Geisel Library: A LEGO Architecture MOC

[henrysunset]

I'm proud to finally share my model of the Geisel Library at UCSD, which is a lovely Brutalist-style building that I re-created in the tradition of the Architecture series.

The final building in the style of the Architecture series sets.

The finished model is probably about 800 pieces, and it's on display this weekend at Seattle BrickCon! If you aren't lucky enough to be in Seattle this weekend, I've prepared a collection of photos of the models, as well as a exploration of the creative process as I iterated on the design before reaching this final version.

Before arriving at the final design, I did a bunch of explorations including this much smaller model.

some photos of the real building that I've tried to re-create in LEGO.

More photos and the "making of" at: http://tomalphin.com/2014/10/geisel-library.html

I hope you enjoy my first serious MOC, and I'd love to hear your feedback!!!

Sincerely,

---tom

[XAxles]

A rightful subject, good techniques, and good choices of parts.

This kind of build really impresses me.

[Jern92]

this is even better than actual Lego Architecture sets. If this was actually produced, it'll be the first set I actually want to buy

[Herky]

very nice, would rather have this as a set than the Flatiron...great job and I really like the blue instead of the white, thanks for sharing

[henrysunset]

Thank you to everyone for the positive response. It was a time consuming build, and it took 4 tries to get the model into it's final form. People also seemed to really like it when I displayed it at BrickCon, although the model that I actually got an award for was the Micro-scale recreation of the same building that I built on just a 6x6 baseplate.

Link to a few more Microscale models at BrickCon 2014: http://tomalphin.com/2014/10/microscale.html

The microscale version was a last-minute build, and I love that it captured some of the details of the original in an absolutely tiny build. It was a fun surprise to receive an award for it too!

---tom

[Herky]

How do you get the name on the piece on the baseplate though? Is that a sticker or just a piece that you had done in a custom way?

[henrysunset]

How do you get the name on the piece on the baseplate though? Is that a sticker or just a piece that you had done in a custom way?

http://www.brickengraver.com/ does a great job with custom printed parts.

---tom

Edited October 9, 2014 by henrysunset

[viracocha]

Very nice!

I like the persistence you worked with! It was very interesting to see the all stages of hard way to the ideal.

I like the prototype building too. Why you have decided to build it?

[henrysunset]

Very nice!

I like the persistence you worked with! It was very interesting to see the all stages of hard way to the ideal.

I like the prototype building too. Why you have decided to build it?

I'm glad to hear that you found the "making of" description and photos interesting. I expect that many other LEGO artists go through a similar process with their larger models, but usually only share the finished model :-)

I decided to build this building because I was researching various "Brutalist" buildings, and this one really caught my attention. I haven't even seen it in real life!

---tom

[jdavisx2]

Hi Tom!

Great design job on this subject!

My father, Jim Corcoran, was the lead design architect for the Geisel Library at UCSD. :)

I was wondering if there was any way that you would share your building instructions with me?

My dad would find this totally cool if I could build the model for him!

Thanks,

Jamie

[henrysunset]

@Jamie, Thanks for the kind words! I have not made building instructions for the full-sized version yet. Maybe one day!

I designed a smaller nanoscale version of the model which you can see here (http://tomalphin.com/2014/10/microscale.html) and instructions will be available for this soon. I'll announce how you can get the instructions when I know more via my website @ http://brickarchitect.com or instagram @ http://instagram.com/tomalphin

Sincerely,

---tom

[hoopoe]

I adore this piece of work and if I would live near to the place, I also would like to have the building instructions.

It showcases a fair bit amount of research and trial, as seen in the other versions.

What I don't like is the effort you put in the box design, as it makes people believe (who don't read the whole lines) that this set is available and try to look out for it. However, I don't even believe, that it is legal to put the trademarked LEGO Brand onto a product, that is not a LEGO product.

As for the engraved tiles, which I have used a lot for my own MOCs, I have to say, that I stopped using them, because what can I do with it after disassambling the model one day. For exhibitions a card does the trick as well.

Edited April 18, 2016 by hoopoe

[jdavisx2]

@henrysunset

Thanks for the info Tom!

I'll definitely keep an eye out for the nanoscale instructions then.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question!

:)

Jamie