LEGO Event Combines Fun, Architectural Learning

Architectural design, energy efficiency, and fun were all parts of the Lego Architecture Event at Barnes and Noble in Redlands. On Thursday, July 25, locals of all ages gathered at the bookstore at 6 p.m. to enjoy a night filled with creativity, diversity, and information. The purpose of this event was to allow children and teens to create scale models of buildings and inform them of various ways to build actual energy-efficient buildings while promoting the launch of LEGO Architecture Studio, the newest building kit from the LEGO Group. With a total of 60 participants, the Lego event had children as young as five years old as well as senior citizens laughing, playing, and asking questions along the way, answered by local architect Michael Burke, an architect who has previously helped create educational, cultural, commercial and residential buildings. Burke explained that his goal for the night was to educate the children and teens on how buildings were structurally created as well as assist them with constructing their own creations in order to promote community involvement and productivity. On a light note, Burt jokingly stated that he could not resist a night out to play with LEGOS. While LEGO buildings were being made, Burke went around to each table asking various questions such as, “What causes more pollution: cars or buildings?” and, “How can you make buildings more energy efficient?” Along with Burke, the entire team at Barnes and Noble worked together to ensure that each individual enjoyed their evening at the event. The Toys and Games Lead, Eugene Lindberg, noted that Barnes and Noble was more than ecstatic to host the event since it was a great way to get kids involved with hands-on architecture.