I am sure Andrew can provide some translation as to what is actually going on in these cityscapes by 62778grenouille. But really I think the images can speak for themselves.
Absolutely Beautiful.
EDIT (AB): The photo description in Japanese just notes that the train is a mag-lev, and that the builder used LED light sticks from Ikea for the lighting effects.
Simon Pickard (brick.spartan) has made a minifig scale model of the ancient Hebrew mobile tent-temple known as the Tabernacle. Working from the Bible’s detailed descriptions of the temple dimensions and contents, Simon makes great use of LEGO’s limited palette of gold pieces to create the Ark of the Covenant, altars, and other accoutrements used in the temple.
Giving a whole new meaning to “flying buttresses,” Awesome O’Saurus provides us with this stunning rendering of a Gothic-architecture inspired space battleship. After seeing dozens of space tankers and flying boxes with striping (which are cool, to be sure), this spaceship is a welcome new style. Already I want to go design my own space-worthy cathedral of doom.
Yo-Sub Joo created a replica of the world’s tallest gold-cladded structure, the 63 Building in Seoul. Staying true to the appearance of the landmark, the builder used chrome gold colored tiles to coat what must have been an expensive creation.
It’s time once again for a Saturday exploration into the always fascinating world of architecture. Both of today’s selections are from TBB neophyte Erwin te Kortschot (buildingmaster 1966), who has a very small but high quality stable of models on Flickr. We begin today’s ruminations with an 1898 Art Nouveau structure and National Heritage Site from Rotterdam, Netherlands called the “Witte Huis“. Designed by architect Willem Molenbroek, it is considered the first high-rise of Europe.
Don’t blink, because our tour ends as quickly as it began in Oxford, England, with the Radcliffe Camera designed by James Gibbs in the English Palladian style in 1749 to house the Radcliffe Science Library.
If you’re a fan of the genre don’t miss Erwin’s outstanding Aloha Tower from Honolulu Harbor in Hawaii.
Builder Mark Clark let us know via Facebook that he recently displayed his model of National Historic Landmark Cincinnati Music Hall in the venue itself to the delight of its many visitors. The model was constructed to appear as it existed in 1896, in 1/50th scale, with an interior that includes the acoustically acclaimed Springer Auditorium and Corbett tower.
Like many builders who attempt a project of this scale, Mark indicated on one of his photos that it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of his family. Kudos Mark, for a an accurate tribute to a fascinating structure.
Inspired by the collected works of Spencer Rezkalla, TBB newcomer Rocco Buttliere has slowly amassed a fine collection of microscale skyscrapers with a focus on the architecture of Chicago Illinois. For his latest project, Rocco takes on the 961 ft tower at 311 South Wacker in downtown Chicago. According the the builder, “311 was the tallest reinforced concrete building in the world at the time of its completion. It is the seventh tallest building in Chicago, and sixteenth in the US. It is also the tallest building in the world whose address is also its formal title.” Considering the limited availability of Medium Dark Flesh colored elements, the building seems all the more impressive. Enjoy today’s slice of architectural history.
As part of an event in Ballabio, North of Milan, the Italian LEGO users group ItLUG held a Creator contest, which was won by Dario Minisini (oirad72) with this lovely cottage.
I’m not sure whether the combination of the shape, the red roof-tiles and the white walls triggered it, but when I saw this picture I was immediately reminded of Italy, even before I knew the back-story. Like many Creator sets, its construction may be relatively straightforward, but the colours, the proportions and level of detail make it work.
We don’t feature many modular buildings (or Cafe-Corner Compatible buildings, if you prefer) on this blog any more. After a while they all start to look a bit the same. A few weeks ago, however, I attended a Lowlug meeting and saw the very original models by Christiaan de Roo (aloisvonesterhazy), inspired by Amsterdam. My favourite in his collection is a somewhat older model called “Cafe het Hoekje”, which is Dutch and translates to Corner Cafe. It is built in the very attractive style typical of many 19th century buildings in city centres in the Netherlands, reminiscent of 17th century Dutch architecture.
One thing I don’t like about many modular buildings, including some of the sets, is their overly elaborate decoration in too many or odd colours. I prefer a more restrained look and Christiaan got that just right. There is a variation in the colour of the roof tiles, which adds some extra visual interest, but most of the building is plain brown with white accents. The building also has a full interior with some spectacular tile work on the ground floor. You can enjoy it in all its detail by checking out the full set on flickr.
The Brooklyn buildings by Jonathan Lopes (BKNY Bricks) aren’t as elaborately decorated as your typical Café Corner compatible building, but as far as I am concerned that is a good thing. Every detail seems to naturally fit into place.
The buildings were inspired by the block where the builder lives. Their overall look is so nicely composed, that at first I didn’t realise that they are only about half the scale that is typically used for minifigs. The size of the trees finally made me realise that my mind was being tricked.
Long-time readers are probably most-familiar with Thomas Oechsner because of his stellar Neo-Classic Space models, but Thomas recently posted a big batch of Micropolis modules.
Thomas used four base modules to assemble this cluster of gorgeous tan skyscrapers. (I’m including some pretty tall pictures in this post so you can get a sense of the sheer height of Thomas’s LEGO buildings.)
This neighborhood of townhouses includes some lush backyards and lovely mottled brickwork.
The antenna atop N. Nielson Center first drew my attention, but scroll down for a wonderful tribute to a great builder.
See dozens more photos on Flickr.
UPDATE: 10234 Sydney Opera House is out now for LEGO VIP Program members, and will be available to everybody on September 1st.
The big LEGO set being revealed this evening at BrickWorld in Chicago is 10234 Sydney Opera House. Designed by Jamie Berard, this new LEGO set recreates the architectural masterpiece that overlooks Sydney Harbor in Australia. Due out in September 2013, 10234 Sydney Opera House will include nearly 3,000 pieces and cost $320 in the US.
Here are all the official details from LEGO:
10234 Sydney Opera House™
Ages 16+. 2,989 pieces.
Recreate Australia’s architectural masterpiece!
US $319.99 CA $379.99 DE 279.99€ UK 249.99 £ DK 2499.00 DKKRecreate one of the 20th century’s most distinctive buildings with the Sydney Opera House™ model. Build the unmistakable shell roofline, waterfront forecourt and more with this authentic representation of Australia’s most iconic building. Employ a variety of new and advancedbuilding techniques to recreate the complex forms, angled walls and subtle detailing of the real thing! Collect lots of dark tan LEGO® bricks including the rare 1x1x2/3 stud and 1x2x2/3 stud slopes, as well as a 48×48 stud baseplate in blue for the very first time!
- Build this model of a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
- Includes hard-to-find dark tan LEGO® bricks, tiles and sloped bricks!
- Collect the 48×48 stud baseplate, available in blue for the very first time!
- Sturdy construction allows the model to be handled and moved!
- Features advanced building techniques for complex forms, angled walls and subtle detailing!
- Measures over 11″ high, 25″ wide and 15″ deep!
Available for sale directly through LEGO® beginning September 2013
Here’s a video of designer Jamie Berard talking about his new set:
Don’t miss the other big announcement of the night: LEGO approves Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity Rover CUUSOO project
