Gradient Grandeur

Courtesy Pet Shop Block by cimddwc

Row House Hill - (BTT) It seems that sloping streets are all the rage, and for a very good reason. Ten unique buildings make up the street, housing everything from from travel agents to psychiatrists. If you aren't in the mood to navigate the changes in elevations on foot, fear not - there are both trolley cars and subway trains at your disposal. 

Planning for the Holidays

Courtesy Christmas Scene by Joaquin 

Modularville - (BTT) While the focus of this site is to showcase great architecture, in the real world great urban planning is just as important, if not more so, in creating a successful city. The six buildings pictured here will be instantly familiar to most of you, but their arrangement on a gently sloping hill fronting a park is completely unique. Decked out for Christmas, this town is without doubt a hit with the locals - from the window shoppers to the kids enjoying the snow, everyone seems filled with holiday cheer.

Gas and Go

Courtesy Art Deco Petrol Station by Henrik Hoexbroe

Royville, France - (BTT) What could be a more fitting place for an Art Deco masterpiece than the country that coined the term. The wonderful curved facades, striped in the colors of the French flag, gives this petrol station a streamlined look that would have complimented the automobiles of the era. 

The Railroad Starts Here

Terminal Station by peachtree

Train Terminal - (BTT) Stepping off the train at this station leaves visitors in awe. The ornate stairway entrance, the cafe, and the restaurant are just the start of it.Once the visitors exit the building, they can turn around and take a glance at this magnificent structure in brown and tan brickwork. It's sure to bring in the trains, and the visitors. A terrific structure to say the least.

Brains vs. Brawn

Courtesy The Daily Planet by Xenomurphy

The Daily Planet - (BTT) It appears Superman has his work cut out for him. While attempting to fight off one of Braniac's robots, two more are busy ripping apart the building. It's a real shame, because this is a fantastic piece of architecture. 

Merry Christmas!

Hope everyone has a safe and memorable Christmas! Sorry for the lack of posts, but we got other things going on too!

Oh, Canada!

Courtesy Supreme Court of Canada by -greenglo-

Supreme Court Building, Canada - (BTT) Looks like LEGO is finding its way into the most unusual of places. It's an imposing structure. Built to uphold the law of the land. Where even the most mundane of disputes are settled and laws are reviewed with the utmost prudence. Maybe someday you'll be involved in some case and may find this LEGO model standing in the Canadian Department of Justice.

Get a job as a LEGO Master Model Builder!

I was recently contacted by Emma Kivette of BRAVE Public Relations on a new job opening for the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Atlanta. Here's what she had to say:

"I’m hoping you might be able to share the following information with your readers. If you’d like any additional details, please let me know!   

Can you build anything and everything out of LEGO bricks? If so, sign up to try out for a full-time position as the Master Model Builder at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta before December 30! Interested candidates must register in advance by visiting the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta’s Facebook page and filling out the online application.   

Open auditions will be held on January 7, and the top 10 contenders will face off on January 8.   

To learn more about the position and competition, check out these videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1B6MBuezUA&feature=youtu.be 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji_WEDRZMDA&feature=youtu.be     

Thanks! 

Emma Kylee Kivette | BRAVE Public Relations"

Hope we have some interested viewers put there! So sign up while you still can!

Cabin Fever

Courtesy Log Cabin by Jameson42

Old Conifer Lane - (BTT) Nothing says winter like a log cabin in the woods. There is something just undeniably cozy about curling up in front of a fire with a good book surrounded by the natural materials that make up this secluded getaway. No need for a big screen TV or smartphone out here, but do invest in a decent shovel - you're going to need it.

Life in the Big House

Courtesy A Big Family House by Cooler TD

Manor Drive - (BTT) Now here's a stately estate - just add 2.5 kids and a dog and you're truly living the dream. Should you ever feel that the walls are closing in on you, not that you likely would given the ample square footage of this beautifully proportioned home, there is a front garden complete with a bench to sit and have your morning coffee. While not the white picket fence of the suburban ideal, this stone number certainly gives a better feeling of protection. Feel free to join the discussion at the Eurobricks forums.

