloppy presentations also likely to damage chances to savor victory.

I.  All judgment terms, conditions, decisions, and rules, as well as anything else mentioned previously or hereafter are subject to change at any time, with or without notice.


The only thing there is to win for certain is not being a complete failure, so why wait?  That is a prize worthy of anyone.  Who would ask for more?  Show us the MATY Senate building!  Win!

Remember, please:  Government building.  Neighborhood lot impostor.  Badly managed resources.  Go! 

The citizens have spoken and chosen the winners of this challenge.  Overall, a stunning 47 votes were counted.  Without further ado, here are the winners, and losers.


First Place:
18 votes
sloppyhousewife - Pit of Doom Senate

This submission featered a fancy-schmancy dome covering nothing more than a bloody fighting pit!  Awesome!


Second Place:
12 votes
Emma - Bathroomless house Senate

What else need be said?  A house, with no bathrooms.  Sure is cool, though.


Third Place:
5 votes
Annan - Riksdaghus Senate

Super cool bureaucratic-looking replica of a real-life bureaucratic building.  With bonus girls who want to meet you, how could anyone resist?


Honorable Mention:
3 votes
Cimaronna - Small Town Court Senate with Pit of Moar Fight!

Since this entry introduced the arena concept to the contest, it is fitting that it earns at least honorable mention.  It could hardly be otherwise.  Since the winning entry won on this concept alone, it could arguably be considered the most awesome entry.


The losers:

0 votes
Cyberdodo - Wastewater Treatment Facility Senate (WTF senate?)

You did not even make a unique entry so no one gave you even one unique vote.  Coincidence?


Big Loser!:
Disqualified!
Alex - Senate Is Not There Senate Is A Lie!

What happened?  The world may never know.


Don't thank me, thank you!

I wanted to enter this challenge because I thought I had the perfect idea...  I built a replica of the Temple of Bacchus, complete with Senate chambers and all (goodness knows what goes on in there!).  I tried to keep it as true to the original as possible, size-wise anyway, so it is a HUGE lot, about 1.5 mb.  I guess that means I can't enter.  I thought that a building that celebrated the god of wine would accurately reflect the tomfoolery that may go on in the senate here.  Stupid standards!  Here's a pic (http://[URL=http://img89.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bacchusfrontbp4.jpg][IMG]http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8527/bacchusfrontbp4.th.jpg)[/URL][/img]  (http://[URL=http://img89.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bacchusfrontbp4.jpg][IMG]http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8527/bacchusfrontbp4.th.jpg)[/URL][/img]

Your image isn't working mate - and I'd really like to see this behemoth you've designed for us. :D

Yeah, the file size restriction is a killer for this challenge.  Almost any entry is likely to surpass the standard site limit.  Since I do most of my own building and I do not typically download or upload lots, I did not realize this initially.  After about two weeks with no entries, I threw together my own submission and was faced with this dilemma.  Even considering no furnishings on a 3x4 lot with no custom content that was not intended to be used as anything other than a lot impostor, my .7z file amounted to over 900 Kb.

This challenge is fail, unless entrants want to host files elsewhere, or El Presidente increases the allowed limit, which I don't really see happening.  (Even though it would be awesome.)  A shame, because I was really hoping to be able to decorate my neighborhood with several nice government-type structures, without having to build them myself, of course.

Alas...

Well, why don't you host them Khan?

Get yourself a 4shared account, or similar, get people to email you their entries, put them all in one place. Or open a filesharing account the contest has access to. You get your buildings, we get to see them too. Photobucket/whatever for images in the thread.

Something to consider.  I have an unused account somewhere.  I'll have to investigate this idea further.  I do not want them in my email box, though.

No, I rethought that. But an account specifically for the purpose, well you could give users the username and password and they could upload their own offerings.

I'm finding the lots are huge anyway...I've tried a few different versions (as befitting my unofficial title), and all of them wind up being bigger files than I'd like. Of course, I'm also trying to decorate each office differently, and that requires a lot of CC.

I think that many of us have 4shared/mediafire/personal servers we can load the stuff on. But no matter how that happens, I do think there needs to be a warning issued with each lot about size and lagability.

