Today I would like to show you a just released very unique LEGO set in the LEGO Architecture series; the #21050 LEGO Architecture Studio. It goes in a completely different direction than previously released LEGO Architecture sets. Instead of display-sets of famous landmarks that you basically built once and then put up on a shelf somewhere, LEGO Architecture Studio caters to the very heart of architecture and design; free-building, free-flowing creativity. 🙂
The #21050 LEGO Architecture Studio set is basically a big box containing 1210 LEGO elements for free-building; plates, bricks, slopes, tiles, and specialty pieces that could be both functional and decorative. Most of the elements are white, but there are also a few trans-clear elements that could be used as windows, doors, glass-walls, etc.
Besides the LEGO elements, the LEGO Architecture Studio set also includes a 272-page book. Yes, it is a big book! And no, it is not a regular instruction-book that you would expect with LEGO sets. It’s a book full of inspiration and ideas to boost your creativity.
The book basically features various architecture and design companies who share a concept used by professional architects and designers. After each chapter there is a section for hands-on exploration where LEGO bricks are used for exploring the concept discussed. Then, there is a workshop section with exercises to help you master the concept with the LEGO bricks included.
The LEGO Architecture Studio set is recommended for ages 16 and up, so it is perfect for budding architects and designers. However I can also see this book work great in a school-curriculum. Many architects and designers use LEGO to work out their concepts and feature their models. In fact, I got introduced to LEGO by my father, who is an architect, and he used LEGO both for his own models, and when he is teaching college classes.
The LEGO Architecture Studio set also includes two handy sorting-trays, and three sturdy sorting-boxes. I suspect that in the hands of creative architects the sorting-boxes could also get incorporated in the design. One thing I’m baffled about it that no brick-separator is included. With so many plates and bricks a brick-separator is a must! These days, when LEGO includes a brick-separator in even medium-sized sets, to not include one in such a large set that mainly targets students and professionals, is a major oversight. I hope LEGO will correct this mistake, as it does look very unprofessional in an otherwise very professional set. Beside, a splash of orange in a sea of white 🙄
Here is the official description of the #21050 LEGO Architecture Studio set: Bring your architectural creations to life in LEGO form with LEGO Architecture Studio. In this amazing set you get over 1200 LEGO bricks and an inspirational guidebook filled with 272 pages of tips, techniques, features, and intuitive hands-on exercises endorsed by leading design houses. LEGO Architecture Studio gives you everything you need to create your very own unique buildings. Let your imagination guide your design!
- Includes 1210 white and transparent LEGO bricks, sorting-trays and an inspirational 272-page guidebook
- Guidebook includes tips, techniques, features and intuitive hands-on exercises
- Use the monochromatic bricks to help you learn the fundamentals of architectural design in a LEGO context
- Endorsed by REX architecture, Sou Fujimoto Architects, SOM, MAD Architects, Tham & Videgård Arkitekter, and Safdie Architects
- Guidebook written in collaboration with leading architects and edited by Christopher Turner
- Be inspired by world-renowned architects
- Release your inner architect and explore a world of endless creative possibilities
- For Ages: 16+
- Price: $149.95
Besides creating a whole new concept within the LEGO Architecture series, LEGO is doing something else new with this set. They have teamed up with Barnes & Noble for a four-day event. Barnes & Noble, the leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products, announced that 450 Barnes & Noble stores nationwide will host their first-ever LEGO Architecture Studio events and celebrations from July 25-28. Here is a excerpt from their press-release:
The LEGO Architecture Studio event will feature local architecture experts discussing and demonstrating the parameters and design process in architecture using LEGO bricks to educate and inspire the hands-on building that follows. Participants will have the opportunity to reference the LEGO 250 guide book, experiment and create original architectural designs with more than 1,200 monochromatic building pieces, and learn a few architectural concepts such as scale, mass and density, symmetry, modules and repetition, space and section and surface.
Additionally, the store will offer architecture fans the first look at a new LEGO Architecture product that can only be found for sale in Barnes & Noble and LEGO brand outlets from July 25-28.
“This event is perfect for anyone interested in visual design and the important and profound role design plays in our communities. Aspiring architects, design enthusiasts and LEGO fans will have a hands-on opportunity to explore concepts and discover new insights by constructing 3D models,” said Kathleen Campisano, Vice President, Toys & Games, Barnes & Noble, Inc. “Barnes & Noble is excited to partner with LEGO to continue the world-wide conversation and collaborative nature of architectural design through these engaging and fun events.”
The LEGO Architecture Studio event is free and open to the public. For further details, contact your local Barnes & Noble store, or visit the Barnes & Noble Store Locator to see what stores in your area will be offering the event.
My impression and thoughts on the LEGO Architecture Studio set is that it is a well thought out and executed concept that is a natural progression within the LEGO Architecture line. Giving fans of the LEGO Architecture series the means to explore architectural and design concepts, guided by professionals in a free-building environment. LEGO, architecture, and design naturally fit together. In fact, his is not the first time LEGO tried this direction. In the 1960s LEGO released a LEGO Architecture hobby series for free-building, and there was also the LEGO Modulex sets specifically made for architects with a more appropriate scale then regular LEGO bricks.
The LEGO Architecture Studio set is not for everyone. It is not a regular LEGO set that would appeal to most LEGO fans. And it is not like the LEGO Master Builder Academy program either. It has a very specific target audience in mind; teens and adults who are interested in architecture and design, and those who are already working in those fields and they like to use LEGO in their creative process. Having said that, even if you are not an architect or designer, but you are looking for lots of white parts, you might want to consider this set.
You can get the LEGO Architecture Studio set at LEGO stores as well as Barnes & Noble. Here is the link: BUY LEGO ARCHITECTURE STUDIO
If you are a fan of the LEGO Architecture series you can also check out Amazon.com. Currently they have most of the LEGO Architecture sets on sale. Shipping is free over $25 and there is no tax to most States.
So what do you think? How do you like the LEGO Architecture Studio set? What do you think of the concept? Is this a set you are planning to get? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below! 😉
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