Secrets from the LEGO Architect in Blocks magazine
LEGO Architecture is the focus of Blocks magazine Issue 21, including an interview with renowned LEGO Certified Professional Adam Reed Tucker who explained that he’s a LEGO purist – most of the time
This extract from the Blocks interview with Adam Reed Tucker features material that was cut from the magazine.
Adam Reed Tucker is living the dream of many – if not most – LEGO fans. Many know that he has designed sets with the LEGO Group and tours exhibitions of his skyscrapers, but as well as that he has been a speaker for LEGO Education, worked on a DK book and contributed to the Master Builder Academy. It’s all in a day’s work for a LEGO Certified Professional.
But one surprising thing about this LCP is the controversial method he will employ when necessary. He prefers to be a purist – but is willing to bend that rule when he needs to. 100% purist builders should not read any further.
‘The one area I am not a purist in,’ Adam tells Blocks, ‘is that, if it is absolutely necessary, I will cut pieces. There were times when I needed a 1×11 plate for the rollercoaster. There is nothing that I can do. I cannot take a 1×3 and a 1×8, because I can’t splice them. I could glue them, but I’ll just take a 12 and snip a stud off.’
‘The reason I’m okay with that is because that’s an element that LEGO should have made. But they don’t need to because they’re making toys – which are not based on algorithms and pure geometric shapes. When you are doing turning radiuses, you can’t do everything in integers of two.’
The rollercoaster that Adam refers to is the American Eagle Rollercoaster, part of his current exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. It uses 14,500 bricks and measures 12 feet long. From the positive feedback coming from those who have visited the MSI, it seems snipping the odd stud has been very much worth it.
To hear much more about Adam’s life in LEGO, with plenty more fascinating anecdotes and insights, pick up the current issue of Blocks – in shops now and online at www.blocksmag.com.
Elsewhere in the magazine, there’s a conversation with Brickworld Master 2016 Rocco Buttliere, tips on creating the perfect LEGO roof and the Mod Squad tackle 60130 Prison Island.
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