I've got the technological abilities of a gold fish; luckily I have some stick-to-itiveness!  Here's another go:  (http://<img src="http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8527/bacchusfrontbp4.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us"/><br/>By <a target="_new" href="http://profile.imageshack.us/user/mauriemom">mauriemom</a> at 2008-05-16) 

Crikey!  Another try:  (http://[URL=http://img89.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bacchusfrontbp4.jpg][IMG]http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8527/bacchusfrontbp4.th.jpg)[/URL][/img]

(http://[URL=http://img89.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bacchusfrontbp4.jpg][IMG=http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8527/bacchusfrontbp4.th.jpg][/URL])

(http://<a target='_blank' href='http://img89.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bacchusfrontbp4.jpg'><img src='http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8527/bacchusfrontbp4.th.jpg' border='0'/></a>)

<a target='_blank' href='http://img89.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bacchusfrontbp4.jpg'><img src='http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8527/bacchusfrontbp4.th.jpg' border='0'/></a> (http://<a target='_blank' href='http://img89.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bacchusfrontbp4.jpg'><img src='http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8527/bacchusfrontbp4.th.jpg' border='0'/></a>)
(http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8527/bacchusfrontbp4.jpg)


Maybe Matyians don't like image shack.  I think I've tried just about every combination of loading that exists.  Maybe someone could let me know what on earth I am doing wrong. 

Try taking an image link, rather than an HTML link?

My links look like this:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Smileys/FlyingWitch.gif)

   Okay, i'll give it a try and show off my non-awesomeness.
HolidayEditionBaseGame, Univ, NL, OFB, FFS, Seasons.  Also, some custom content (invisible tiles from MTS2, TJ, Paladin and Pescado hacks included on lot).

(http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p258/GayJohnScarritt/TheSenatorium1.gif)

(http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p258/GayJohnScarritt/TheSenatorium2.gif)

file @ MegaUpload (which is a piece of shit, sorry folks)
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=E0RE3TU8 (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=E0RE3TU8)

I like the front entrance, but it needs some fresco type stuff, or statuary above the main doors. Something to sit on the columns.

Maybe Gargoyles? Large scowly somethings at any rate.

  Okay, Okay !  I get the hint.  ;)

(http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p258/GayJohnScarritt/Gargoyles.gif)

   Updated Download (also, for your Rich Sims, this is the perfect White Elephant, a steal at around 220K - and no furnishings yet).
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=AKGTMH5M (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=AKGTMH5M)

GayJohnScarritt is on the cusp of winning the challenge by default, since he submitted the only accessible entry.  Since I cannot allow this to happen, the challenge will be extended through the summer, and contestants are invited to use any of their favorite free or subscribed file-hosting sites to provide entries that would otherwise not meet MATY file-size restrictions.  There are several free file-hosting sites available, but setting up an account for anonymous submission and review of entries does not seem workable.  Also, the TS2 exchange could be used, I suppose.  I have never used it.

GayJohnScarrit, as consolation for being the only entry so far, your submission will be exempted from the 'no-custom-content' disqualification in further considerations.  Thanks for playing!

I will be making my own submission mentioned before available as soon as I have the time to figure out what the problem with StoreWith is, or I choose a different host.

Here are impostor shots:

(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s268/khanofwyrms/snapshot_00000007_154e0975.jpg)

(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s268/khanofwyrms/snapshot_00000007_354e0cee.jpg)

Yes, let's get some other entries - ones that don't look like high schools or bungalows.

GJS' entry is nice, but unfortunately looks a bit "suburban".  His update makes it look like a frat house, however, which is a lulzy touch.

If CC isn't allowed, then how are they to emulate the decor provided to the Senate? Ah, well, I'll just have to do it myself when I DL the winner.

I also think extra points should be given for putting the offices in the correct place (such as Jelenedra in a cubby next to the boiler room, etc).

I have a government building lot impostor I made some time ago for my own use, but I think it would be perfect for the MATY Senate Chambers  ;)
(This was built on a Uni + Nightlife build, with no custom content.)

Here's a couple of neighborhood shots, from a temp neighborhood -
(http://www.minisquish.net/sims2/wastewater_snap1.jpg)

(http://www.minisquish.net/sims2/wastewater_snap2.jpg)

And the download -
http://www.minisquish.net/sims2/Wastewater_Treatment_Plant.Sims2Pack (http://www.minisquish.net/sims2/Wastewater_Treatment_Plant.Sims2Pack)

Custom content only disqualifies an entry if other lots without it have been submitted.  Actual usuage/decoration of the interior is the discretion of those who download the lots.  My exemption granted for GayJohnScarritt merely bumps his submission up into the tier with those lots without custom content.


It is an impostor challenge.  Interior decoration only matters if it shows up on the impostor.  If you want to judge lots and award your own trophy for this, go right ahead.

