Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Second Architecture & The Hangflame Plaza

You may notice two things about the Hangflame Plaza: first, it's not a custom build. The buildings are a package you can purchase and use to make your own space. I've seen other areas that have utilized this type of build in the last few days. Second, the mall is bustling with people. There are few stores not rented, and owner, JohnnyD Posthorn, has placed several vending booths in the plaza to accomodate more sellers.

The mall itself houses an art gallery, two freebie stores (great for noobies), several clothing stores, a car dealer, and several unique boutiques offering everything from exotic asian art, furniture, to custom feather masks.

So what makes this Second Architecture? For starters, the build utilizes the space available for maximum efficiency while taking into account the other areas in the sim. Next door to the mall is the Friendship Garden, a custom build by Merryman Montegrene designed to be a meeting place for people as well as a place of contemplation and meditation. JohnnyD has made access to the garden available through a secluded alley in the plaza space.

Secondly, the plaza is easy to navigate through. There are no difficult passages, the traffic can flow evenly around in a circle, visiting shop by shop if they so wish. The avatar is drawn down, rather than up and out to the sim outside.

There is however one view that must be seen, the giant house in the neighbouring sim makes you feel like an ant, good for a chuckle.

Finally, the mall is aesthetically pleasing: there aren't any sharp colours or textures out of place; JohnnyD has used the tools provided in the building kit to create a custom "space" for himself and his business without creating an eyesoar. You may want to check out his other gallery, a custom build called "Photosynthesis". This build also conforms to Second Architectural ideals and principles.

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