Legos is one of the most iconic toys in the world and has been around for more than 70 years. Despite its longevity, Lego has continued to innovate and push the boundaries of what can be achieved with these tiny building blocks. One such example is the Lego Architecture series, which has wowed adults and children alike, with its range of intricately detailed and miniature versions of some of the most iconic buildings in the world. But why is Lego Architecture so expensive?
First, Lego Architecture sets come with a lot of pieces. They are comprehensive sets, containing anywhere from several hundred pieces to thousands of pieces. The more pieces a set contains, the higher its cost will be. This is because the cost of the plastic used to create the pieces is not cheap, and the Lego Company must factor this into the cost of the set.
The Lego Architecture series also follows a specific scale. Each set is carefully designed to represent its real-world counterpart on a 1:500 or 1:1000 scale. This requires special design and engineering on the part of the Lego Company, as each set needs to be accurately proportioned to its miniature building. In order to achieve this, design sketches and models must be produced, and this comes at a cost.
Furthermore, the Lego Company spends a lot of time and effort in properly researching each set prior to its production and release. Not only do they have to ensure the accuracy of their scale models, but also historically accuracy. This helps to ensure that each set is as close to its real-life counterpart as possible. This is especially true in the case of the Lego Architecture series, as Lego aims to replicate famous landmarks, such as the Burj Khalifa or the Guggenheim Museum.
Eventually, there is the design aspect of Lego Architecture sets. The sets are intricately detailed, and this adds to the production cost. It takes a lot of time, effort and skill to bring each set to life, from the hundreds of tiny windows and other architectural details to the subtle color variations of the pieces themselves. This attention to detail does have its cost, and this is reflected in the price of the Lego Architecture sets.
Professional Scale
Lego Architecture sets are designed to a professional scale, which is unlike the traditional Lego sets. It involves a much more complex design process that takes into account the actual proportions of the structures that are being recreated. This also involves a higher degree of engineering, as the designers must be able to accurately recreate the structures in the form of plastic bricks. This is not an easy task and requires skill, precision and patience. Consequently, the cost of producing Lego Architecture sets is higher than that of most other Lego sets.
Lego Architecture sets also use specialized bricks, or parts. These parts are made with a unique injection molding process, which is expensive and complex. This also adds to the cost of the sets, which are further compounded by the amount of time and effort needed to properly design them. Unlike traditional Lego sets, each piece in a Lego Architecture set must be carefully designed and produced to exact specifications. This ensures that the set is aesthetically pleasing and looks just like its real-life counterpart.
Finally, Lego has invested heavily in the luxury Lego architecture sector. This includes the development of a high-end market for the brand and the release of limited edition sets that are highly sought after. These are usually limited run releases that can carry hefty price tags. While this is not the norm for Lego Architecture sets, it does help to explain why some of the sets can be so expensive.
High Level of Authenticity
Lego Architecture sets offer a high level of authenticity, which involves the extensive research of the structure and the reproduction of dozens of details. Many of the high-end sets go beyond the basics of the materials, colors and dimensions and include complex features such as cornices, window panes and even landscaping. This helps to create a highly realistic model that almost mimics the real-world counterpart. This also increases the cost of producing the sets as more time and effort are needed to accurately portray the structure.
Lego Architecture sets also come with books that describe the structure, its design and history. While this may sound trivial, it helps the builder to understand the set more and provides additional information about the structure and the designer. This is something that many traditional sets do not provide and is a great way for Lego to ensure that buyers get their money’s worth from their sets. Again, this adds to the cost of the sets as it involves research, writing and production.
Finally, as the Lego Architecture series grows in popularity, demand is increasing. This, in turn, has led to a steady rise in prices, as the Lego Company must account for the increasing cost of the sets. This means that the more intricate sets can be quite expensive, although there are still models available at a more reasonable price range.
Quality Initial Outlay
Despite the high initial cost, Lego Architecture sets are a great investment. Not only are they highly detailed and accurately portrayed, but they also provide endless opportunities for imaginative play. Plus, the pieces can be used to create other structures, or mixed and matched with other Lego sets to create something unique. This means that you can get a lot of mileage out of each set, which makes it a great investment.
In addition, Lego Architecture sets are of extremely high quality. The pieces are sturdily constructed, ensuring that the sets can be used for a very long time. The sets also come with instructions, making them relatively easy to assemble, though more complex designs may require more time and patience. When taken care of properly, a Lego Architecture set can last for many years.
Finally, the Lego Architecture series has made a huge impact in the architectural world. Not only have the sets helped to inspire and educate people about different landmarks from around the world, but they also serve to promote a love of architecture in both adults and children. This can be invaluable, as it can help many to think carefully about the built environment, understand it better and appreciate the beauty of it.
Flexibility in Construction
Lego Architecture sets also provide a great deal of flexibility in terms of construction. The parts are designed to be reconfigured and recombined, so that builders can create their own versions of the structure, or even construct something new. The pieces can also be used to add additional details to the structure, such as balconies or spires. This further enhances the creative possibilities that come with the set.
In addition, the brick pieces are made to specific standards. This ensures that they are reliable and allow for a precise construction. The pieces can also be re-used, meaning that they can be easily interchanged and used in other sets. This helps to create a level of customization that is not found in other sets, allowing builders to express their own personal vision.
Finally, the Lego Architecture series has a unique charm. Its detailed and precise designs add a level of realism that is not often found in other models. This helps to create an immersive experience, further enhanced by the books which can be used to gain a better understanding of the structure. This also increases the replay-value of the set, as it offers an interactive and immersive gaming experience.
Educational Value
Lego Architecture sets can also be used to teach and educate. They can be used to help children understand and appreciate various landmarks from around the world, and can even serve as an introduction to architecture for older learners. The accompanying books also provide valuable information about the structure, allowing children to learn even more about the landmarks they are constructing.
In addition, Lego Architecture sets can be used to encourage design ideas. They can be used to create models that inspire and challenge the creative builder, offering new ways of constructing unique and interesting structures. They can also be used to illustrate design concepts or principles, such as proportion, scale and texture.
Furthermore, the sets can be used to spark conversations about the surrounding environment and how it impacts the design of a structure. This can help to improve an individual’s understanding of architecture, as well as their appreciation for various landmarks. All of this can help to foster a deeper understanding of the world around us and its impact on our lives.
Worth the Cost
When taken into consideration, it is clear that Lego Architecture sets are worth the cost. Not only are the sets well-designed, accurate and detailed, but they also offer educational value and numerous opportunities for imaginative play. They are also highly durable, making them a great investment for the long-term. Ultimately, the cost of a Lego Architecture set is one that is well worth paying.
