Blocks to Bricks - Chicago
“The world is but a canvas to the imagination.”
Introduction
At Snowdrop, we aim to design and manufacture simple modular homes. We envision these homes to help address the inadequacies of current disaster relief efforts and community building projects, both domestic and international. We believe in creating environments that meet peoples’ needs for shelter, energy, water, health, and agriculture, enabling them to spend their free time being more productive members of society. This blog series reflects what we have accomplished thus far and how we plan to advance our mission in the future. Follow us on our journey!
Update Overview
This past May, two members of our Snowdrop team, Rick Fairhurst and Chirac Ndetan, flew to Chicago to visit Adam Reed Tucker and his new "Blocks to Bricks" Museum. Adam is an alumnus of Kansas State University, where he received a degree in Architecture with an emphasis on the philosophy of design theory. After graduation, he worked as an architect throughout the Chicago area for 10 years before starting Brickstructures, Inc., where he used LEGO bricks to design and build models of famous architectural landmarks. Having quickly gained international recognition, he partnered with LEGO to create the LEGO Architecture Series, a sub-brand of LEGO products that uses the standard LEGO component range to "celebrate the past, present and future of architecture through the LEGO brick" on a micro-scale. His work has since been exhibited at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan, The National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., and the Figge Art Museum in Davenport, Iowa.
“I’m enamored by all of the usefulness that LEGO harnesses within itself — education, philosophy, team-building, therapy, art, science.”
Adam is only one of twelve LEGO Certified Professionals (LCP), a select title given to those who have made a significant contribution to the LEGO product by using it in unique and innovative ways. Since then, he has traveled extensively to demo his work at public events and create educational programs at schools. His most recent endeavor is "Blocks to Bricks," a museum that features not only his own work but the models of other artists as well.
"Blocks to Bricks" is an interactive, 12,500 sq-ft, walk-through, art gallery-inspired experience. It strives to tell the story of three-dimensional building toys over time with Iconic brands like LEGO®, Erector Sets®, and Lincoln Logs®. At "Blocks to Bricks," one can view the evolutionary development of construction toys while experiencing and interacting with the principles and elements of design that underlie their creation. If you’re in the Chicago area, we highly recommend planning a visit (see information below).
Back in April, Adam's team contacted Rick Fairhurst to provide him an opportunity to display some of his work on sustainable architecture using Arckit. Arckit is a modular building system that Rick has used to construct models, and to explore and prototype passively sustainable solutions. Impressed with Rick's work over the last 2 years, Adam allocated a section of the museum for Rick to permanently display a selection of his models. To learn more about Rick's Arckit Project or Arckit, check out the links below.
After delivering the first set of models, Rick and Chirac used the opportunity to introduce Adam to Snowdrop, and to discuss its short-term goals and overall mission. Adam loved our vision of using modular architecture to make holistic social impact. With such positive feedback, over the next few months, we will explore various ways to promote Snowdrop through "Blocks to Bricks," with possible fundraisers and exhibitions to raise money for the overall project. We are maintaining contact with Adam and planning a return visit to "Blocks to Bricks" by the end of the summer to deliver more models and further discuss joint projects. Overall, it was an honor to meet such an influential person in the industry as Adam and visit his new museum. We look forward to building our relationship with him and are excited about future opportunities between us.
END Notes
Adam Reed Tucker, an architect and Certified LEGO Professional, is the founder of Brickstructures, Inc. and “Blocks to Bricks,” a recently opened museum that celebrates the evolution of construction toys over the past 300 years.
Rick Fairhurst (RikySongSu) is a designer and cinematographer interested in developing and documenting low-impact architecture in developing countries, and addressing their needs for water, electricity and health to promote engaging and productive lifestyles.
Chirac Ndetan is a biomechanist, photographer and fitness advocate interested in preventing musculoskeletal disorders by promoting human powered technologies and sustainable lifestyles
If you like what Snowdrop is all about, spread the word by sharing this page or telling others. If you would like to learn more about our project and follow us on our journey, check out the link below. If you’d like to volunteer or work for us, stay tuned for opportunities to get involved. If you want to help us fund the implementation of tangible solutions on the ground, consider donating below. Whatever your capacity is, do that. Work with us and make a lasting impact on our world.
All profits will go into research, implementation or the purchase of equipment that aligns with project goals to create sustainable solutions for disaster relief or communities of developing countries.
As always, if you have any questions, suggestions or comments, I would love to hear from you in the comments section below or through email to thesnowdropteam@gmail.com or rikysongsu@gmail.com.