Paint the Town Red

Courtesy Red and Tan House by paostmo

Terrace Row - (BTT) When you live in a townhouse, it can often be hard to express your individuality when your home looks identical to dozens of others on the block. The owners here have found a simple but effective solution - painting the ground level facade a brilliant shade of dark red. The result actually works in harmony with the tan walls above, assuring that they get noticed without upsetting the historic fabric of the neighborhood.

Inspiration of the Day - 12/11/11

Courtesy Stockholm Public Library by halinge

Stockholm, Sweden - (BTT) Designed by Gunnar Asplund, quite possibly Sweden's most celebrated architect, the Stockholm Public Library is a stunning example of the rather short-lived Nordic Classicism style. Completed in 1928, it was the first library in Sweden that had open shelves accessible to the public without the need for a librarian - the grand interior was specifically designed to show off the collection and allow its visitors to browse unaided. 

To Protect and Serve

Courtesy Police Headquarters by nuno2500

Lawful Boulevard - (BTT) It's often a thankless job, and certainly not one without risk, but the great men and women at the police department take it in stride. Headquartered in the handsome stone building above, which provides plenty of space for both vehicles and the officers to drive them, it's nice to know that those who devote their life to protect the public are themselves well protected from the elements.

Portrait of Ruin

Courtesy Ashmore Estates by ZombieMutts

Abandoned Alley - (BTT) In the real estate world, where they are prone to put a positive spin on even the most dire dwellings, this "handyman special" just needs "a little TLC." In the real world, or quite possibly a post-apocalyptic one, a bulldozer might come in handy more than a hammer and a can of paint. Still, it's clear that this house (or at least what parts haven't been overrun by the local flora) has a lot of character and might be worth salvaging should anyone feel especially ambitious.

Animal Farm

Courtesy Avalonian Farm by ZCerberus 

Livestock Lane - (BTT) It's good to get away from the city once and a while, and this little farmhouse is about as charming as they come. Little details abound on the facade - especially nice are the sand green shingles on the top floor.

Inspiration of the Day - 12/4/11

Courtesy Geisel Library by Chimay Bleue

University of California, San Diego - (BTT) Easily one of the most iconic examples of brutalist architecture, the Geisel Library (named after at Theodor "Dr. Seuss" Geisel) the UCSD campus looks straight out a sci-fi movie - no surprise it has been featured in several over the years. Architect William Pereira, who completed this library in 1970, was truly one of the masters of the style, and the state of California is home to dozens of landmark worthy buildings of his work. While there are still a lot of people in which brutalism is remembered less than fondly, there has been a bit of a traction in the preservation movement as of late - it's worth remembering that more than just classically designed buildings are worth saving.

Grand Catastrophe

Courtesy Hoppla! by - 2x4 -

Lookout Avenue - (BTT) Moving into a new apartment can be a stressful experience. You finally find the perfect place - top floor, spacious, and windows large to fit a grand piano - but you blew your savings on the security deposit and had to settle for a third rate moving company. Although the discount rope certainly isn't helping matters, one can't feel that the mysterious man in the dark cloak eyeing the red-headed businessman has something to do with this unfortunate musical mishap.

Civil Ceremony

Courtesy Town Hall and Town Square by aloisvonesterhazy

Downtown Historic District - (BTT) They say that the cost of an average wedding is over $25,000 - considering that financial difficulties are one of the leading factors for divorce, perhaps starting off your new life together with your spouse already in debt it not the wisest decision. This couple has it right - a simple ceremony at the beautiful and historic Town Hall, with the Town Square providing the perfect backdrop for pictures. After all, why spend thousands on flowers when all you could ever want are free to enjoy right here.

Nathan Sawaya LEGO Exhibit at the Morris Museum!

The Art of the Brick®

DECEMBER 2, 2011 – FEBRUARY 20, 2012 Nathan Sawaya is an award-winning artist who creates large-scale sculptures using only toy building blocks: LEGO® bricks. His touring exhibit is the only exhibition focusing exclusively on LEGO as an art medium.

