Europe
Brick by Brick: Exploring the LEGO house in Denmark, where imagination comes to life
Ema Bakalova
Sep 19, 2020
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The LEGO House is often referred to as the "Home of the Brick." The design is a celebration of the classic LEGO brick, embodying the interlocking and colorful nature of LEGO blocks. The building itself is a striking manifestation of creativity, characterized by vibrant colors and playful forms. This building is just as fascinating, if not more so, for adults as it is for kids.
From Tirpitz to Lego House
If you're coming from the Tirpitz Museum (like I did), you'll be able to enjoy the roads along the Danish countryside on your way to the LEGO House.
Honestly, my primary interest wasn't in exploring the interior of the building; instead, I was much more interested in wandering across the vibrant, multi-colored rooftops. LEGO House serves as more than just a building, but a vibrant and inviting public space as well as a haven for children and adults to play and explore.
A Danish toy
LEGO blocks originated in the Billund, Denmark. Back in 1932, Ole Kirk Christiansen started crafting wooden toys. Within two years, he chose the name LEGO for his company, inspired by the Danish phrase "leg godt," which translates to "play well."
"LEGO House is an iconic and playful representation of the beloved toy we all fondly remember from our childhood."
Climbable stacked bricks
As you arrive at LEGO House, you'll probably approach it from the northwest side, given the parking across the street. I wanted to visit this building simply because there's nowhere else in the world quite like it. The LEGO House resembles a stack of LEGO bricks, with each "brick" housing different exhibition spaces and program. The blocks are offset slightly, adding to the playful look and creating the stacked effect. Everything from the colors, to the shapes and detailing on the rooftop mirrors a LEGO toy. It feels like you are stepping into a world where you transform into a character surrounded by larger-than-life toys.
My favorite part of the building were the large steps that you can find both on the north west (yellow brick) and north east (blue brick) side of the building. The steps are designed to invite you to climb, sit, and interact with the structure. It very clearly encourages engagement and playfulness, something that appeals to people of all ages, extending the LEGO blocks play experience to the very structure itself.
"..learning through play promotes innovation and creativity.."
Steps as an interactive element
From an aesthetic standpoint, the steps break the monotony of the building's façade and contribute to its dynamic and playful appearance. They add texture and depth, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the structure. They also create an amphitheater-like space, facing the open plaza or square, where small events can be held. These two stepped volumes are distinctive in that they deviate slightly from the traditional LEGO block design. This intentional modification caters to public use, enhancing the building's functionality and accessibility.
Designing with intention
One of the things I admire about BIG's work, (as exemplified in projects such as the Tirpitz Museum and many others), is the meticulous intentionality that underscores their designs. Consider, for example, how every element of the building serves a unique purpose and represents a specific meaning. Whether it's the nuanced symbolism of the cuts through the landscape at the Tirpitz Museum, indicating the separation of individual exhibitions, or the LEGO House where each brick hosts a specific gallery, the design unfolds in a deliberate sequence of spaces. Every architectural feature has a purpose that is guided by a deeper narrative. Even when the design narrative isn't immediately evident, a compelling story inevitably unfolds, clarifying the concept and thought process behind each design element in the end.
Through this blog, I hope to inspire you to seek out unique traveling opportunities, spark your love for travel and discover beautiful architecture. If you liked this article, sign up to get notified whenever a new post gets published!
