Building style definition?

[Andy D]

I've been thinking about different building styles and trying to determine what characteristic makes a given LEGO style of building.

The Modular buildings I've seen, for the most part can be disassembled and have more than one floor. Can a single story fully enclosed building with a removable roof be considered a modular?

Most of the City series buildings just have a facade and an open back. What is the style this type of building?

The Creator series buildings are smaller than the Modular series buildings, but on many of them, the roof is removable as a unit. What is this style of building called?

Andy D

[Vincent Kessels]

Can a single story fully enclosed building with a removable roof be considered a modular?

Yes, I think you can. For me there are three criteria that define a modular building:

1. The building should connect to other modular buildings using the standard connection points.
   
2. Each floor should be removable, except for the first floor. (Although I try to make the first floor also removable for transport reasons.)
   
3. Each floor should have 'four' walls, i.e. not open from the back.
   

[Andy D]

Yes, I think you can. For me there are three criteria that define a modular building:

1. The building should connect to other modular buildings using the standard connection points.
   
2. Each floor should be removable, except for the first floor. (Although I try to make the first floor also removable for transport reasons.)
   
3. Each floor should have 'four' walls, i.e. not open from the back.
   

Can a building which is a stand-alone, I.e., no connection points, be considered a modular if it meets the other two criteria?

Andy D

[prateek]

Can a building which is a stand-alone, I.e., no connection points, be considered a modular if it meets the other two criteria?

Andy D

I would assume so if the building has a depth of 32 studs, which is the modular standard.

[Ralph_S]

I've been thinking about different building styles and trying to determine what characteristic makes a given LEGO style of building.

The Modular buildings I've seen, for the most part can be disassembled and have more than one floor. Can a single story fully enclosed building with a removable roof be considered a modular?

Most of the City series buildings just have a facade and an open back. What is the style this type of building?

The Creator series buildings are smaller than the Modular series buildings, but on many of them, the roof is removable as a unit. What is this style of building called?

Andy D

I think we shouldn't get too hung up on definitions, but I'm pretty sure that when AFOLs talk about a modular building they mostly mean buildings compatible with the standard used for LEGO's Cafe Corner and matching sets. This means that they follow a set of rules such that they can be linked together to form a street.

Cheers,

Ralph

[rriggs]

For me, Modular is not defined by a specific set of rules. It is about the level of realism, the scale and - more importantly - the level of detail.

They have a less child-like feel and mre detail to the design of the building while still encompassing many LEGO City features.

Cheers

Rog

[tedbeard]

I think we shouldn't get too hung up on definitions, but I'm pretty sure that when AFOLs talk about a modular building they mostly mean buildings compatible with the standard used for LEGO's Cafe Corner and matching sets. This means that they follow a set of rules such that they can be linked together to form a street.

This is indeed the basis of the Modular Houses Standard established when the line was introduced with LEGO Factory. They were meant to be "modular" both in the sense that buildings could be reconfigured or expanded and that the different buildings could fit together to create streets and blocks.

[Arigomi]

They are built different because each theme has a different set of goals the designers need to fulfill.

The target age group for City sets plays a huge role in how they are designed. The buildings have open backs because kids want easy access to the interior for play. Kids should be able to instantly understand the play features in City sets without having an adult explain them. Parts like wall panels are used so that children don't get frustrated or bored during the building process.

Creator buildings have different goals. It is a budget-friendly theme so the designers can't request new molds for these sets. The parts selection can't deviate too much from the standard color palette. Walls are brick built to allow more flexibility in the alternate builds.

[Ralph_S]

For me, Modular is not defined by a specific set of rules. It is about the level of realism, the scale and - more importantly - the level of detail.

They have a less child-like feel and mre detail to the design of the building while still encompassing many LEGO City features.

Cheers

Rog

I can see where the association between modulars and the level of detail comes from. The modular buildings that LEGO themselves have released are very detailed buildings -perhaps even a bit overly so. I personally don't think a building has to be all that elaborately decorated to be considered a modular building though. There are plenty of modular buildings here on EB that are a bit simpler and I prefer my own to be a bit less fussy-looking too, in part because they're inspired by everyday British buildings.

Cheers,

Ralph