I am going to attemp to submit my imposter.  It includes a main hall, in which the senatorians may argue deliberate; a library (for research of course!); a large kitchen and dining hall, and ample bathrooms.  (http://<a target='_blank' href='http://img89.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bacchuslibraryxy5.jpg'><img src='http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/4004/bacchuslibraryxy5.th.jpg' border='0'/></a>);  (http://<a href="http://img89.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bacchuspianove0.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/73/bacchuspianove0.th.jpg" border="0"/></a>) (http://<img src="http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/5472/bacchusgympz6.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us"/><br/>By <a target="_new" href="http://profile.imageshack.us/user/mauriemom">mauriemom</a> at 2008-05-16)

Since I have little to no idea what the senate does here, (I've heard tell of "souping"), I've included areas in which the senatorians may skillinate and hobbinate.  There is also an excersize room, a tv viewing room, a spa with a sauna and a hot tub, and a swimming pool.  And because Pescado enjoys having them dance until they pee, I've included a dancing area for the Maty senate sims.  The Senate chambers are equiped with desks, computers, bookshelves and double beds.  Well, you never know when somesims' comfort gets too low or something!

Oh, there are two versions, one a regular residential and/or community and the next a dorm.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=RN3U6MQ9 (ftp://http://www.megaupload.com/?d=RN3U6MQ9)
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=WF1BAGTN (ftp://http://www.megaupload.com/?d=WF1BAGTN)

Maurie, your pictures aren't showing. HTML and SMF forums don't mix.

And your megaupload links are coming up as "Page not found" for me.

I edited your image links so I could see your pictures.  Future reference - use the "direct" link between the "img" tags - this is SMF, not HTML code.  Nice pics, incidentally.

I love this line - every time I read it I find something new to appreciate.  :D


What sort of "or something" did you have in mind?  Senate iz teribli srs bzns after all.  I like this pandering to senators' needs for comfort and pleasant surroundings.  The Library and Piano lounge are terribly senatorial, to my way of thinking, although more appropriately luxurious wall decor might be desirable.  Cinder blocks - RLY!

Ah, but they're easy to clean. The Senate can get awfully vicious, and there's rumor of blood sports. (Not that I would start any such rumors, or lend any credence to them at all.  ;) )

   ???



Okay, try these:

http://www.lebensim.com/staff/maurie/TempleofBacchus.rar (ftp://http://www.lebensim.com/staff/maurie/TempleofBacchus.rar)

http://www.lebensim.com/staff/maurie/BacchustheDorm.rar (ftp://http://www.lebensim.com/staff/maurie/BacchustheDorm.rar)


Ohh Elf Puddle, I would never build such an edifice with cinderblocks!  'Tis the Marbelous something-or-other stuff.  It's supposed to be marble blocks - the closest thing resembling the ancient stones I could come up with using only Eaxis created content.  There are other's MUCH more applicable, but I tried to stay within the constraints of the contest.  Couldn't quite get that, but meh, I tried.

Thank you very much for fixing my pics.  I obviously still haven't figured it out yet.

Still nothing.  "Address not found" and if I delete the "ftp:" bit I get google searches for "what's HTTP?"

EDIT: frakin "quote" appears to be borkened.. I know I put my reply outside the quote code, yet it ended up smack dab in the middle of the quoted statements. Also - Rightclick fails as well, when attempting the links.

Here's my ignorance, let me show you it!   ??? 

Okay, so I tried to use my own upload using FTP, well that's not working, so I'll try it another way. 

http://www.lebensim.com/staff/maurie/TempleofBacchus.rar (http://www.lebensim.com/staff/maurie/TempleofBacchus.rar)

http://www.lebensim.com/staff/maurie/BacchustheDorm.rar (http://www.lebensim.com/staff/maurie/BacchustheDorm.rar)

Ha!  Finally I did it! ::)

Congrats, you've learnt something without resorting to whiny 12ness - you've just passed one of the unwritten MATY tasks! WOO! Onwards and upwards!

(And I've downloaded both. -runs off to open game-)

Here is the 'public' folder where my impostor offering might be accessible.  Someone may let me know if the downloads are working or not? 