A special area will be set up where visitors, inspired by Sawaya’s work, can build their own LEGO creations. RELATED PROGRAMS: Winter Family Festival, December. 27, 2011 enjoy the LEGO® Building Contest, see p. 12

LEGO Building Block Workshops, January 14, 19, and 28. LEGO® Building Blocks Workshops Stephen W. Schwartz, AIA, Architect of SWS Architects presents a LEGO® community architectural workshop.

Email programs@morrismuseum.org or call 973-971-3720 for registration information.

SATURDAY January 14 2:00—4:00 PM – Build Historical Morristown
Help to build 50 LEGO® historical buildings in Morristown with 50 families using 50,000 LEGO® building blocks. Your creations will be used to create a giant map of Morristown.

THURSDAY January 19 6:00—8:00 PM Build Historical Morristown
Help to build 50 LEGO® historical buildings in Morristown with 50 families using 50,000 LEGO® building blocks. Your creations will be used to create a giant map of Morristown.

SATURDAY January 28 2:00—4:00 PM—Windmills and Wind Power
Join together with 50 families to build a windmill with LEGO® building blocks and learn about the importance of wind power off the coast of New Jersey.

Thank you!

Info Courtesy Joseph N. Melchionne of the Morris Museum.

Rooftop Withdrawal

Courtesy Downtown Bank by Joshua R.

Financial District - (BTT) Let's face the facts - banks have been getting a lot of bad press lately, and not without reason. With all the new fees suddenly being introduced, more than some of us would like nothing more than to get our hard earned money back in our own pockets. While I am certainly not condoning the actions of those individuals using this stately bank's skylight to go and do just that, it does seem like a more effective alternative to spending an hour on hold with customer service only to plead a losing case. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! Chow down!

Pieces of Pisces

Courtesy Sushi Parlor by Ace Copland

Little Tokyo - (BTT) Looking every bit the part, this new sushi restaurant has become the most exclusive nibbles in town. Easily recognizable by the dragon above the door and distinctive dark red roof, those hungry for the taste of raw flesh better book early if they hope to get a seat. Save your money on the sake and indulge on the omakase - a little mystery in life never hurt anyone.

Keeping it Simple

Courtesy Diner by Sabby M

Blue Collar Way - (BTT) Microgreens? Truffle oil? Foamed beets? What happened to a simple cup of coffee, three styles of eggs, and food without pretension? Not all restaurants are chasing the latest trends, as the locals of this diner can attest to. Judging by the exterior, which shows extensive evidence of use, the demand for a decent cheeseburger is not to be underestimated.

Inspiration of the Day - 11/20/11

Courtesy Einstein Tower by Studio Jonas Coersmeier

Potsdam, Germany - (BTT) A landmark of Expressionist Architecture, Erich Mendelsohn's Einstein Tower is a true survivor. Construction started in 1919, but by the time the building was fully operational in 1924 there were already problems with the facade cracking, due in part from the materials being changed from concrete to stucco covered brick without any alterations made to the design. In World War II the building was heavily damaged in the Allied bombings of Potsdam, but thankfully its significance to the world of architecture was realized and it was repaired. While the upkeep on the Einstein Tower has been a bit on the steep side - the most recent renovations being completed in time for the 75th anniversary of the building - I don't think it is controversial to say that it has been money well spent.

True Blue

Courtesy Blue Abode by Mike MacLeod

Ontario, Canada - (BTT) The pre-war apartment building still holds a certain panache that the modern counterparts just can't seem to match. Sure you might have to deal with the hiss of a leaky radiator, and good luck finding a spare wall socket now that we live in an era where everything needs one, but one look at the grandeur of this remarkable abode and such inconveniences start to feel very minor indeed.

Dreaming of Electric Sheep

Courtesy Blade Runner by - 2x4 -

Los Angeles, 2019 - (BTT) While the rest of us are still patiently waiting for our flying cars, others are zipping around in style like it's no big deal - I suppose living in a dystopian state does tend to make one have greater priorities than gloating over their mode of transportation, though. While the world may have gone to pot, thankfully the buildings in it have never looked better.

