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Toy Blockitecture

Building blocks become the basis for quirky and youthful architecture

Implications - Architects are turning to building blocks for inspiration, with an increasing number of structures taking after toy blocks like LEGO and block games such as Jenga. These structures, which offer a novel and quirky way to break up the landscape of traditional highrises and grey-tone buildings, also appeal to consumers' youthful sides, as they represent items that most of us have played with as children. Nostalgia unquestionably has a powerful appeal, and while it is more often used in traditional advertising, it can also be effectively translated into other areas such as architecture and design.

Trend Themes
1. Building Block Architecture - Architects are turning to building blocks such as LEGO and Jenga for inspiration to create novel and quirky structures that appeal to consumers' youthful sides.
2. Colorful and Layered Structures - Distinctive cafes and other structures are designed with bright and bold colors, layered structures, and unique forms that appeal to younger, more design-conscious consumers.
3. Jenga-inspired Architecture - Architectural design inspired by Jenga, with blocks placed at different angles for a visually interesting facade and efficient structure, appeals to younger, architecture-forward consumers.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Construction - Novel, quirky, and playful building block architecture offers an enticing alternative to traditional high-rises and grey-tone buildings, driving innovation in the industry.
2. Kid-friendly Spaces - Kid-friendly cafes and restaurants, as well as educational institutions with playful architecture and decor, create a long-lasting relationship between business and consumer, and offer opportunities for disruptive innovation.
3. Luxury Living Spaces - Innovative, architecturally unique luxury condominiums with modern and chic interiors appeal to younger, new-money crowds in competitive urban markets, driving innovation in the industry.
5.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
9 Featured, 80 Examples:
3,020,310 Total Clicks
Date Range:
Apr 11 — Mar 12
Trending:
Warm

Featured Examples

Tilted Cargo Crate Construction
Tilted Cargo Crate Construction
ECORRE Complex Revolutionizes Recycled Building
It's refreshing to see old shipping containers being given second lives in eco architecture, but the appearance of the eCORRE Complex presents a scene that's rather unexpected when you consider how such… MORE
Colorfully Layered Cafes
Colorfully Layered Cafes
The Mocha Mojo Coffeehouse Looks Like a Playful LEGO Land
The Mocha Mojo coffeehouse may not look like a traditional cafe with its colorfully layered look. In fact, it looks more like a play area for children inspired by iconic LEGO building blocks. Instead,… MORE
Building Block Cathedrals
Building Block Cathedrals
The Abondantus Gigantus is a Church of LEGO
The Abondantus Gigantus is a temporary place of worship for the most devout LEGO builders in the world. Perhaps one of the most impressive structures ever made that was inspired by these traditional and… MORE
Building Block Architecture
Building Block Architecture
GGF Architects' Wahroonga Preparatory School Looks Made With LEGO
What better way to inspire children to imagine, create and ultimately learn than by putting them into an educational institution that looks like it was built with LEGO, such as the Wahroonga Preparatory… MORE
Jenga-Inspired Architecture
Jenga-Inspired Architecture
The Cafe Kureon by Kengo Kuma and Associates is Multi-Dimensional
Cafe Kureon by Kengo Kuma and Associates is the latest design from the Tokyo-based firm. The dynamic, layered concept of the wooded structure is reminiscent of building blocks. The Jenga-inspired structure… MORE
Jenga Residences
Jenga Residences
Orange Architects' 'The Cube' is a One-of-a-Kind Apartment Complex
Move over, Leaning Tower of Pisa -- Orange Architects' 'The Cube' is an architectural wonder and a luxury living space! The Dutch studio built the apartment complex in the eastern district of Beirut, saying… MORE
play_circle_filledToy Block Fortresses
Toy Block Fortresses
'Marshal Banana' Recreates the Star Wars Sandcrawler Using 10,000 LEGO Pieces
LEGO has been used to create so many things, but this creation by 'Marshal Banana' is surely one of the most magnificent. Marshal Banana, who is a huge Star Wars fan, has built a 3-foot-long LEGO sandcrawler… MORE
Building Block Eateries
Building Block Eateries
The Cafe Boo Bah is a Kid-Friendly Restaurant
It is important to encourage and develop the creativity of the next generation, and that is exactly what the Cafe Boo Bah does. This kid-friendly restaurant most likely inadvertently tailors to honing… MORE
Building Block Structures
Building Block Structures
Antwerp's Museum Aan de Stroom Offers a Look into the City's History
Feast your eyes on the masterpiece of Antwerp's newest museum, the Museum Aan de Stroom. Resembling a stack of bricks, the exterior of the museum is a sight to be seen. Designed by the architects Neutelings… MORE

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play_circle_filledAnimated Toy Proposals
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34 LEGO Spoofs
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The Barcelona Pave Bicycle Store is Arranged Like an Art Gallery
LEGO-Like Lighting
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The Luxit Lights Look Like Playful and Iconic Building Blocks
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Lene Wille Creates Playful and Professional Pieces With LEGO
Toy Brick PC Cases
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The LEGO PC 1.0 Keeps Your Computer Looking and Running Cool
Road-Kill Cafes
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