LEGO Architecture - Lincoln Memorial

Abraham Lincoln holds a unique place in the history of the United States: not only did he save the Union, he reinvigorated the nation’s founding principle — that all men are created equal. The campaign to erect a fitting memorial in his name began even as he lay on his deathbed in 1865. It would eventually be completed 57 years later, after decades of disagreements over what type of monument to build and where it should be placed.

The campaign to erect a fitting memorial for Abraham Lincoln began even as he lay on his deathbed in 1865. It would eventually be completed 57 years later, after decades of disagreements over what type of monument to build and where it should be placed.

The memorial itself echoes a classic Greek temple and the structure measures 189.7 by 118.5 ft. (58 by 36 m) and is 99 ft. (30 m) tall. It is surrounded by a colonnade of 36 fluted Doric columns, one for each of the 36 states in the Union at the time of Lincoln’s death.

The interior of the monument is divided into three chambers. The north and south chambers contain carved inscriptions of Lincoln’s second inaugural address and his Gettysburg Address. Above each of the inscriptions is a mural portraying the governing principles in Lincoln’s life.

Between the north and south chambers is the central chamber containing the solitary figure of Lincoln sitting in contemplation.

---

I thought I'd make this set for Memorial day.

I'm done.

LEGO Architecture - Trevi Fountain

I got this set for Christmas. This is one of the more gratifying LEGO constructions I've done. It took almost 3 hours to build, but it was worth it.

In 2006, we went on a week-long trip in Europe that took us to Germany, Austria, Amsterdam, Switzerland, Florence, Rome, Vatican City and Paris. Rome was probably my favorite out of all the places we visited. The Coliseum, the ruins of old structures still standing in the city (aqueducts, bridges) and Trevi Fountain itself.

History

The imposing fountain sits at the junction of three roads, or tre vie, which many believe gave the fountain its name. Built by Marcu Vipsanius Agrippa in 19 BC, the Aqua Virgo aqueduct was over 13 miles (21 km) long and even then had a fountain at its terminus.

The aqueduct and fountain served Rome for over 400 years, but after the invasion of the Goths in AD 537, the aqueduct was cut off and the final portion abandoned. It would be over 1,000 years, and the advent of the Early Renaissance period, before a fountain would again stand in the location we know today.

The Trevi Fountain has become an iconic symbol of Rome and remains one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. A traditional legend holds that if visitors throw a coin into the fountain, they are ensured a return to Rome. It is estimated that 3,000 euros are thrown into the fountain each day.

The fountain has provided a backdrop for many classic movies, including Hollywood’s 1954 romantic comedy, Three Coins in a Fountain, and Federico Fellini’s famous 1960 La Dolce Vita. Part of the fountain is also replicated at the Italy Pavilion at Epcot in Walt Disney World in the US.

The fountain was refurbished in 1998; the stonework was scrubbed and all cracks and other areas of deterioration were repaired by skilled artisans, and the fountain was equipped with recirculating pumps.

In January 2013, it was announced that the Italian fashion company Fendi would sponsor a 20-month, €2.2 million restoration of the fountain; it will be the most thorough restoration in the fountain’s history

I'm done.

The Long Game

I found this video on Wimp.com and it really spoke to me. The journey to success requires a trait that much of society might not possess anymore. Our generation, the millennials, have been indoctrinated with the idea that everyone deserves everything if they want it. Kids at daycare and elementary school are taught to share their toys with other kids. It's a troubling concept and may have ruined this generation's expectations on life. Kids are growing up with an unprecedented high sense of entitlement.

Louis C.K. perfectly summarizes in this photo.

Nothing in life is ever easy. Everyone wants to be a lottery winner, but you have to make the money to buy a ticket. You have to do the work and keep trying, never giving up. Lastly, success is all about perspective.

I'm done.

LEGO Architecture - Flatiron Building

"I found myself agape, admiring a sky-scraper... ploughing up through the traffic of Broadway and Fifth Avenue in the afternoon light." - H. G. Wells, 1906

History

Sitting on the intersection where Fifth Avenue and Broadway cross, the Flatiron Building remains one of New York City’s most popular and memorable structures.

As the city of New York expanded northward during the second half of the 19th century, small plots of land remained undeveloped. One of the most well known of these was the narrow triangular site at 23rd Street. The “Flat Iron,” as it quickly became known, changed owners many times, but wouldn’t be developed until the Chicago-based Fuller Company bought the site in 1901.

The Fuller Company engaged Chicago architect Daniel H. Burnham to design the building and, utilizing the Fuller Company’s expertise with steel frame construction, he proposed a 20-story structure that would reach a height of 285 ft. (86.9 m). At the “point” of the triangle the building would only be 6.5 ft. (2 m) wide and would form a 25-degree acute angle.

This radical design, combined with its great height and unusual shape, created a great deal of debate as the building neared completion in 1902. Though never the tallest building in New York, or even the first building in the country with a triangular ground plan, the Flatiron Building has become an iconic symbol of the city of New York.

I'm done.