One color wall, does it matter what size bricks you use?

[Eilif]

When building a wall, or any extended section of a MOC in one color, does it matter to you what size bricks you use? Formerly I didn't much care. I figured the section is one color, and no one is going to be able to tell the difference. However, recently, I've noticed alot of mocs that use certain sizes of bricks to get certain effects.

For example, making a wall entirely of 1x2 bricks or plates to simulate the effect of real bricks on a town MOC. The wall is one color, and if LEGO was making the building for a set, they would probably just use alot of 1x8 and 1x6 bricks, but -to me at least- taking the size of bricks used into consideration makes alot of sense.

I just started noticing this, and I don't use it everywhere, but last night while working on an 8x16 stud floor module I switched out one 1x6 from under a window with three 1x2's, and it made all the difference between a spot of plain color and a realistic looking wall.

What do you all think?

[Brainbox]

I would use shape to an aesthetic degree if it was possible, but usually it's not an option. Using your 'brick wall' example, I simply couldn't spare all those 1x2s (and even if I could, I wouldn't want to). However, I can see how only using 1 or perhaps 2 types of brick in a particular area of a MOC would work well. Floor or wall tiles for example.

That, and I have a somewhat compulsive need to have everything in exactly the right place, looking exactly right. So if I could use the size of bricks to an aesthetic advantage, I probably would.

[Lord Thrawn]

It's more important when using tiles than anywhere else in my opinion but yes I can see how using certain bricks can give different aesthetic effects.

[Mirandir]

Now I'm not going to claim that I'm an experienced house MOC:er but in my opinion the brick size used do matter. The small gaps between the bricks do add a little texture on the wall surface.

I'm currently building a moc of a Local Grocery store which has brick walls. And for this I use 1x2 orange bricks. It seems to give the best effect that's affordable. I would have used 1x2 plates in orange, red and brown (To get the true texture of the walls) if I had the stock or could afford buying it.

[rupi]

The use of 1x2 bricks in large one color walls gives a much more interesting texture and realism.

If it is a MOC for a display rather play it's the way to go

I have seen even walls with plates 1x2, and they look amazing.

See this example:

Lbaixinhos tower of Belem

[BlueBard]

It's true that using the same type of brick for a one-coloured wall is more aesthetic but I also think that, soon or later, we all run out of bricks, specially if they are the same type and colour... So, it would be really nice to allways make "regular" walls but it uses to be a little difficult.

[Section8]

Most of the time I'm just happy if I have enough bricks to finish the wall, period. The only place I take the sizes into account is at the corners; I try to interlock them rather than leave the two walls unconnected. I am a fan of the 1xXx5 bricks; easy to quickly and neatly build town structures. Lego's decision to make the 1x6x5 hollow in recent sets is a shame, as it is not as neat looking as a solid one.

Edited July 18, 2008 by Section8

[Eilif]

The use of 1x2 bricks in large one color walls gives a much more interesting texture and realism.

If it is a MOC for a display rather play it's the way to go

I have seen even walls with plates 1x2, and they look amazing.

See this example:

Lbaixinhos tower of Belem

That's exactly the kind of thing I'm thinking about. It looks so good when I see it done, that I'm now leaning toward doing more of that kind of thing. I don't have the bricks to build everything in 1x2 bricks, but I may start incorporating it into the sides of buildings that face outward.

[MoonCheese]

I don't have a huge amount of bricks of the same colour and size either. When I do walls, I tend to use those prefab wall pieces everyone hates so much, to save bricks for other things.

[Norro]

It definitely makes an aesthetic difference. In many of my MOCs I strive for irregularity- a more natural look.

God Bless,

Nathan

[Kogyik]

I would like to be able to build with all 1x2 or 1x4 or 2x4 when doing a wall in the same color. It is definitely more pleasing to the eye but like others who have already posted I don't have the brick count necesary for it.If you gottem' use 'em.