(Written by William)
Each time I’ve built a LEGO Architecture model, I’ve always been impressed with the quality of the packaging and presentation of the set. So, when I got the #21066 LEGO Architecture New York City- The Big Apple, I was a bit bewildered. It didn’t come with a spiral-bound instruction manual like other LEGO Architecture sets. Additionally, the box seemed more like a standard LEGO Icons set. The differences were noticeable enough that I had to double-check that it was indeed categorized as a LEGO Architecture model.
This bit of confusion continued as I built the model. Certain aspects of LEGO Architecture sets weren’t on display. I’ll get into why I feel this way later on. The odd thing is, I can completely see why LEGO is still marketing this model as an Architecture set. So, let’s head to the Big Apple and see what there is to find in the heart of Manhattan!
LEGO ART VS. LEGO ARCHITECTURE
The first thing that struck me about this model was how it didn’t feel like any of the LEGO Architecture sets I’ve built in the past. Previous models in the series had a big focus on highlighting features of a given structure while maintaining the proper scale of any given creation. This model, by contrast, simply gives the suggestion of shape and form. Because of this, the set comes across more as an art piece that happens to feature structures as the subject. This also makes the end product feel and build more like a LEGO Icons set, particularly LEGO Icons Art.
LEGO elements used in the LEGO Icons Art series focus on creating challenging shapes and forms. This is often represented by models that look as though they can come to life or could have a texture other than hard plastic. Architecture fans, on the other hand, are used to stacking bricks and plates more straightforwardly. This is not to say Architecture sets are simple, just that they can be a tad more monotonous to build.
So this brings up the question, why is this model in the LEGO Architecture line? As far as I can tell, I think the LEGO marketing department knew that, due to the subject matter, fans of the LEGO Architecture line would appreciate the art more than fans of LEGO Icons.
The other clear sign that this model is more art than a scaled model is the giant apple that forms the background. I have to admit, it is a very striking sight that ties the moniker of the city extremely well, but it is more of a backdrop to present the illusion of depth. In fact, most of this model is all about illusions. The distance between buildings is made up and heavily skewed. The scaling of buildings from one to another is also wildly exaggerated. The Empire State Building is roughly 500 feet shorter than the One World Trade Center, but they almost look the same height. The viewer just has to imagine that this is not the case since the One World Trade Center is just farther back in the imaginary distance.
Another key feature of this set’s art quality is the way it represents ideas about New York. The small pops of color, namely yellow, represent the numerous taxis in the city. You also have a hidden subway train and plates with specific colors underneath the model to represent the subway lines. Finally, throw in the mostly desaturated color palette, and you have a very striking work that shares more of the love of buildings with the LEGO Architecture line than a set that is common in its lineup.
LEGO BIG APPLE – CHECKING OUT THE SITES
One aspect that I absolutely love about this model is how many structures it presents to the builder. It is worth noting that the scene is made to give us a stylized version of Manhattan. This is not meant to be a slight on the other boroughs; it is just that Manhattan does have several recognizable landmarks in a quasi-close area.
Up in the front-left is a representation of Central Park. Meanwhile, on the front-right is the Statue of Liberty, which nicely balances out the foreground. Moving back, we have a representation of the Guggenheim Museum on the left and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the center. I really love the use of binoculars to make the pillars for the museum.
Moving one layer back, we then get a mess of buildings to help fill the scene. I’m sure there are some recognizable buildings in this forest of concrete and steel, but none of them really caught my eye or were pointed out by LEGO.
Finally, from left to right in the far background are the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and the Brooklyn Bridge. All of these are mounted into the apple backdrop to add stability and give the whole scene a sense of grandeur.
LEGO BIG APPLE – THE BEST PARTS
I know that the color palette is a bit muted. And the price of $139.99 might give fans pause, but this is probably one of the best models for basic parts I’ve ever come across. With a limited color palette, it means there are many parts that can be utilized as basic structure pieces. And the price and size of the model mean you have a lot of the same elements. Which is everything you need if you ever want to try for a large-scale creation of your own.
The model also sports two printed elements. One is the name plate. The other is a series of 1×1 tiles with the twinkling star pattern. When I saw the star tiles, the first thing I wanted to do was to build a fancy floor with them.
LEGO BIG APPLE – FINAL THOUGHTS
To me, this set falls into one of two categories as to who I think it is for. The first is for people who love New York and are looking more for a sort of souvenir piece. The nice thing is you could go to New York, see the sites, and then go home and buy the set and not have to carry the model around while you travel.
The other group of people I think might want this are those LEGO Architecture fans who are looking for a centerpiece. Something that might sit in the middle of all their New York-related LEGO Architecture models, or even other types of New York-based memorabilia. The large apple has a white trim around it, making it perfect for standing out against dark or light backgrounds. And the apple shape naturally draws the eye, making it the ideal center of a collection.
Now, what are the downsides? Well, from a build perspective, there is a lot that is just plain boring. So many little buildings are nothing more than a stack of bricks with a slope on top. That gets old quick and also makes things a little fragile at times. Another failing is that this set needs to have its back against a wall. The backside of the model is absolutely dreadful. So, if you have your LEGO Architecture sets somewhere you can walk around them, you’ll need to find a different space for this one. In the video below, I talk about the set in a bit more detail.
I will admit that the price of this set is high, but about right for a LEGO Architecture set. The odd thing is that some of the high-end production I expect from a LEGO Architecture set of this size seems to be missing. You don’t get a spiral-bound instruction model, and there’s nothing special about the box it comes in. That’s why I do want to warn any LEGO Architecture fans that they are buying more of an art hybrid model and not something that is what they’ve come to expect from the LEGO Architecture line. If you want to check it out, it’s available at the LEGO Architecture section of the Online LEGO Shop.
What do you think? How do you like this unique LEGO Architecture set? Feel free to share your thoughts and own reviews in the comment section below!
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Wow. That does look bad from the back! I think they are just trying another way to do architecture sets. It’s not bad, I like it, I just have no real connection to New York City, but if I had, I would probably buy it. I like the shape, the colors, and the techniques.
They did the moon like that in some other sets also. I really like the technique. It’s so effective. And you can even change the shape of the moon, making the crescent larger or smaller.