Architecture - Newman University (UK)

[Covenant84]

Hi all,

I'd like to have a go at making a small scale version of Newman University. Most of the campus shouldn't be too difficult as it's squareish buildings with ground level changes, but I'm struggling to work out how to make the new front building without it being massive. There's also a ground level change 2/3rds along the front.

Any ides please?

[Legocity2713]

For the columns I would look at the Lincoln Memorial architecture set for inspiration. They use a fairly simple technique using white rods (like from lightsabers) and those new 1x1 studs with the hole in the middle (like from Vitruvius' cane) at the top and bottom of the rod to keep it in place. Looks very appealing to the eye when finished. I'd check those out. As for the roof, to get the curved effect I would maybe use these, (if they aren't too small): http://brickset.com/parts/6105964 or maybe even these would work for a slightly larger roof, these: http://brickset.com/parts/6022078 (yes, they do come in white.)

Hope this helps somewhat, (the column idea at the very least)

Good luck on your building journey my friend.

Edited June 8, 2015 by Legocity2713

[Covenant84]

Thanks for that! That was sort of what I was thinking, but hadn't thought of using them that close together to keep the size down. For the curve I was thinking of trying to use these in a snot formation if they didn't look too over proportioned (which I think they may) so might settle for the parts you suggested http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=61678

I was hoping to get the ground level change and the curve more prominent, but I think perhaps best to just give an impression due to size. There's an architect model at the uni that's a small scale but it's still too big to make with lego. at least or first attempt and even on that the columns are thinner that the light sabres so will have to u some artistic license!

[Covenant84]

Right, I've had a play on LDD. Apologies for image quality, issues uploading so had to use a phone camera.

Test look:

left most -my preferred look but also the most expensive and difficult to source parts, especially in large quantity. Windows are trans clear tiles. Right most windows are white tiles, and next to that trans plates. These two would be cheaper. Thoughts?

Halls: Quite happy with this. The middle joining block doesn't look right, can't work out if it's because I accidentally made the big blocks 1 story too short. Quick look at prices, a single large block is gong to be £80 on bricklink, £60 from lego... may have to wait before building anything for real t those prices :(

Gym - untidy mock up to try to work out the scale.

C&C welcome

[henrysunset]

Most of the campus shouldn't be too difficult as it's squareish buildings with ground level changes, but I'm struggling to work out how to make the new front building without it being massive. There's also a ground level change 2/3rds along the front.

You have a couple important decisions to tackle early in the project.

1) Are you trying to capture the "essence" of the buildings, or a precise re-creation?

2) Is a small scale important to make the project feasible, or are you happy to make a massive model?

I would strongly suggest trying to keep the scale as small as possible to keep the project cost under control. My own bias is towards capturing the essence of the buildings and the campus in the smallest model you are able. This allows you to take simplifying design decisions, like reducing the number of columns across the long front facade. Based on the model you showed, I counted 26 columns. Do you care that there are exactly 26 columns in your model, or do you simply care that there are "a lot of columns"? If so, maybe 16 columns might capture the essence of that building while keeping size and cost down. A viewer is more likely to see "oh yeah, that building sure has a lot of columns" rather than counting each column and pointing out that you don't have quite enough.

(I wish you could see the last chapter from my upcoming book, The LEGO Architect, as it includes in-depth discussion around relevant topics like Scale, Form & Detail, and Color in LEGO model building, but it won't be available in stores until the end of the summer.)

Best of luck, looks like a fun project!

---tom

[Covenant84]

Thanks Tom. I'm some where in between, I want it to be as accurate as possible so people could spot their bedroom/classroom for example, but really it's more of an essence. e.g. - the halls I've only included the main windows - to fit the smaller ones in would mean a much bigger scale. So in answer to your question -no 'm not fussed about the exact number of columns, proportion is more important t me... but by saying that I think the number of columns will end up being pretty close based on using x1 round bricks.

An idea I've had for the front is sing 1x2 pieces staggered and seeing if they'll en enough to make the front, I've seen some people modify the UCS falcon engine this way. I think I'd need to play with the pieces to see how ell it would work I this context though.

[Covenant84]

Hi all,

I've had a go a building Edgebaston Hall (where I lived as a student). Between getting the size wrong on the LDD file and a couple of calculation mistakes ordering parts it's missing the end sets of rooms (which I'll rectify in time), however I'm petty pleased with it and someone who saw it on facebook recognised it and identified their student room too so I call that a success. Would love to hear any C&C!

[rollermonkey]

At the scale you seem to be working in, there are a couple options for that curved building.

Are you familiar with 10179 engine mods?

I think that concept would work pretty well for what you need. It isn't 'legal' of course, but it definitely works.

If you insist on a 100% legal build, you're going to need a whole lot of these in the appropriate colors:

(And tiles in the middle where things are 'off-stud'.

Edited July 30, 2015 by rollermonkey

[Covenant84]

Hi Rollermonkey - yes I am (but thanks!) - I'm actually bricklinking a falcon myself with that mod so that was my thoughts too. I think the tricky part will be the ground level chance on the curve and I'm also trying to work out how to attach the colums whilst keeping the as strong as possible. Getting them to follow the curve would be easy using hinges to mirror the curve hiddin in the roof, but havn't work out the ground level connection with the change in ground level... other than just keeping them to the normal 'grid' placement. Any thoughts would be super welcome!

[rollermonkey]

Here's my idea:

Use the 'curving LEGO' for the building. You should be able to anchor it in a couple places besides the ends, just by using 1x2 and 2x2 jumpers.

Making the building conform to the terrain is pretty much impossible, so don't. Build the terrain separately from the building. As the terrain gets a bit taller, the building will disappear behind it. If you can match the curve of the terrain to that of the building closely enough with hinges and slopes, it won't matter that they aren't directly connected. Plus, with the overhanging roof, nobody will be able to look straight down into the gap. You'll know it's there, but it shouldn't be as visible (if at all) from the angle available.