Brick City

Brick City – Global Icons to Make from Lego
Written by Warren Elsmore
Published at Barron’s

About the book

Brick City is a model builder’s festival in book form. What lends special distinction to the models is the way they’re constructed. Each is made entirely of LEGO bricks! Known for decades as a favorite children’s toy, LEGO bricks have entered the adult model builder’s repertoire in recent years. Author and model maker Warren Elsmore presents instructions for neophyte LEGO modelers plus plans for constructing specific buildings and landmarks, along with vivid photos of completed LEGO models. The models represent landmarks from all over the world, and include—

• St. Basil's Cathedral
• New York’s New World Trade Center
• The Arc de Triomphe
• Rome’s Colosseum
• A London taxicab
• Hong Kong ferries
• Buckingham Palace. . . and many others

Featuring amazing photos of LEGO models, and scale drawings of structural details to guide model builders, Brick City presents a modeler’s panorama of contemporary urban landscapes. More than 400 illustrations in color and black and white.

My Thoughts

I have four kids – all loving to use Lego to build something new.   Sometimes they follow a plan.  Other times they are very creative.   What I love about creativity is that they can check out what others have done in order to get more ideas.   That’s why I am always on the lookout to discover more ideas for them to build.

Imagine my delight when I stumbled – literally – on a particular title giving step-by-step directions on building famous landscapes found throughout the world.  That’s what Brick City is about.   Some of the constructions included in this book will have step-by-step guidance for your child to follow while others will only show the incredible details included in the buildings.   Not only will you get the step-by-step instructions but you also get a list of the bricks needed to make the building.   

While flipping the pages of this book, I also discovered that the Montreal Biodome and the St. Joseph’s Oratory has been made in Lego.  What a surprised it was to see two of the famous landmarks of my birthplace.    The models have various sizes going from a scale of 5 cm to 122 cm tall. 

At the beginning of the book, the child or Lego fan can read more about how building were made at the scale for Lego.   You will also get a small introduction on how CAD Modeling is used for this kind of Lego creations.   The reader will also get some building tips, a practice project , mosaic techniques, and a choice of projects to complete within the book.

Needless to say that I am very impressed with this book and I know that some brick builders in this household will have a blast exploring and creating their own famous icons from around the world.   Would you believe me if I tell you you can build Marilyn Monroe above the subway vent with her skirt flowing around?   Yes it’s in the book along with instructions to build the famous Red Phone Box in London and other famous places.  Also enclosed with the book are two dramatic posters featuring LEGO® model photos of architectural world landmarks.

So if you have an avid brick builder in your household, I strongly recommend the book Brick City to you.  It is packed with interesting projects and will allow your child (or Lego fan) to explored a new level of construction.  This book would make a perfect birthday gift or a Christmas surprise under the tree. 

Brick City is available for purchase at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book for review purposes from Barron’s. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.