Sydney Opera House Architecture Review (21012)
To begin with, why review an item released in 2012? Well, for those of you who know me, I’m latecomer in the scene, and I’m working my way back to some of the older sets. And in case you’re wondering, do I want to spend a kazillion dollars on EOL stuff? The answer is no, this set was bought used and a more reasonable price that what the market rate is going for a new box. I’m a fan of buildings and architecture, and I appreciate the simplicity and minimalist effort it takes to represent something bigger. In my view, its easy to represent something with a thousand bricks, the challenge lies when you have a limited number of bricks.
The Box
The box is the box is the box. Whilst I do discard all my other boxes, the Architecture Series is one that I do keep. This box is pretty banged up, but hey, I’m willing to live with it and its nice of the previous owner to keep it.
Building something that’s already been built… whats it like? (Rating 3 out of 5)
So, I first must say that this set came built when I picked it up from the previous owner! So, I’ve always wondered, can you enjoy building a set when you actually have to tear it apart and then build it immediately again? The answer for me is an absolute yes - I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
Parts (Rating 2 out of 5)
As with all Architecture sets, it contacts the infamous “tan” coloured bricks the base outlined with black flat tiles. Nothing spectacular and out of the ordinary, but just small cheese blocks in tan and transparent grey to provide the surrounding build.
The Building Process (Rating 2 out of 5)
The unique part about the build is how (if viewed from above) the two “sails" are at an angle (See unfinished built from the top). I appreciate how the designer had to “lock” in that “V” position using the elements positioned and to make it sturdy. Every other part was just stacking bricks over bricks, but I could appreciate how the foundations were done that one would never see in the finished build.
The Completed Model (Rating 3 out of 5)
Many may say that this does not really represent the Sydney Opera House as it should - I’d have to agree to that to general extent, but to appreciate the details to actually design something that exhibits the right slopes and angles takes a bit more effort than you think. Refer to the side profile and look at how much the (master?) builder has emulated the curves and the silhouette. I think it deserves a bit more appreciation that most would give.
Release Price: Bricksworld SGD 79.90 / Retail USD 39.99
Year of Release: 2012
Number of Pieces: 270