The LEGO Architecture Theme is one that I don't deal with much. I have a few of the sets, but I don't often purchase many. With that being said, they are actually pretty impressive small scale representations of actual buildings. I recently purchased the LEGO version of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world located in Dubai, UAE. This set is numbered 21031. This is actually the second version. The first version (21008) was released in mid-2011 and was around until the end of 2013. The current version (21031) was released on 2 January 2016 and is still available at the time of this blog post. It is priced at $39.99 (in the US) and with 333 pieces that puts it at $0.12 per piece. This is a bit pricey in my opinion. Thankfully, I got mine at a discount from Amazon for $35.90 or $0.108 per piece. Not exactly a super deal, but I'll take it.
Here is the box front. Like most Architecture sets it shows the completed version with the name of the building and where it is located.
The back shows the LEGO model next to a picture of the actual building. It also gives dimensions of the model and a quick description of the building.
Here are the contents. The box contains two bags of bricks, a card asking the builder to take a survey and the instruction booklet. The instruction booklet contains a few pages of details about the building (in numerous languages) along with the building instructions (and is quite thick).
As you can expect, the build uses some SNOT (Studs Not On Top) techniques. The age listed on the box is 12+ so while younger kids can build it, they may need the help of an adult depending on their experience with LEGO builds. Here is the first picture I took during the build. Like most Architecture builds, the base contains a plate with the name of the building printed on it. The instruction booklet is so thick that I had to use the scissors to prop it open for the picture. It wouldn't stay open on it's own. This isn't a complaint, just an observation.
Here is the next build picture. Did I mention this set comes with a brick separator? At this point you can see how the structure is built and where the external decorative pieces go.
Here is the final build. At 15 inches tall, it was hard to get a good picture with my iPhone.
Here is the set laying down. I'm not sure this is a better view.
Here is a close up of the base. I like this version much better than the older one from 2001. The detail is much better and I think it looks closer to what the actual building looks like.
I thought this build was sleek and a great detailed build. I realize many like minifigs and some of the themes that have more "playability," but the Architecture theme really stands out as a way to show how LEGO bricks can be used to re-create just about anything. If you are interested in these sets, I only have one in my store. It's the Leaning Tower of Pisa and can be found here. To view the current LEGO offerings direct from LEGO you can see them here. As always, check Walmart, Target, and Amazon online to see what discounts they are offering. Right now, Amazon has a few Architecture sets lists at 24% off in the US.
Do you like the Architecture theme? Let me know what you think in the comments.