Dec. 28--Last year, Danish toy company Lego (maybe you've heard of it?) released a set of monochrome building blocks called the Lego Architecture Studio. Containing more than 1,200 white and transparent bricks, as well as a 250-page guidebook, the sleek kit was made to inspire design enthusiasts of all stripes -- from armchair architects to professional builders and engineers. The intended age group? 16+.
In January 2016, the company introduces a new series geared toward adults (or Lego-loving teens): the Lego Architecture Skyline Collection, which re-creates famous cityscapes with true-to-life color and relative scale depiction. It's intended to be a learning experience: Each Skyline model comes with a booklet detailing the architectural history of the city and selected landmarks.
First to launch are the skylines of Berlin, New York and Venice. The Berlin set ($29.99) features the Reichstag, Victory Column, Deutsche Bahn Tower, Berlin TV Tower and the Brandenburg Gate, as well as three sections of the Berlin Wall with graffiti deco. The New York set ($59.99) brings together the Flatiron Building, Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, One World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty (topped with a boxy, green Lego-style Lady Liberty). Meanwhile, the Venice package -- arguably the most beautiful of the three -- unites the Rialto Bridge, St. Marks Basilica, St. Mark's Campanile, St. Theodore and the Winged Lion of St. Mark, and the Bridge of Sighs, with rivers and canals suggested by bright blue tiles in the base plate.
Maybe you've tried puzzles, Sudoku or the adult coloring-book trend and are looking for some new fun, meditative activity to beat the winter blahs. The sky's the limit. But we think Lego's architectural kits could be the next big thing.
Available starting Jan. 1 at shop.lego.com.
Laura Pearson is a freelance writer.
