When you want to build a Rudolph, but lack the upper body strength. Photo: Mini Materials
TABLE-TOP CONSTRUCTION
You’ve probably seen the growing number of Lego kits devoted to great architecture: sets that allow you build distinguished buildings such as Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim Museum, his Fallingwater Residence, London’s Buckingham Palace, Berlin’s famous Brandenburg Gate, and even Mies’ Farnworth House! [Hint: These special sets, in Lego’s “Architecture” series, often sell out - so if you’re a design-oriented Lego-phile, get them while you can!]
Fallingwater in Lego. Image: Amazon
One has to admit that it must have been a challenge to translate some of these buildings into such sets: not all of these buildings’ geometries readily lend themselves to the modules of Lego’s system. Even so, we commend all attempts to encourage more audiences to appreciate architecture—and especially salute Lego’s efforts.
But hey, Lego! - Why don’t you take on a building that would wonderfully translate into an impressive Lego structure: Paul Rudolph’s most famous design, the Yale Art & Architecture Building (now redidicated as Rudolph Hall).
Now that would make an exceptional Lego set!
Anybody want to start a petition?
Imagine this - in Lego! Photo: Gunnar Klack from Wikipedia
Meanwhile: What’s the table-top builder to do?
MATERIALS AT LILLIPUTIAN SCALE
There is an answer!
For those of you who want to build at home - or rather, in your home, right on your kitchen table - there are sets of diminuitive construction materials that will allow you to get started.
For example:
There are miniature concrete blocks, made of real concrete, and real miniature bricks—which can be laid with minute amounts of mortar.
There are scale sets of miniature wood 2x4’s, 2x6’s, and plywood—all ready for your handy hands to assemble!
There are even mini palettes, to help you transport these materials across your table-top construction site! [And it’s been suggested that they make good drink-coasters too.]
Take a look at the full range of materials and accessories that Mini Materials offers. We’re sure you’ll be inspired to get building!
P.S.
The only problem:
There are no ribbed concrete blocks—like the kind that Rudolph created & used for many of his projects.
Anybody want to start another petition?