The newest addition of the LEGO Architecture sets has been revealed thanks to the French LEGO fan-site HothBricks.com, the #21017 LEGO Architecture Imperial Hotel. This is the 18th LEGO Architecture set in the series, first launched back in 2008. Each set is a miniature replica of a famous building – presented beautifully in a sleek black box, with a full color glossy brochure that includes not just building instructions for the model, but also the story of the building and the architect behind it. The LEGO Architecture series continues to be popular with fans of fine architecture and collectors, as the sets make beautiful display-pieces.
The #21017 LEGO Architecture Imperial Hotel is based on a Frank Lloyd Wright building in Tokyo, Japan, built between 1915 and 1923. The Japanese aristocracy wanted to create a hotel for the increasing number of Western visitors. One hotel was built, but after about 25 years it was considered too small and outdated, so the famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright was hired to build a new hotel to accommodate all the guests.
Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Imperial Hotel in the “Maya Revival Style” of architecture, with a tall, pyramid-like structure, and loosely copied Maya motifs in its decorations. The main building materials are poured concrete, concrete block, and carved oya-stone. The visual effect of the hotel was stunning and dramatic, and – interestingly – it fit right into the Japanese environment.
The Imperial Hotel survived two earthquakes and Word War II, but it eventually slipped into decay. In a controversial decision, it was decided to demolish the old hotel and replace it with a (terribly ugly) high-rise structure. While most of Wright’s building was destroyed, the iconic central lobby wing and the reflecting pool were disassembled and rebuilt at The Museum Meiji Mura, where they are open to the public.
The LEGO Architecture Imperial Hotel only depicts the remaining part of the whole structure, but it still reflects its original majestic beauty. The set is full of interesting building techniques and elements in rare colors, so it should be fun to build for any LEGO Architecture fan. The set come with 1,188 pieces and should be around $100. Actual release that is not yet known.
Below are a few more pictures to show you the details:
If you are interested in the currently available LEGO Architecture sets you can check out the Online LEGO Shop. Last time I checked 15 sets of the series were available: See LEGO Architecture Series Here
So what do you think? How do you like this new addition to the LEGO Architecture Series? Do you collect the Architecture sets? My dad does, but he is an architect, so that’s just expected. For myself I’m excited about some of the new elements, like those sand-green corner slopes. Yum! What about you? Share your thoughts in the comment section below! 🙂
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