What Could You Imagine With Lego's New Architecture Kit?
Here’s something architecture nerds can finally geek out on. Lego has launched its Architecture Studio kit, part of its popular Architecture series. Unlike other kits in the series, which let users build replicas of structures like Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, the new Studio kit has 1,210 all-white pieces that let builders create their own architecture.
It's geared toward ages 16 and up, and the hope is that young design lovers or even college students studying architecture or design can use it for creating design prototypes and models. “We don’t see it as a professional toolkit, but it can serve as an inspiration for budding architects or as a fun sketching opportunity for real-time design ideas,” says Michael McNally, brand relations director at Lego Group.
In addition to letting you create prototypes, the kit, which retails for $150 and is available starting August 1, comes with a 272-page book that provides case studies of six professional firms and their creative approaches to original design, anchored by building inspirations and concepts for brick assembly that mirror their approaches.
For example, users can build replicas of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill’s projects, like the Willis Tower or the Burj Khalifa Dubai, then peruse building inspiration based on the principles of modules and repetition, which the company used in designing its buildings.
“Replicating these real-life examples will hopefully unleash any builder’s potential to create their own architecture,” McNally says.
The all-white pieces not only look slick but serve a practical aesthetic purpose too. McNally found that gray blocks may unintentionally imply concrete, tan bricks could imply stucco and red might infer traditional bricks.
“Building in black bricks is often difficult, as there is little opportunity for delineating details, whereas white creates natural lines and shadows that can more accurately represent shapes and form,” he says. “We’ve also never offered a kit that is all white, so there is that novelty factor at play for collectors, too.”
The pieces are no different than the traditional Lego pieces that you’re used to, but the beauty here is that “we show you how to use the parts to re-create just about any architectural style — from neoclassical to modern,” McNally says.
Now excuse me; I need to finish building my hybrid Star Wars Death Star–Burj Khalifa Dubai structure, thank you very much.
Tell us: What toys do you use to help brainstorm design ideas?
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