Pub Crawl

Courtesy Irish Pub by Vincent Kessels

The Netherlands - (BTT) We seem to be doing a bit of bar hopping as of late, and I'm sure the locals at this Irish pub could go on at length the ways their watering hole is better than last week's English number. Assuming you can put up with the off-key renditions of "Danny Boy" till all hours of the night, there is also a fully furnished apartment up above. 

Going Green

Courtesy Residential House by papercla

Ruse, Bulgaria - (BTT) It would be easy to find your way home at night if you lived in a glow-in-the-dark apartment building, and this one certainly comes close to doing just that. Once your eyes adjust to the walls, they will start to take in some of the wonderful detailing found throughout - from the elegant wood doors to the ornamental stonework at the peak. Please feel free to join the discussion at the Eurobricks forums.

Inspiration of the Day - 11/13/11

Courtesy Seagram Building by anthonyling86

New York, New York - (BTT) A triumph of the International Style, design architects Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson not only built the most expensive skyscraper in history up until that point with their Seagram Building, completed in 1958, but also the most influential. Featuring floor to ceiling windows (the first office building in the world to do so), exposed I-beams on the facade, and a public plaza that people actually want to spend time in, the building was an instant hit that lead to more copycats than anything else erected after the war. Despite being a modernist building through and through, the proportions and detailing is still deeply rooted in classical architecture, and even the lobby pays homage to last week's Inspiration directly across the street.

Pint Sized

Courtesy Pub by DoNe

London, England - (BTT) Thought rarely the grandest or most architecturally important, few buildings hold the same level of devotion with the masses as the local pub. Doing away with the more traditional pub naming style, at least you know exactly what you are getting into upon entering the door - more than can be said for The Giblets & Trousers across the street.

Shiver Me Timbers

Courtesy Liberty Inn by ZCerberus

Fort Brighton East - (BTT) You better book early if you are hoping to stay the night at the Libery Inn. The stucco and half-timbering on the upper floors really make this building look straight out of medieval village, but rest assured that the amenities have been upgraded a bit since that time.

Inspiration of the Day - 11/6/11

Courtesy Racquet and Tennis Club by matthaei

New York, New York - (BTT) Easily one of the most prolific and influential architecture firms at the turn of the century, McKim, Mead and White knew how to create a monumental building. Charles Follen McKim's Racquet and Tennis Club, completed in 1918 and fine example of the Beaux Arts style, stands as a lone masonry gem in a sea of glass that is the Park Avenue of today. One of those other buildings, directly across the street from the Racquet and Tennis Club, will actually be the subject of the next Inspiration post.

Towering Above the Rest

Courtesy Art Nouveau and Modern Modular Buildings by alex54

Back in France - (BTT) Drawing inspiration from an Art Nouveau gem, this tan and red building keeps the asymmetrical massing and signature tower element of the original while still mixing things up. The modernist white and gray building flanking the left may lack some of the more ornate detailing, but still manages to compliment its neighbor nicely and should not be dismissed as simple filler. Please feel free to join the discussion at the Eurobricks forums.

Back on the Rails

Courtesy Train Station by valgarise

London, England - (BTT) As airports across the world continue to think of new ways to poke and prod the weary traveler, there is a certain romance to the humble railroad that has seen a bit of a resurgence as of late. A large part of the mystique lies in the stations themselves; relics of another era when travel was a momentous event rather than a bothersome burden. With its grand arched windows and bustling interior, this historic station gives proper respect to the term "first class."

Par Excellence

Courtesy Rue de la Gare by Hoexbroe

France, 1967 - (BTT) We seem to be spending a lot of time in l'Hexagone as of late, and for good reason. This quaint street by the train station just oozes the kind of architectural charm the country is synonymous with, and the yellow Citroën parked out front adds an extra dash of local flavor to an already postcard worthy scene. Please feel free to join the discussion at the Eurobricks forums.