Senate of Wyrms (http://www.storewith.com/folderpublic.aspx?pcode=1d5ebdf0359ce340083bb3f383a80ecac8d0)

Update:  My memory.  It is what I use to forget stuff.  Like why I had an unused account at StoreWith.  Here are MediaFire links that should work:

Senate of Wyrms 7z (http://www.mediafire.com/?4nddgd3qgmh)

Senate of Wyrms zip (http://www.mediafire.com/?ymtydn33gyt)

Lot is built with expansion packs through Seasons, plus FFS and GLS, possibly.  There is no interior layout or decoration to speak of, since it was designed to be an impostor.  A basement could easily be added level with the street, but since basements tend to skew the impostor views, I omitted it.  Use it as you see fit.

Pic reminder for reference:
(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s268/khanofwyrms/snapshot_00000007_154e0975.jpg)


It is great to see some people playing, but we need more entries!  There are several free file-hosting sites available, although some work better than others.

I can't download either of them-it says 'no download selected'

I'm going to have a go at this challenge, if I find time.

Here's mine. 5x6 size lot, costs just under §109k (immaterial, 'cos no sims are going to live here) and Base Game only. I hope the senators notice they have balconies! Pescado's office is in the basement :P (Actually there is no basement, just in case of lot floodage) I notice it is pointless placing flowerbeds. Oh well.

Arty-farty shot of front of lot

(http://hometown.aol.co.uk/Madsimaddict/Maty_Senate.jpg)

Front in-lot view

(http://hometown.aol.co.uk/Madsimaddict/MS_Front.jpg)

Back in-lot view
(http://hometown.aol.co.uk/Madsimaddict/MS_Back.jpg)

Front N-hood view

(http://hometown.aol.co.uk/Madsimaddict/MS_Front_Neighbourhood.jpg)

Back N-hood view

(http://hometown.aol.co.uk/Madsimaddict/MS_Back_Neighbourhood.jpg)

Download Here (http://www.4shared.com/file/50665966/c73553a2/MATY_Senate_Emma.html)

Now I must go do some housework instead of playing. :D

It's very attractive, Emma, but it still looks like a house.  I keep thinking Greek temple or Roman coliseum.  I may have to put in an entry for this, if I can find time to build.

The coliseum idea would symbolize the MOAR FIGHT aspects, naturally.

Now that is what I'm talking about.  I think it is going to look awesome filling the blue void in the background of screenshots.  I might even have to use it as playable.  It looks a bit residential, rather than civic, but I am not complaining.  It definitely has a different style that would add great atmosphere to any neighborhood.

My favorite part is that it seems to have a more than subtle Mayan temple character.  I don't know if you intended that, but I think it is very good and very suggestive of ancient Central American architecture.

Great work, Emma!

Thanks Khan, and Jolrei ;D

Nope, no particular design in mind, I just made it. Although, I did sort-of have the GTA 3 type beachside buildings in mind. I wanted to do an apartment-type lot but the building tools and resources are very limited in Base Game setup.


[edit] Oh, by the way, it is totally empty inside-you'd have to build rooms and add staircases and suchlike.

Not to mention the games-as-a-sacrifice-to-the-gods.  ;D

My submission is inspired by the Swedish Riksdagshus (where the parliament is). It has an assembly hall for the senate's deliberations, a library and an espresso stand for caffeination. On the second floor are officies - some senators got their own, you'll have to guess which office belongs to which senator. :D

Outside:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/annann/SenateFort/snapshot_00000003_9559ab45.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/annann/SenateFort/snapshot_00000003_9559acb1.jpg)

First floor:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/annann/SenateFort/snapshot_00000003_5559ac53.jpg)
(Assembly hall on the left, library on the right)

Second floor:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/annann/SenateFort/snapshot_00000003_5559abab.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/annann/SenateFort/snapshot_00000003_1559ab78.jpg)
El Presidente's office has no windows, to facilitate hiding from the burning day star. Please note the trap door in the floor in front of the desk.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/annann/SenateFort/snapshot_00000003_7559ab94.jpg)
The brain sharers obviously share an office.

A picture of the Swedish Riksdagshus, for comparison:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/annann/SenateFort/ro.jpg)



Download here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=Q0CSENRZ (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=Q0CSENRZ)

ETA: Built with all EPs and SPs installed, but no CC.

I love this!!

Yes - this has the "look", Annan.

Thanks. :D

I think Emma's already won though, since hers is basegame compatible.

So, you are saying that it has no bathrooms?



Yes, I am considering drenching the place in blood and lining it with gargoyles and sacrifices.



Emma definitely seems to be playing to win with that move.  Still, that is an awesomely bureaucratic entry, Annan.  Unmistakably governmental.  I hope it impostors as well as it looks on lot.  Don't count yourself out yet; General public opinion is likely to weigh heavily on the final outcome.

