As we discussed earlier this month (see press-release here: LEGO Creator Assembly Square Press-Release), the next set in the LEGO Modular Buildings line is going to be the #10255 LEGO Creator Assembly Square. This is a particularly special set in the collection, because it commemorates the 10th anniversary of the LEGO Modular Buildings, and because it is larger than any of the previous sets. Instead of having a 32×32 stud footprint, this set adds a 16×32 baseplate for a wider layout. 🙂
While it is perfectly fine to display the LEGO Modular Buildings as they are, if you are adventurous, you can modify them by making them bigger, changing the colors, and adding extra details both inside and outside. We have talked about modifications of the LEGO Modular Buildings previously, and I have included some links for you at the end of this post. Today we will focus on different layouts for the #10255 LEGO Creator Assembly Square with the help of one of my favorite town builders, Sjaak Lego. This set is especially interesting for modification because it includes three separate buildings, so there are more options for different configurations.
Sjaak Lego likes to expand the LEGO Modular Buildings by making them larger, and he initially uses Photoshop to work out different possibilities for his own LEGO town layout. The images really help to see what can be achieved with the LEGO Modular Buildings, and they might help with creating a plan for your own LEGO city. On the picture below you can see that the dark-orange and sand-green buildings were mirrored and put next to each other for a wider street view. This makes the bakery in the middle larger, or you could put two different shops in the space. And you can also replace the second flower shop with something else. I think the dark-orange building with the two towers looks really good this way.
In the above configuration the sand-blue building was left as is, however you can certainly increase the size of it as well. Below, the building was doubled and mirrored to create larger apartments on the second and third floors, and the coffee shop now has two entries.
In the next picture, the entire set is mirrored and put next to each other, so now the sand-green building is in the middle. This makes the flower shop and the photo studio above it wider. The little plaza at the front is larger as well, so there is more room for a bigger fountain, outdoor seating, and for street vendors to set up their carts.
Now that a nice layout has been worked out, how about making the buildings taller? By adding an additional story to each of the buildings, the whole street looks more substantial with a more downtown-like vibe.
And what about making the buildings really-really tall for a high-rise condominium? You still have small shops at the bottom, and plenty of apartments for your minifigs to live in. Each of the living spaces could be furnished differently for a customized look. Very impressive, isn’t it?
It is interesting to note that because the most recent LEGO Modular Buildings (#10251LEGO Creator Brick Bank, #10246 LEGO Creator Detective’s Office, #10255 LEGO Creator Assembly Square) are made up of smaller buildings, expanding them really creates a complete street feel. There is no need to get every single set in the collection to achieve that look, because you get several buildings in just a single set. It is also easier to customize each building because of the smaller size. So, while not everyone likes the smaller Modulars, overall I think they are more user-friendly and appeal to a wider audience. The LEGO Creator Assembly Square will be available in January next year, but you can check out the current selection under the LEGO Creator section of the Online LEGO Shop.
What do you think? How do you like the expanded version of the LEGO Creator Assembly Square? Are you planning to customize yours as well, or will just stay with the original layout? What other changes you think would look good with this set? Feel free to share your thoughts and discuss in the comment section below! 😉
And you might also like to check out the following related posts:
A funny thing happened on the way to the LEGO store, I was talking to my mom about the new modular set that’s coming out in January and also about trying to decide which of the older modular sets I would want for Christmas . To make a long story short Mom got me the Parisian restaurant and the ( soon to be retired ) Pet shop . That’s the good news . The bad news is I have to wait for Christmas to build it. At leased I know I’m getting it and it isn’t sold out or back ordered ( or like the pet shop gone bye bye for good).
That’s awesome! The Parisian and the Pet Shop looks exceptionally good together! Now just the matter of counting down the days to Christmas so you can build them! 🙂
Congrats! Those are both awesome sets and you won’t be disappointed… the wait will be worth it!
Thanks, It will also go great with the detective office that I already have. At first I thought I wasn’t going to get to involved in the modular sets. But, then again why not . It is one of LEGO top sets to get .I can buy any of under $100.00 dollar sets , But, modular sets have ” more meat on their bones” if you will. Can’ t wait to start building.
Good points. Also, while some sets can look a bit messy on display (especially if you are collecting different themes), the modular have a very cohesive and clean look. Also, they can fit with pretty much any theme, and you can “dress” the modular up differently for different occasions. Like you can add Halloween decorations and trick-or-treating minifigs for Halloween, Christmas decoration for Christmas, flood the city with zombies or aliens, or add whatever else you want. So they are a good base for a lot of stories and themes.
Like the empty apartment in pet shop set . I think I’ll put furniture in it and then decorate it for different seasons.
Exactly! BTW, that apartment building also has an awesome little crawlspace under the first floor, with a secret entrance. I put a skeleton into mine. 🙄
I think I’m going to fully enclose what’s now the rooftop terrace and make it one brick higher than the roof of the Bakery’s building. I will keep the ladder to that roof and place a trapdoor there. Then I will create a master bedroom, a separate bathroom and if possible a small second bedroom. My city could really use apartments that can house more than one minifigure.
Nice idea! Yeah, the modular apartments are all very small, aren’t they? I guess everyone in LEGO city is single. 😀
Luckily that’s something customization can fix. I’m not done designing it yet, but my Grand Emporium will be turned into a three story apartment building with a small clothing store and lobby on the ground floor and one apartment on each of the other floors.
Sweet! Feel free to share pictures when you are done! Would love to see it! 🙂
MERRY HALLOWEEN FROM THE EASTER FAIRY!
Same to you! 🙄
I have 2 of th elder firestations and wonder if y’all could direct me to someone who might help me customize them into a 2 story fire station. My son has muscular dystrophy and the firemen means so much to us that we want to give it to them as a gift.
I’m not sure which ones I have, but they are the 2 before this new one. I’d sure appreciate it.
If you could email me, that would be awesome, as I don’t know how to get back here and read the responses.
Michelle, I will respond to you by email. 🙂