Do LEGOs Have The Wright Stuff?

This year marks the 50th anniversary of LEGO® toys. Coincidentally, the PrairieMod Squad recently visited the LEGO store at Disney World. Upon seeing some of the amazing creations built with the humble bricks and the vast amount of people having so much fun looking and playing with them--it got me thinking. Do LEGOs have the "Wright Stuff"?

One could make a strong argument that the idea of "play" and Frank Lloyd Wright have a strong connection:

• He credited the simple wooden blocks from Friedrich Froebel's "gifts" with instilling an early love for geometry and space.

• Wright was creative and playful in his lifelong approach to work--think of the Coonley Playhouse art glass, the bright colors and shapes found in his murals, rugs and graphic designs like the Liberty Magazine covers.

• Even Wright's son, John, loved the idea of play-- he invented Lincoln Logs.

Part of Frank Lloyd Wright's genius lay in his ability to constantly play--pushing the boundaries of what was considered safe or accepted in architectural design and life. Without that spirit of youthfulness, the world would have never known some of the most uplifting and inspiring designs ever created.

With that idea in mind, it seems obvious that one of the most perfect vehicles out there for "playing" with the architectural ideas of Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the most beloved building toys ever: LEGOs! But can such simple little plastic bricks possibly be utilized in a way that lives up to the same spirit of playful genius found in Wright's work?

To answer that question, the PrairieMod Squad has a special treat for you. Some time ago, we commissioned master LEGO artist, Nick Sawaya, to take a specific Frank Lloyd Wright building and re-create it in LEGOs. When we received the final piece in the mail we were blown away! With no instructions and only 1 color of LEGO bricks, he created a fun, playful and amazing recreation of one of Wright's most beloved buildings ever. If you're still wondering if LEGOs have the "Wright stuff", then we're proud to present the answer:

The LEGO Guggenheim!

Now imagine if LEGO actually produced special pieces like the atrium "spiderweb" window or bricks with rounded edges. Imagine a LEGO Robie House or Unity Temple. Imagine a LEGO Ennis house with special dimensional textile blocks. The possibilities are endless! It's my opinion that the power of creative play found in LEGOs and the power of Frank Lloyd Wright's playful designs brought together could bring hours of education and entertainment to kids of all ages.

But enough about what I think, what do you all think? What would your picks be for official Frank Lloyd Wright LEGO building kits? Let us know in the comments section and who knows? Some day soon, you could be building and playing with some of the suggestions you submit! Enjoy!

Logo copyright LEGO. All photos copyright PrairieMod.

Comments

[Googieagog]

Not only the shapes, but the proportions of Froebel blocks are very different than Legos. I'd guess that the proportions were a big part of the magic in teaching Wright. And the Ello building system seems to teach my daughter more about Plane and Space. But she loves Legos too, which are a great learning tool nonetheless. I like the idea of some new Wright Legos -- how about thin flat spacers to create reverse battens, clerestory windows, Johnson Wax tube windows and columns, urns and statues to plug in on the hardscape?