Sep. 15. 2024
Reviewed by David Vi Boi Huynh, BOI ARCHI DESIGN
LEGO Shop: LEGO HOUSE Architecture set
** World Architecture Day & LEGO House, designed by BOI_Design 设计师/ BOI DESIGN STUDIO
BIG's LEGO House project, completed in 2017, is an exceptional example of how "formgiving" can translate the core principles of LEGO into an architectural marvel, contributing not only to the city of Billund but also to the future of interactive, play-driven learning environments. Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has taken the fundamental idea behind LEGO — creativity through play — and given it physical, spatial, and experiential form in ways that resonate on both symbolic and functional levels.
1. Manifesting LEGO’s Core Philosophy
BIG designed the LEGO House to reflect the company's belief that "learning through play promotes innovation and creativity." The structure’s form, made of 21 overlapping blocks resembling LEGO bricks, is a literal and conceptual extension of the building blocks used by children to create endless imaginative worlds. This play-centric philosophy is embedded into every aspect of the building, from the layout of play zones to the overall experience design, making LEGO House a physical manifestation of the limitless possibilities that LEGO bricks offer.
BIG designed the LEGO House to reflect the company's belief that "learning through play promotes innovation and creativity." The structure’s form, made of 21 overlapping blocks resembling LEGO bricks, is a literal and conceptual extension of the building blocks used by children to create endless imaginative worlds. This play-centric philosophy is embedded into every aspect of the building, from the layout of play zones to the overall experience design, making LEGO House a physical manifestation of the limitless possibilities that LEGO bricks offer.
The form of LEGO House amplifies the idea of play as a tool for learning, making it more than just an architectural landmark—it becomes a learning space where creativity and innovation are fostered in every corner.
2. Innovative Spatial Experience
BIG's design uses overlapping blocks to create a dynamic, fluid interior that encourages movement, interaction, and discovery. The central plaza, which is open and accessible to the public, is both urban and intimate, representing a creative "urban cave." This openness extends to the galleries and play zones above, with color-coded areas that encourage exploration and embody different aspects of child development—creativity, cognition, social interaction, and emotional growth.
BIG's design uses overlapping blocks to create a dynamic, fluid interior that encourages movement, interaction, and discovery. The central plaza, which is open and accessible to the public, is both urban and intimate, representing a creative "urban cave." This openness extends to the galleries and play zones above, with color-coded areas that encourage exploration and embody different aspects of child development—creativity, cognition, social interaction, and emotional growth.
This layered approach to space promotes inclusivity and accessibility, encouraging all visitors to engage with the building on multiple levels. It also offers a new model for how museums and learning centers can function—less static exhibition spaces and more active, immersive environments that promote collaborative and experiential learning.
3. Integration with the City and Public Space
Situated in the heart of Billund, LEGO House is not an isolated structure but a public space, integrated into the life of the city. Its open plaza invites locals and tourists to experience its urban energy, and the rooftop areas serve as public parks and viewing platforms, fostering a sense of community. This integration reinforces Billund's vision of becoming the "Capital for Children" and makes LEGO House a social hub for both play and interaction.
Situated in the heart of Billund, LEGO House is not an isolated structure but a public space, integrated into the life of the city. Its open plaza invites locals and tourists to experience its urban energy, and the rooftop areas serve as public parks and viewing platforms, fostering a sense of community. This integration reinforces Billund's vision of becoming the "Capital for Children" and makes LEGO House a social hub for both play and interaction.
BIG’s formgiving for LEGO House extends beyond the building itself, creating a space that blurs the boundaries between inside and outside, private and public. This approach exemplifies future thinking in urban design, where architecture becomes a facilitator of community and shared experiences.
4. Sustainability and Longevity
While play and creativity are at the heart of LEGO House, BIG also incorporated sustainable design elements into the structure. The Masterpiece Gallery, for example, uses natural light through skylights that mirror the iconic LEGO studs. The building’s form and function are seamlessly integrated with sustainable practices, ensuring that the house is not only visually engaging but also environmentally responsible.
While play and creativity are at the heart of LEGO House, BIG also incorporated sustainable design elements into the structure. The Masterpiece Gallery, for example, uses natural light through skylights that mirror the iconic LEGO studs. The building’s form and function are seamlessly integrated with sustainable practices, ensuring that the house is not only visually engaging but also environmentally responsible.
By prioritizing sustainability, BIG ensures that LEGO House is a long-term investment in both the physical and social landscape of Billund. It is a forward-looking approach to formgiving, one that values ecological responsibility alongside innovation and play.
5. Celebrating the LEGO Community
The Masterpiece Gallery, modeled after the iconic 2x4 LEGO brick, serves as a tribute to the global LEGO fan community. Showcasing fan creations beneath the LEGO-stud-inspired skylights, this gallery emphasizes the role of LEGO as a tool for self-expression and creativity, reinforcing the connection between the company, its fans, and the creative potential inherent in its products.
The Masterpiece Gallery, modeled after the iconic 2x4 LEGO brick, serves as a tribute to the global LEGO fan community. Showcasing fan creations beneath the LEGO-stud-inspired skylights, this gallery emphasizes the role of LEGO as a tool for self-expression and creativity, reinforcing the connection between the company, its fans, and the creative potential inherent in its products.
BIG’s formgiving not only celebrates the product but the community that has grown around it. This emphasis on user-generated content reflects a future-oriented approach to design, where the users are seen as co-creators in the space, making the LEGO House a living, evolving entity.
6. Future Impact and Global Legacy
LEGO House sets a new benchmark for experience-driven architecture. By scaling up the LEGO brick into architectural form, BIG transforms a beloved childhood toy into a cultural and educational space that resonates with people of all ages. The building’s design invites future generations to engage in play as a form of learning, while its integration into the city serves as a model for how urban spaces can foster creativity, community, and sustainability.
LEGO House sets a new benchmark for experience-driven architecture. By scaling up the LEGO brick into architectural form, BIG transforms a beloved childhood toy into a cultural and educational space that resonates with people of all ages. The building’s design invites future generations to engage in play as a form of learning, while its integration into the city serves as a model for how urban spaces can foster creativity, community, and sustainability.
LEGO House exemplifies how architecture can inspire future generations by being both playful and purposeful. The project represents an innovative blueprint for designing spaces that are flexible, interactive, and meaningful, ensuring its lasting impact on the world of architecture and education.
7. Conclusion
LEGO House project gives form to LEGO's philosophy of play, creativity, and learning, translating these concepts into a physical space that serves both the company and the broader community. The design is not only playful and iconic but also deeply forward-thinking, promoting sustainability, inclusivity, and public engagement. It is a powerful formm for the future, setting the stage for how architecture can enrich lives and foster innovation on a global scale.
LEGO House project gives form to LEGO's philosophy of play, creativity, and learning, translating these concepts into a physical space that serves both the company and the broader community. The design is not only playful and iconic but also deeply forward-thinking, promoting sustainability, inclusivity, and public engagement. It is a powerful formm for the future, setting the stage for how architecture can enrich lives and foster innovation on a global scale.
