Modern Building

As a long-time fan of the Architecture range, I wanted to create something that would exemplify the design aesthetic of modern architecture. Although I have enjoyed later builds in the Architecture series, such as Himeji Castle and The Great Pyramid of Giza, I always preferred the earlier sets that were devoted to Modernist architecture, like Robie House, Farnsworth House and Fallingwater. My own design is more akin to these Modernist archetypes, rather than historical landmarks or wonder-of-the-world style sets.

The design was loosely inspired by the real-life Keeling House, in Bethnal Green, London, which is a prominent example of Modernist architecture. In particular, I was always taken with the entrance foyer and this project takes some design cues from that - the overall glass and concrete structure, the step pyramid water feature outside the building, the small footbridge over water leading to the main entrance, and the trapezoidal design of the main desk inside. All of the other details are my own creation; the end result differs a lot from its real-world inspiration.

I haven't been too specific about the nature of the building; it could be an atrium to an office building, or possibly an entrance foyer to an apartment complex so that the occupant of the desk could be a receptionist, concierge or possibly a security guard.

The angles of the building are created using hinge plates, while the roof is constructed using a SNOT technique. The roof is easily detachable from the main structure using a simple clip mechanism. The doors are hinged and open outwards to reveal the interior of the building. Inside, the decor is minimalist, as befits a Modernist building - there is the main desk, which is a trapezoidal structure, two benches - echoing the trapezoidal design of the desk - two large standard lamps, two rows of pot plants and an office chair.

The desk includes other small details for the person sitting at it - coffee mug, milkshake cup, tablet and central computer terminal, along with two in-built terminals for CCTV and control of the building.

The little brick-built chair could be adapted to accommodate a minifigure. As with the other brick-built details in the space, my aim was to capture the essence of the object in as few pieces as possible at the correct scale for the building.

While I think the model would make a good display piece for fans of architecture, especially Modernist architecture, the building is more or less minifigure scale, so could be incorporated into a LEGO city. It would make a striking addition to any LEGO city and it's easy to imagine it as part of a downtown core, surrounded by other modern buildings.

Part count: 1799

Approx dimensions: W 38cm L 43cm H 14cm