On Jan 8, 2015, at Taliesin West, in Scottsdale, Ariz., Architectural LEGO Artist Adam Reed Tucker will unveil the first model of Taliesin West ever made from LEGO bricks and the largest LEGO model of any Frank Lloyd Wright building.
With a group of local schoolchildren (who have all been served by the Foundation’s extensive K-12 educational programs in one of its renowned “Architecture Camps”), Tucker will put the final pieces of the model into place. Demonstrating how he built the model through the use of standard LEGO bricks, Tucker hopes to inspire children to explore and learn about architecture, art, and design.
Containing more than 180,000 LEGO bricks in 11 colors and 120 different shapes, the model measures eight by four feet. It is Tucker's largest LEGO build to date. Working in accordance with the LEGO Certified Professional Program, he spent 40 hours researching and studying the project, 120 hours designing the LEGO model, and 260 hours constructing the final model of Taliesin West.
Sean Malone, President and CEO of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, said, "Taliesin West is already one of the great historic and architectural experiences in the world—for visitors from all backgrounds and interests. I am so excited that, for the next four months only, people who visit Taliesin West will have the wonderful bonus of experiencing Adam’s remarkable and playful work of art in Legos."
"This model has been an exceptional challenge for several reasons,” said Tucker, “which is why it has also been exceptionally interesting. This has certainly been the most complex project I have ever undertaken.”
Among the many design factors and construction considerations that Tucker had to contemplate range from the mundane—such as how the model will be transported—to the complicated, like how best to represent the different materials, textures and colors so specific to this structure.
Other challenges include scale, proportion, layout, topography, stylization, structural integrity, likeness, piece availability, and detail feasibility. All of these considerations are magnified by the “scratch-build” process that Tucker employs. He does not use any computer software or sketches in working out the building process of the model. He does not use any glue to secure the pieces and all parts are genuine LEGO bricks commonly available.
Built in 1937, Taliesin West was the winter home of Wright and school of Frank Lloyd Wright and is one of the most visited Frank Lloyd Wright sites in the world.
This model will be on display in the Pavilion at Taliesin West until the end of April and available for viewing by anyone attending a tour of Taliesin West. Reservations for tours are available by visiting www.franklloydwright.org.
Related Stories
Arenas | Feb 23, 2023
Using data to design the sports venue of the future
Former video game developer Abe Stein and HOK's Bill Johnson discuss how to use data to design stadiums and arenas that keep fans engaged and eager to return.
Museums | Feb 22, 2023
David Chipperfield's 'subterranean' design wins competition for National Archaeological Museum in Athens
Berlin-based David Chipperfield Architects was selected as the winner of the design competition for the new National Archaeological Museum in Athens. The project will modernize and expand the original neoclassical museum designed by Ludwig Lange and Ernst Ziller (1866-1874) with new spaces that follow the existing topography of the site. It will add approximately 20,000 sm of space to the existing museum, as well as a rooftop park that will be open to the public.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 21, 2023
Watch: DBA Architects' Bryan Moore talks micro communities and the benefits of walkable neighborhoods
What is a micro-community? Where are they most prevalent? What’s the future for micro communities? These questions (and more) addressed by Bryan Moore, President and CEO of DBA Architects.
Healthcare Facilities | Feb 21, 2023
Cleveland's Glick Center hospital anchors neighborhood revitalization
The newly opened MetroHealth Glick Center in Cleveland, a replacement acute care hospital for MetroHealth, is the centerpiece of a neighborhood revitalization. The eleven-story structure is located within a ‘hospital-in-a-park’ setting that will provide a bucolic space to the community where public green space is lacking. It will connect patients, visitors, and staff to the emotional and physical benefits of nature.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 21, 2023
Multifamily housing investors favoring properties in the Sun Belt
Multifamily housing investors are gravitating toward Sun Belt markets with strong job and population growth, according to new research from Yardi Matrix. Despite a sharp second-half slowdown, last year’s nationwide $187 billion transaction volume was the second-highest annual total ever.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 21, 2023
New multifamily housing and mixed-use buildings in Portland, Ore., must be ready for electric vehicle charging
The Portland, Ore., City Council recently voted unanimously to require all new residential and mixed-use buildings to be ready for electric vehicle charging. The move amends Portland’s zoning laws to require all new multi-dwelling and mixed-use development of five or more units with onsite parking to provide electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
K-12 Schools | Feb 18, 2023
Atlanta suburb opens $85 million serpentine-shaped high school designed by Perkins&Will
In Ellenwood, Ga., a southeast suburb of Atlanta, Perkins and Will has partnered with Clayton County Public Schools and MEJA Construction to create a $85 million secondary school. Morrow High School, which opened in fall 2022, serves more than 2,200 students in Clayton County, a community with students from over 30 countries.
Museums | Feb 17, 2023
First Americans Museum uses design metaphors of natural elements to honor native worldview
First Americans Museum (FAM) in Oklahoma City honors the 39 tribes in Oklahoma today, reflecting their history through design metaphors of nature’s elements of earth, wind, water, and fire. The design concept includes multiple circles suggested by arcs, reflecting the native tradition of a circular worldview that encompasses the cycle of life, the seasons, and the rotation of the earth.
Architects | Feb 17, 2023
Architect of the Capitol fired by President Biden after strong bipartisan criticism
Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton was let go this week following alleged abuse of authority, misuse of government property, and wasted taxpayer money.
High-rise Construction | Feb 15, 2023
Bjarke Ingels' 'leaning towers' concept wins Qianhai Prisma Towers design competition
A pair of sloped high-rises—a 300-meter residential tower and a 250-meter office tower—highlight the Qianhai Prisma Towers development in Qianhai, Shenzhen, China. BIG recently won the design competition for the project.