21016 Sungnyemun architecture press release

 

  • 21016 Sungnyemun architecture press release

    Posted by Huw, 14 May 2012 12:06. Filed under LEGO press release.

    21016: Sungnyemun
    Architecture, 2012
    More details...
    ©2012 LEGO Group

    BILLUND, Denmark – LEGO® Architecture, which uses the LEGO brick to interpret the designs of iconic architecture around the world, has added its first Asian landmark - the Gate of Exalted Ceremonies in Seoul, better known as the Sungnyemun.

    Sungnyemun has stood in the heart of South Korean capital since 1398 as one of the most complete examples of Joseon Dynasty architecture. It is listed as the country’s foremost National Treasure.

    “Sungnyemun survives as a symbolic marker of a lost place in time,” says the architect and designer of many of the LEGO models Adam Reed Tucker. In capturing the essence of Sungnyemun in LEGO bricks Adam looked at the aesthetics rather than engineering, especially the use of colours, patterns and materials that define the ‘spiritual DNA’ of a culture.

    Construction of Sungnyemun started in 1396 and was completed two years later. Further alterations and renovations continued over the next 600 years. In 2008 the wooden structure was completely destroyed by fire and it is expected that the restoration – using traditional hand tools – will be complete at the end of 2012.

    LEGO Architecture products feature well-known buildings, and the work of important architects. Aimed at inspiring future architects, engineers , designers and architecture fans around the world, the range contains a booklet featuring step-by-step building instructions prefaced by history, information and photographs of each iconic building, its design origin, its architect and its architectural features.

    The LEGO 21016 Sungnyemun will be launched officially at the Danish Pavilion during the EXPO 2012 exhibition held in Yeosu, South Korea. It will be available for purchase from June 1 in LEGO brand retail stores, LEGOLAND Stores and online at http://shop.lego.com. The product is designed for ages 12+ and includes a booklet with facts and history about Sungnyemun. Recommended retail price is $34.99 in the US and €34.99 in most European countries.


    12 comments, latest one posted 13 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)
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Comments

Posted by Nightshroud99 in Canada, 14 May 2012 12:22

^ What about Big Ben? Or the Sydney Opera House? Or the Brandenburg Gate?

I really want this architecture set, I think the design is very well thought out.

Posted by Huw in United Kingdom, 14 May 2012 12:27

It certainly lends itself to being built in LEGO, doesn't it, so the result is far better than, say, the Sydney Opera House, which doesn't.

Posted by dougts in United States, 14 May 2012 12:52

One of the best of the architecture line, very well done.

Posted by herbie75 in United Kingdom, 14 May 2012 13:31

Another to add for my must have list next month :)

Posted by Gandalf1 in United States, 14 May 2012 13:56

If it was $20-$25 I might think it was kind of worth it... But it is an awesome build, and I love the brick-effect.

Posted by starfire2 in United States, 14 May 2012 14:19

My husband's friend lives in South Korea. His birthday is in June. I think this would make a great gift.

Posted by Galactus in Netherlands, 14 May 2012 15:24

What's this 'Namdaemun' on the title tile?

Posted by Huw in United Kingdom, 14 May 2012 16:03

An alternative name for it, and what the set was to be called, I believe. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namdaemun

Posted by fyrmedhatt in United States, 14 May 2012 17:20

According to rumors this is the first source of dark green 1x2 plates since the BNSF train some 7 years ago, I'm sure many MOC'ers are excited! (And some Bricklink sellers are not...)

Posted by kenhew in Malaysia, 15 May 2012 07:08

^ I think you're confusing south with north? ;)
Galactus, 'Namdaemun' literally means South(Nam) Big(Dae) Gate(Mun) or Grand Southern Gate.

This is really a fine piece of Lego Architecture series but unfortunately I have yet to be able to justify myself paying for the price of any of the architecture series...

Posted by chree55 in United States, 16 May 2012 01:30

Considering how overpriced some of the recent Star Wars sets are... the argument against the Architecture series is slowly losing ground. Sydney Opera House was pretty bad, I'll give ya that... but Big Ben and Namdaemun look great and are pretty fairly priced in a price-per-piece context.

I'm probably biased though. I've loved this entire series.

Posted by husky1971 in United States, 16 May 2012 20:41

I've been to Namdaemun (that's what they called it when I was there anyway) and this set definitelty captures it. I'll have to get it since it brings back some good memories. I'm not too enamored of the arcitecture line overall, but I love the sets of buildings I have a personal connection to (such as the Space Needle, emblem of my hometown).

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