Top Skyscraper Alternative Software for 3D Building Simulation
Skyscraper, a promising 3D realtime building simulator, offers an elaborate and realistic elevator simulator, alongside general building features like walls, floors, and stairs. Powered by the Scalable Building Simulator (SBS) engine and built with C++, OGRE, Bullet, and FMOD, it aims for gaming support and a graphical building designer. However, if you're looking for a Skyscraper alternative that better suits your specific needs in 3D modeling, urban planning, or game development, you're in luck. There are several powerful tools available that offer similar or complementary functionalities.
Best Skyscraper Alternatives
Whether you're a professional in architecture, urban planning, GIS, or a game developer, the following alternatives provide robust features for creating intricate 3D environments and procedural cities. Explore these options to find the perfect fit for your next project.
CityEngine
CityEngine is a standalone commercial software for Mac, Windows, and Linux that provides professional users with unique 3D modeling capabilities. It's an excellent Skyscraper alternative for those focused on procedural modeling, gaming, and general 3D content production in architecture, urban planning, and GIS.
Suicidator City Generator
Suicidator City Generator (SCG) is a free, open-source Blender3D script available for Mac, Windows, and Linux. It allows users to automatically create entire, three-dimensional modern cities in seconds by adjusting parameters, making it a powerful Skyscraper alternative for quick 3D modeling, gaming, and procedural generation within Blender.
Modelur
Modelur is a commercial 3D application for parametric urban design, implemented as a plug-in for Trimble SketchUp. Available for Mac and Windows, it offers a different approach to urban simulation compared to Skyscraper, focusing on parametric design within a widely used CAD environment.
Building Generator
Building Generator is a free procedural building generator script for Autodesk 3ds Max, compatible with 3d Studio Max 9 SP1 and above on Windows. This script provides wide-ranging 3D modeling and procedural modeling features, making it a solid Skyscraper alternative for users deeply integrated into the 3ds Max ecosystem.
citycad
CityCAD is a commercial urban design software tool for conceptual 3D masterplanning of sites from 1 to 200 hectares. Available for Mac and Windows, it allows users to sketch street layouts and develop urban designs, offering a distinct focus on masterplanning compared to Skyscraper's building simulation.
Blended Cities
Blended Cities is an open-source city generator for Blender, available for Mac, Windows, and Linux. It quickly creates a large amount of streets and buildings with various shapes, making it a fantastic free Skyscraper alternative for 3D modeling, gaming, and procedural generation, especially for Blender users.
ghostTown
ghostTown is a free city generator and tool for creating urban environments within Autodesk 3ds Max on Windows. It offers features for creating lopoly or highpoly buildings, a road tool for basic layouts, and easy material application. This makes it a strong Skyscraper alternative for those seeking robust 3D modeling, gaming, and procedural modeling capabilities within 3ds Max.
Each of these Skyscraper alternative options brings unique strengths to the table, from deep integration with existing 3D software to specialized procedural generation features. Consider your project's specific requirements, your preferred platform, and your budget when choosing the best fit from these powerful tools.