(Plus, in downloading it, I quite serendipitously discovered that there are very many hot young single ladies out there in the intertubes who are anxious to meet me.  Can you imagine?  Me!  Bonus!)

No bathrooms, no nuffink!

As it is a lot impostor, I saw no need, so to speak :P


Yours is lovely Annan, I might download as a college library-type building, seeing as you've furnished yours. ;)

Are they wearing hot pants?

Very nice, Annan -- that one's going in my game...

I updated my submission in reply #29 above with MediaFire links that appear to actually work.  I found MediaFire to be reasonably straightforward and hassle-free as such things go.  If anyone is in need of free file-hosting for this challenge, or other reasons, and does not yet have it, I recommend trying MediaFire (http://www.mediafire.com/#top).  I think you can even make submissions anonymously.



What, not showing your ass?  I was trolling for a full-Emma-moon for this thread!


It occurs to me that a large selection of civic-style buildings would make a great foundation for a custom university.  Maybe a STFU?  I am thinking to add one to my neighborhood to hold all of the submissions here for review.  I'm glad I thought of that.



I am thinking yes, of course, they had better be.  I am not sure how someone could reasonably be expected to find romance in the intertubes without them.



It really could be the poster-child of everything I was looking for in this challenge, as long as the impostor is of comparable quality.  Very nice work, indeed.  I may use it several times.

I thought about it, but no. I'll save my Khan-moons for special occasions.

Can I enter again? I've made another one...if not, can I replace my original entry with my new one?

Not cheating, just like my newest lot better :D

No restrictions were placed on multiple entries.  Go for it.  Make a new reply, though, so it is easier to notice.

Nice job Annan!  It is very officious.  Emma's is nice, but I believe Khan is right, it does still look like a house.  I'm frustrated at the phail I had while trying to upload and post pictures, but even so, your imposter is even more imposterer than mine.  Great job!

This was the first time EVAH that I used only Maxis objects. The experience was humbling and frustrating all at once. It comes complete with burnination and kittahs. Due to this, it requires Uni, NL, OFB, Pets, and Bon Voyage.
My entry: (http://6udh3q.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pX1lF9BHvkEARsx3RGXuB0O5AmomltOoiKapSNOZ1iSP8--RKJBFWNC2FjyQcwD_-uBSrTC5sohiPzN_raHDKC4aULw9CVO0X/MATY%20Senate.rar?download)

During Construction:
(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll123/mount_tazneen/snapshot_0000001d_d55eff43.jpg)
Front Far:
(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll123/mount_tazneen/snapshot_0000001d_955f2922.jpg)
Front Close:
(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll123/mount_tazneen/snapshot_0000001d_d55f2901.jpg)
Roof:
(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll123/mount_tazneen/snapshot_0000001d_155f290d.jpg)
Left awesome shot:
(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll123/mount_tazneen/snapshot_0000001d_d55f294d.jpg)
Offices: (There's only 20 senators, right?  ;))
(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll123/mount_tazneen/snapshot_0000001d_d55f2915.jpg)
EDIT: Doh! As a lot impostor, I need to show it from neighbourhood view:
(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll123/mount_tazneen/snapshot_0000001d_755fd6c1.jpg)

Should I win, I would love to see Hecubus decorate the offices with CC just as the Senate Office Maven that she is. I even included balconies for the herb boxes.

There are truly 20 offices and four floors, with the bottom floor being an open chamber for placing the Senate's deliberation area. Two areas for bathrooms. Would probably make a nice dorm.

Kazz, that is gorgeous!

Wow! Just Wow! These are all so beautiful! I have a hood that's being built from building practice. Maybe I'd better try some of these, too. I can't imagine who would win since they're all so wonderfully built!

Edited: Comma trying to pass itself off as a period.

Oh look, it has a statue of me outside :D

J'approve ;)

Hurr. You knew exactly what I was thinking.