Inspiration of the Day - 10/29/11

Courtesy The Dulwich Picture Gallery by Eric Hardy

Dulwich, South London, England - (BTT) Even if you have never been inside the Dulwich Picture Gallery, architect Sir John Soane's landmark 1817 building and England's first purpose-built public art gallery, chances are you have been to a museum that was directly influenced by it. Designed as a series or interlinked rooms, illuminated indirectly from above through the use of skylights, Soane set the standard to how paintings should be displayed that continues on to this very day.

Hello! I'm still here!

Hello everyone! 

I just wanted to let you know that I have not fallen off the face of the earth. I'm taking classes right now, and that obviously sets priority!

I also wanted to say how great of a job Jonathan is doing with the site. He's posting some great stuff lately, and I'm sure you as readers know this too! Thanks again, John!

Oh! And other new link has been added to the LEGO Related Sites list. It's called DooYoo, and is a site devoted to reviewing products and product lines, one of which is LEGO. So check it out!

Variety Pack

Courtesy Bâtiments City by Ptéra

Lyon, France - (BTT) Successful urbanism is all about packing a wide range of uses in a compact area, and this block truly excels in that regard. Whether you want to play a game of pool, need a quiet space to count your stolen loot, or just want to intimidate your minions from the balcony of your evil lair, there really is a little something for everyone.

Happy Campers

Courtesy Lake Merwin Camper's Hideaway by quý

Amboy, Washington - (BTT) Ah, the great outdoors. There are those who prefer roughing it - tents, campfires, bears, mosquitoes - but this author prefers a vacation heavier on the creature comforts than the creature invasions. With the comfortable hammock on the spacious wood deck, the striking green roof which keeps the weather outside where it belongs, and plenty of windows affording unbeatable views to Mount St. Helens, this cozy mobile home lets you get as close to nature as you really need to get.

There Goes the Neighborhood

Courtesy The grass is always greener...  by JETfri

Mismatch Lane - (BTT) Sometimes the phrase "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence" is said as a way to remind people that even though others seem to have a better life when viewed from afar, it is all too easy to ignore the negatives that go along with it. Other times it loses its status as proverb to become a simple factual statement about how much superior your neighbors lawn care is to your own. The look of the townhouses themselves are as different as the grass that fronts them, each with a bunch of little details that reveals a lot about the people who call them home.

Inspiration of the Day - 10/22/11

Courtesy Price Tower by s myrland

Bartlesville, Oklahoma - (BTT) While Frank Lloyd Wright is perhaps the most famous architect of all time, he wasn't one to build vertically. The Prairie Style homes he is synonymous for were all about the horizontal expression, and while his iconic buildings like the Guggenheim Museum are famous for a lot of reasons, being tall isn't one of them. Completed in 1956 towards the end of his life, the 19 story Price Tower became Wright's first and only realized skyscraper, not that he didn't dream bigger.

Apologies for going a while without an Inspiration post - I'm trying to get this back to a weekly feature again starting now.

Keep Me Posted

Courtesy 10197 Alternate by Mugen

Main Street - (BTT) The surest sign that summer is truly over? For some it is the changing color of the leaves or the taste of apple cider. For others, it is seeing the fine men and women of the post office trade in their shorts for a pair of long pants. While seasons may end, the need for mail never does, and branches like this elegant building helps make sure every piece reaches its final destination.

Working With What You Have

Courtesy Pet Shop Alternative Model by BrickCityDepot

Remix Road - (BTT) When life gives you lemons you make lemonade, but what about when life gives you all the materials to make a Pet Shop when the blueprints call for a corner building? Well, faced with just that very dilemma, the construction manager of this handsome set of buildings decided to work with what he had, creating in the process something quite unique.

A Night to Remember

Courtesy Memory Hotel by joaquin

Glamor Avenue - (BTT) Sometimes you just need to treat yourself. The rock hard pillows and Continental breakfasts (read: burnt coffee and stale croissants) at the Motel 6 might be kinder on the wallet, but where is the glitz? You may not be royalty (yet) but that is no excuse not to be treated as such. Living up to its name, a stay at the Memory Hotel is a truly unforgettable experience.

