In the second book of the LEGO Master Builder Academy Invention Designer (20215), we have Kit 11 – World Architecture. This kit focuses on architectural designs taken from real world structures. LEGO Designer Samuel Johnson takes you through the builds that are inspired from different parts of the world. In addition to the three builds in the book, there are also four additional springboard models that you access from the LEGO Master Builder Academy website.
Minifigure
The minifigure in this set is similar to the one in the Time Machine kit. The only difference are his accessories. This minifigure wears a white racing helmet and has a brick-built remote control for the small Time-Rover.
Build
For the first World Architecture model, we have the East/West Temple. This is an interesting model because there are actually two types of designs built on the model. On one side, you have a shrine from Feudal Japan which represents the East and the other side is a Roman temple which represents the west. On the East side of the build, there are some really nice features that give the shrine a very Japanese look from the dark blue slopes for the roof to the torii topped off with a kasagi in the front. There is also a ishi-doro or a stone lantern on the right of the torii. A feature of the torii is that it swings open.
For the Roman temple, the structure is made mostly of white pieces and a few grey pieces for the steps leading up to the entrance and the ornament right above the entrance. The columns are made of a combination of three ancient Greek architectures: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.
The next build in the World Architecture is a Roman window. It is a simple build that can be put together pretty quickly. The grooved bricks makes it seem that sides of the window are made to look like it’s been carved. The blue sloped pieces are used to create a stone overhang for the window.
The third model in Kit 11’s book is a Spanish Fountain. The most interesting part of the fountain is it’s central spire. It uses the grooved column bricks to create a nice looking patterned design. Heading up the spire is a red round plate which acts as a basin for water to run off from. Above that are blue cheese slope pieces that represent water. Finally on top is the cap of the fountain where water comes out of.
The final model in the book is an Asian Gazebo. It is a simple gazebo with open sides and a roof that is shaped similar to a pagoda. The Asian Gazebo is nothing special but an effective build and a nice representation of the real thing.
In the first set of the springboard models from the LEGO MBA website, we have the Micro Castle. I like the castle a lot because the micro version is really well made. There’s even a moat and a drawbridge to the castle. There are four corner towers and a central tower for the king or queen.
For springboard model #5, we have the Market Stand. Again, the design is similar to the Roman temple in the first build with the carved columns. In the middle is a white 2×4 plate for you to display your goods. There is a roof to give shade to the seller.
Springboard model #6 is a nice looking Fireplace. It has a very contemporary look that can fit well into existing houses. The grooved bricks on the sides give the Fireplace a very classy look and is topped off with a grey chimney. There are also some decoration pieces on top of the mantle.
The seventh and final model of the World Architecture theme is the Temple Window. Again using the white column pieces, you can get a Romanesque feel to the build. You can add this type of window to any building to give it a fancy look.
In the eighth model, we get a neat little Dog House. The structure is inspired by architecture of ancient Egypt. This part of the build also includes a mini dog as well.
For the ninth World Architecture model, we have a Monument. It looks like your typical Monument with a center column spire. Nothing too fancy here.
In the last structure of Kit 11, we have a Gateway. Like the East/West Temple, we have a build that can be interpreted differently on both sides. On one side, we have a Roman style Gateway and on the other side, we have an Indian styled Gateway.
Results
Overall, the World Architecture theme for the second book in the Invention Designer set is a mediocre one. There are a couple of great builds such as the East/West Temple and the Micro Castle but there are also some builds that are just so-so like the Roman Window and the Temple Window. I expected that some builds wouldn’t be as good given the pieces that were included in this theme. The ratings below are for Kit 11 only.
Read my review for Kit 10 – Time Machine here.
When you make a purchase or, sometimes, carry out some other action as direct result of clicking on a link at The Brick Fan, we will receive a small commission.
The Brick Fan is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We partner with Rakuten Advertising, who may collect personal information when you interact with our site. The collection and use of this information is subject to the privacy policy located here: https://rakutenadvertising.com/legal-notices/services-privacy-policy/
