LEGO inspires next generation of architects

A new exhibition is showcasing famous Asian and Australian skyscrapers made entirely from tiny LEGO blocks.

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LEGO representations of famous buildings, similar to the replica of New York's skyline (pictured), are on exhibition at the Museum of Sydney. (Pic: Getty)

It took more than 2000 hours and over 350,000 LEGO bricks to create 18 staggering skyscrapers.

A world-premiere exhibition at the Museum of Sydney, Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO Bricks, features 18 famous buildings from Asia and Australia.

Keen architectural observers will be able to compare Taiwan's Taipei 101, Japan's Tokyo Skytree and Singapore's Marina Bay Sands, all built with LEGO.

"It's about details, mathematics, shape recognition patterns all of those kind of cool things," said Ryan McNaught, the Southern Hemisphere's only certified LEGO professional.

"We pick key features of the building, a curve or a shape and we'll do the geometry of it."

Mr McNaught and two other builders created the LEGO skyscrapers, some over three metres in height, after thousands of hours of research.

"I look at Marina Bay Sands and think that is a pretty special building," said Mr McNaught.

"The Asian buildings in particular people will find really interesting to look at in LEGO, there are some really great shapes," said Beth Hise, Head of Interpretation and Exhibitions at Sydney Living Museums.

The exhibition is encouraging young visitors to build their own creations too, with tubs of LEGO at the base of each model tower.

"It's just about creating and inspiring and as soon as the kids walked in the room they just went straight for the lego table and got stuck in," said Ms Hise.

Ryan McNaught has previously built the Acropolis, a giant re-creation of Darth Vadar and the Colosseum of Rome.

"We're starting on Pompeii tomorrow," he said.

"It's never really been done before. We're going to build the moment just as the clouds are coming over."

Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO Bricks is presented by Sydney Living Museums and is being shown at the Museum of Sydney. 13-December - 19 April 2015.


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By Hannah Sinclair


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