How very perceptive of you to notice that I am the real puppet master of the Senate ;)

All of the entries outclass mine by miles, but I'm adding it anyway in the hope of providing some lulz.
This is now a generic building modeled on some of the small town court buildings I've seen.
(http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k138/Cimaronna/SenateBuilding1.jpg)
It's not nearly classy enough for our senate, I know. I hope that what constitutes the back of the building makes up for it.
May I present out senate's own game arena!
(http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k138/Cimaronna/GameArena1.jpg)
As you can see, it's large enough to accommodate a large number of noobs and tards who are to be punished for whatever reasons.
The senate can relax and enjoy the fights and/or torture while sitting comfortably in the shade. Gates are added at either end of the arena to admit and prevent escape of the offenders.
(http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k138/Cimaronna/GameArena2.jpg)
Added to the second floor is a walkway for those of our beloved senators who would like to watch the action from above.
(http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k138/Cimaronna/GameArenaWalkway.jpg)
An awning provides shade to prevent overheating.
(http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k138/Cimaronna/WalkwayShaded.jpg)

I had intended to build something much nicer but ran out of room. I hope that you at least like the gaming arena!  ;D

Edit: I forgot to add my EP's, those being Deluxe, Uni and OFB.

Oh, that is cute! What size lot is it built on?

Cimaronna, that game arena is pure genius. A winrar is you! (And, you are granted the right to have both weapons and shields in the game arena, should the Senate ever feel you deserve to be punished with pointy sticks.)

That is pure genius, Cimaronna! It looks like such a mild, normal building on the outside. But on the inside it is the essence of MATY!

We can haz link to the file?

The lot is 2X3. I started out badly to begin with but wasn't about to give up my game arena idea. *blush* I'd thought of recreating the Parthenon (or other classic structure). The main building took a hit when I realized that the arena would be too small for a large number of offenders combined with viewing space. I *hem* also stole borrowed your idea to leave the interiors alone. Possible loss of Annan's offer for shields and/or pointy sticks is accepted and hugely regretted.


Many thanks to (all of) you! I might have lost one or both of those, *for stealing rather than thinking for myself* but I prostrate myself before all of you in the hope of retaining at least one. Oh, I'll probably be punished at some point. Noob=Cimaronna=occasional dolt. I ain't purfekt.  ;D


Kazzandraaaa! You made me do extra work! Horrors!  :o I didn't package it as I really didn't think anyone would want it. However, I did go back, package and upload it just for you (and anyone else who might want to improve things). The first floor interior will need some TLC (i.e. Walls need to be redone. I just slapped 'em in there when I realized that I was running out of space.). Link for you now added. Make it grand!

http://www.mediafire.com/?uziymkpoc2d (http://www.mediafire.com/?uziymkpoc2d)
Edited just because I can.

Hm. It has a nice sinister touch.

EDIT: Bah. I created a rather massive and intricate Senate building complete with Senate Chambers and all manner of amenities, including Jelenedra's office next to the boiler room and a variation of a game arena idea that resides within the center of the floor of the Senate Chamber. But naturally the game decides to crash when I placed a diving board, so there goes 3 hours of work. Oh well.

EDIT EDIT: Well I started a new one, that's completely different to my previous one and I'm liking it much better. It's nowhere near finished yet (so the decor is just temporary and mostly placeholder stuff), but I got some pics to show y'all so you can get an idea of everything.

The Senate Chamber
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d113/thecallumus/snapshot_0000001a_b57a787b.jpg)

The center of the floor retracts...
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d113/thecallumus/snapshot_0000001a_557a78a3.jpg)

To reveal a pit, in which unsuspecting morons can be sealed within to face direct punishment from the senate when the floor recedes. It can also be viewed from below and flooded to provide a useful shark tank (shark sold seperately). It's green for ease of christmas decoration. Red and green look good together, you see.  ;)
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d113/thecallumus/snapshot_0000001a_357a78b3.jpg)

Fallout shelter with emergency prison cell and at least 7 beds.
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d113/thecallumus/snapshot_0000001a_d57a79ae.jpg)

An office
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d113/thecallumus/Screenshot-2.jpg)

Jelenedra's office
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d113/thecallumus/snapshot_0000001a_557a79c3.jpg)

C'mon, Alex!  Quit holding out on us, man!  You know, it is an impostor challenge.  Interior decorations are not really important.  Do what you want, though.


Kazzandra, castles are naturally governmental and gloriously medieval and decadent.  I approve.

Cimaronna, that is quaint, sort of reminiscent of small colonial-era buildings or rural town halls, which is an interesting angle.  Your arena innovation, however, I am predicting to be a regular feature of many future submissions.


MORE IMPOSTORS!  If ever I get the chance to actually load the game and mess around, I will be submitting some more samples of civic-type impostors to share.  Where are the presumptive simArchitects?  Build more glorious monuments to bureaucratic waste and ostentatious extravagance!  Don't let the oneupmanship one-up you down!  Reciprocate!  Filibuster!  Stonewall!


 

I'm having so much fun designing it I decided to design the interior.

