I was still in school when the Lego Architecture Studio came out, so tragically they were beyond my financial grasp. I remember thinking how incredibly useful it would be for quick mock-ups and models. Surely I could consider that "school supplies" right? Honestly, I just really wanted 'em. Of course it wasn't until after graduation (plus a year) that I actually got a set. Now without a studio as an excuse to mess around, I'm worried that this toy I wanted so desperately will languish in disuse. So the other day, I dumped the box out on my desk, cleared some room and started building stuff. Like doodling, it's quite refreshing to just use your hands to create something (even if you're not sure what that is when you start out.)
When I doodle, I give myself arbitrary rules to follow, then play around within the logic of that system. While the modular system of a Lego brick is already somewhat constraining, I still felt the need to lay down some rules. Some things I made used only one size/shape of piece. In other instances I attempted to break out of the orthogonal grid generally used with Legos, and of course a fortress of doom and spiral tower were needed as well.
One inescapable fact of messing around with Lego's is that whatever you build isn't going to last. Maybe it shouldn't, that's kind of the whole point: that you can take them apart and create something new. However, this leaves you without the artifact, and any ideas you might have stumbled upon. That's why I decided to photograph some of the models. Not because they're groundbreaking or impressive, but so, like doodles, I have a record of some sort.
When I decided to document, I saw another opportunity: to practice documentation itself. I still look back at the model photos I took in Architecture school and wince at my inability to capture what was important or interesting about the models I had spend many days and sleepless nights designing and painstakingly building. I set up a little backdrop, aligned my tripod, and after taking the photos worked on post-production. There were some models too that a photo simply wouldn't cut it, so I also downloaded some stop motion software, and used a little movement to bring them to life.