Worthy of Worship

Courtesy Indian Temple by anupehr

Northern India - (BTT) Perhaps being a thousand years old isn't saying much when looking at  the cosmos as a whole, but its definitely a reason to take notice when looking at a building. A beautiful example of Nagara Architecture, this Hindu temple may have gotten a bit touristy in recent years, but you really can't blame the masses for wanting to visit such a historically important landmark.

Nearly Gears

Courtesy Chuck's Sprockets by j-spears

Widget Valley - (BTT) Not to be confused with a certain defunct Saturday Night Live sketch, Chuck's Sprockets have been in the manufacturing business for 60 years now. If you ever find yourself wanting something with the look of a gear but the functionality of a pulley (and honestly, who hasn't?), Chuck's got you covered.

Fitting In

Courtesy Un Nouveau Batiment by castor-troy

Paris, France - (BTT) A fine piece of contextual architecture, this new building plays well with the neighbors. The top floor apartments seem to have been snatched up quickly based on the curtains already in place, but looking through the ground floor windows it appears that the developer is still shopping for a retail tenant to occupy the space.

Vinyl Countdown

Courtesy Round Again Record Shop by lgorlando

Retro Alley - (BTT) CD sales are down, yet vinyl sales are up. Whether people like the warmer analog sound or just enjoy messing with the heads of those in the music industry is up for debate, but the folks at Round Again Records certainly aren't complaining about a trend as circular as their products.

Iron Works

Courtesy Office Building by Bill Meakin

Portland, Maine - (BTT) Preferences in office buildings sure has seen a shift in the last century, and there is certainly nothing wrong with a sleek and shiny curtain wall. The fantastic wrought iron windows on the second level of this historic workplace, however, proves that maybe there is more to a window than just a rectangular piece of glass.

Secondary Colors

Courtesy Oporto's Downtown Buildings by hugosantos2010

Oporto, Portugal - (BTT) This pair of buildings, each with their own little details, certainly livens up the street. Like a slice of cantaloupe next to honeydew, it reminds this writer of something sweet, not unlike the wine the city is famous for.

Posh Pad

Courtesy UK Style Semi-Detached House by snaillad

British Suburbs - (BTT) Ah, suburbia. Finding that perfect middle ground between the density of the city and the spaciousness of the country, the owners of this 1940's home are certainly living the life. The inside is even more stunning than the outside and features a living room, kitchen, master bedroom, and a nursery.

Stick in the Mud

Courtesy Victorian on Mud Heap by !snap!

Northeastern United States - (BTT) It's going to take more than a mop to get this Victorian Stick Style house cleaned up, but will it ever be worth it in the end! The amount of detail is simply staggering, from the railings on the porch to the tips of the steeply pitched gable roof, making it impossible to take in everything at once. Best to just take a seat and enjoy the view for a while.

Breaking character for a moment, you really need to experience this photo at a larger size than is shown above to see just how breathtaking it is - please visit Mike's flickr page and prepare to have your mind blown.

Desserts Deserted

Courtesy Abandoned Cafe by Sabby M.

Forgotten Lane - (BTT) Nothing lasts forever, and those in the restaurant business know this better than most - they say more than half will close in their first three years.  You may have to go elsewhere to get a cup of coffee and a decent piece of pie now, but there is something strangely appealing watching this former cafe slowly decaying as the years tick by.

House of Blue

Courtesy First Lego House by iFlake

Row House Road - (BTT) Familiar yet unique, this little townhouse is big on charm. Featuring a fully decorated interior, including an especially spacious kitchen on the second floor, no detail has been overlooked.

A Splash of Color

Courtesy Lego Modular House by Skreenkiller

Bavaria, Germany - (BTT) Sometimes you just need to make a statement. Not that there is anything wrong with a neutral color palette, but being able to say you live in the bright orange townhouse certainly makes it easier for visitors to find you. The black and tan neighbor and white arcade with balconies above help bring balance to the composition, providing just the right amount of pop without going too far.