The exterior is interesting though. I can't remember what inspired it. I originally tried a Greek parthenon style but it didn't really work at all. Then I tried a slight U.S. Capitol inspired building but that also didn't work I'm not showing anything until it's mostly done though.  :P

Man, even when I'm not meaning to build castles I do... Crapola. I phail at building modern shiz. Guess because I have no practice!  :P

Kazzandra, your castle-like edifice is loverly!  Modern design sometimes misses out on the officious nature of the government-type building required of  this challenge.  Castle away!

Cimaronna - I love the challenge arena.  I totally agree with Annan - could be a must for all future uploads.

Alex, the exterior is lovely and furnished!  Bonus.

I can't imagine a MATY Senate building without a gaming arena, to be honest.  ;) I'm glad you all liked the idea!

For my next entry, I decided to try building the New York City Hall:
(http://dc24.4shared.com/img/54251448/bd7f04f6/nyc_city_hall.jpg?sizeM=3)

My version is not quite the same as I couldn't remember the details while building. I squished it a bit to cut down on size but it's certainly more governmental than before.
(http://dc80.4shared.com/img/54391739/89d3225a/Senate_Cim_v2_front_view.jpg?sizeM=3)
In recognition of governmental overspending, I added far more decorations than I normally would. On the side are stairs leading down to the dungeon basement. All accesses to the building are lockable.

(http://dc22.4shared.com/img/54208321/225ecdab/Senate_rear_view_Cim.jpg?sizeM=3)
From the rear, there is more plant life, a thing some fortune sims would be ecstatic over (for about 5 seconds), a large patio for outdoor dining, and what would be a swimming pool if only my game wouldn't crash while trying to build one. I left the outline to show that it was intended and/or for someone else to build whose game isn't borkinated should they decide to download. I also tried to leave some space for greenhouses or whatever else one might like.

The roof area features doors on either side. I thought our senators might like to party on the roof! There is all kinds of space to include skilling objects on the roof, if desired.
(http://dc22.4shared.com/img/54207827/9f0b9729/Senate_roof_view_Cim.jpg?sizeM=3)
I didn't add awnings this time in case someone wanting to download doesn't have OFB. They would be there but for that. Stairs are lockable.

(http://dc22.4shared.com/img/54207884/fced2e19/Senate_2nd_floor.jpg?sizeM=3)
The second floor features bedrooms/offices and bathrooms. In this version, I included half-walls so that lookouts could scan the lobby below for intruders/offenders. Stairs are lockable.

(http://dc22.4shared.com/img/54207871/b1fc659/Senate_1st_floor.jpg?sizeM=3)
The first floor contains a living room, kitchen/dining area, offices and yet more bathrooms. An open lobby/hall allows (I hope) for more skilling objects or hobbies. Again, all accesses are lockable.

(http://dc22.4shared.com/img/54207899/9b4763e5/Senate_basement.jpg?sizeM=3)
Last but not least, the gaming arena (left) is in the basement this time. Attached to it is a holding area should our senators prefer to torture individuals one at a time. This can also be used for storage. Low lighting adds to the atmosphere of impending doom. Half-walls allow better access to offenders by sheer dint of proximity. MOAR torture!  ;D

A seating area is available should anyone get tired but still want to watch. There is a small kitchen area available so our beloved senators can munch and get right back to the fun. Both a public and a full private bathroom is user ready. Also added is a large bedroom with an attached bathroom for the senator(s) or Pescado who would like to stay down there to continue pokings at odd hours. Jelendra's office contains an extra desk for the working senator who doesn't want to miss anything. As I couldn't remember the style it should be decorated in, I chose pinks to emulate her "new gay" status.  ;)

I hope that you all like my new version. Should you want it for your hood, you can get it here:
http://www.4shared.com/file/54393819/1ab0cf6e/Senate_Building_Cim_v2.html?dirPwdVerified=f1ccdab3 (http://www.4shared.com/file/54393819/1ab0cf6e/Senate_Building_Cim_v2.html?dirPwdVerified=f1ccdab3)

ETA to add that I have Deluxe, Uni and OFB. Building fixed.

Bah! You stole my idea, and I haven't even mentioned it yet. I've got a whole prison/torture wing lined up.

But really, it looks great. The rooftop seems a bit random though  :P

Cimaronna, take all the crap off the roof (apart from the ninja-he looks good there) and it will be perfect. Do those objects show in neighbourhood view anyway?

