Lego Challenge #11: Skyscraper

Today’s challenge: Build a Lego skyscraper inspired by an existing structure..
Image showing the predominately diagonal symmetry present in the Sears Tower.

Image showing the predominately diagonal symmetry present in the Sears Tower.

As you know, I’m past the 1/3 mark for this project. I would hardly call the project grueling, but it does take some energy to keep coming up with good ideas. I decided to build a skyscraper as it seemed like a relatively easy project, and I could think about new projects while I work on this one. I chose the Sears tower (now called Willis tower) as the inspiration, as I like that the building symmetry is largely on a diagonal axis. This gives it a neat look when viewed from about a 45 degree angle.

Top detail of my skyscraper.

Top detail of my skyscraper.

I tried to give the appearance of opposing corners of the building being chiseled away, with windows running down the gap. This was trickier to build technically than I expected, as the structure needed to be hollow due to the fact that part #4733 which I used to attach vertical smooth panels has studs protruding on all 4 sides. I also think that my desire to inset a lot of details and reduce the width a little at a time resulted in a needlessly complex form. I do like the top of the structure, which has a nice chiseled look, and uses flag pole pieces to a nice effect.

Top-down view.

Top-down view.

Conclusion

I was wrong to think that it would be easy to design a cool looking skyscraper. I expect that it was harder than I predicted in part because I have less familiarity with architectural patterns for skyscrapers than with homes and smaller structures. It’s not a bad looking design, but it feels overly decorated.

build time: 1 hour. (While watching The Daily Show.)

Today’s post is part of my Lego Architecture Studio 30-day Challenge

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