Legos are toys, but they also inspire incredible creations. LEGO artists use tiny plastic bricks to create everything from robots to buildings. Even the company’s engineers create new elements that allow builders to build more intricate models. Erik Varszegi, a Master Builder for the Lego Group in Billund, Denmark, designed one such innovative element this year called the curved slope. It lets Lego users make more slanted shapes while still adhering to the company’s strict color palette. The slopes can also be used to create more dynamic shapes like the curving staircase.
Certain Lego sets are the result of professional designers’ work, while others are the product of the well-known Lego Ideas program. The Ideas line allows anyone to design a set and have it manufactured, and offers fame and a percentage of sales to designers who is able to convince 10,000 fellow designers that their creation is worthy enough to go into production. It’s no surprise that the more elaborate and awe-inspiring sets usually garner the most acclaim particularly when they have iconic characters or scenes from TV shows, movies or even real life.
Two space icons are among the most impressive Lego models: the NASA shuttle Discovery and the Hubble Telescope model. Each model comes with display plaques and a small Lego replica of the scientist that designed the telescope. Other impressive models include a framed rainbow, a steampunk dragon as well as a replica of the Palace of Westminster.