Emma, yes they do. You're right and thank you. I should have taken them off first. Actually, since I forgot to add better flooring for the living room, I think I'll fix those things and reload the building. I saw Mildly's approval of the ninja and added it at the last minute.

Edit: Fixed lot though not the pictures. No more extra crap on the roof, just the ninja and smaller statues.

The appropriate response in these situations is, "I'm glad I thought of that!"  Then use your new idea at will.  I like this concept and I am glad I thought of it.


Cimaronna, that entry is awesome, and more representative of the presumptive and putative magnificence and beguiling effulgence that is the Senate than your previous entry.  Not that I did not like it, mind, but just that I think more pompous and pretentious grandiosity is more appropriate. 

I am hoping that more people use real government buildings as inspiration, because the ones submitted so far that do look great.

I'm so glad you thought of it, too!  :P

Now I need to go back and redo the front of the building so it looks closer to its model. Many thanks for the "awesome" comment!

Edit: Building is fixed --final version and front view picture reloaded to reflect the change.

Looks much nicer! The Ninja gives the roof a sleek touch.  ;D

Thanks! Now where's yours? :P

It's coming along veeeerrrryy slooooowwly. I've kinda reached a block as to what I could do to it next. Particularly the colour scheme...

New York's City Hall would be greatly improved by the addition of a giant ninja statue on the roof. I approve.

Since it has been over a month since any impostors have been submitted, I am offering another in hopes of provoking more.  If you have failed to represent a submission here as yet, then you still have until September 21 to show that you are not a complete loser.


So, here is a hypothetical MATY Senate building based very loosely on the Kremlin Senate in Moscow.  Because, as at MATY, as in life, and in Soviet Russia, Senate votes for you!  Of course, all of the trim is stained in blood.  Would it be any other way?

Impostor views:
(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s268/khanofwyrms/MATYKremlinSenateImp001.jpg)
(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s268/khanofwyrms/MATYKremlinSenateImp002.jpg)
(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s268/khanofwyrms/MATYKremlinSenateImp003.jpg)

Get it here:

MATY Kremlin Senate.7z (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?yong8uasg2x)   

MATY Kremlin Senate.zip (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?fkia6tcyx5a) 

This really fails as a good impostor since I was not aware of how broken the diagonal roof was in impostor view.  It is much better since I deleted the attic flooring, but it is still less than satisfactory, to my thinking.  Still, I made it, so I might as well share it here.  Someone might want to use it for something.  Uses expansion packs through Seasons, possibly.


Don't give up now!  There is still plenty of time.  Entries will be accepted until the last day of Summer 2008, September 21!

Fine, here's my entry (just to show that I even fail to be a complete loser):

MATY senate, impostor view (looks exactly the same from all sides):
(http://www.biedersims.de/neighborhood.jpg)

Ingame shot from below:
(http://www.biedersims.de/ingame1.jpg)

Ingame shot from above:
(http://www.biedersims.de/ingame2.jpg)

Inside view - I wanted to point out that the balconies are completely useless just like the senator rank, too bad that the pun only works in German ("Rang" means both theater balcony and rank):
(http://www.biedersims.de/ranks.jpg)

El Presidente's loge - yeah, custom content, but I had to :P:
(http://www.biedersims.de/trogdor.jpg)

Best view from all seats into the pit of doom (nothing compared to Cimaronna's cool arena, though):
(http://www.biedersims.de/pit.jpg)

I have all EPs and SPs up to FT/IKEA, but IIRC, the only thing I used which requires post-OfB is the "blood" terrain paint in the pit.

Download: shw_MATYsenate.zip (http://www.biedersims.de/shw_MATYsenate.zip) (Trogdor bush not included)

SHW, that's pretty cool. :)

We could fill the pit-o-doom with wolves.  Nice.

Thanks, Lorelei :)
Actually I thought that's what the senate chambers look like after deciding on a motion. I just cannot believe that the MATY senators confine themselves to clicking vote buttons.

That is loverly!

I like your pit idea. Wolverines would be good, too.  Heh!

SHW, I like your version - a lot.  The dark and stately colors echo the srsness of the bidness in the MATY Senate.  (I really like teh trogdor thingamajiggies!)   It seems unanimous that a pit of some kind is a required amenity in the Senate Chamber. 

Cimaronna - great idea.

This contest is over!

New submissions can be made until the thread dies a natural death, but they will not win.  Go directly to RetardoLand and vote for your favorite now. 

Thanks for playing!  A new building challenge is in the works.  I do not think it could be less popular than this one.  We'll see...