brickjournal7online

During the Brickworld convention in June, Adamasked 13-year-old Olivia Donahue to build andreview the set. She readily agreed. Here is a littlebit about Olivia (from her father):“Olivia loves to build and play; she won the InspirationAward at Brickworld 2007; she plays piano, runs on thetrack team, and does some swimming; she takes care of herfour goldfish and her doggie, a coton de tuléar named Sophie;she’s a great student, a wonderful sister and daughter, and asplendid friend.”Adam Reed Tucker and Olivia Donahue with the set.Fallingwater: A Builder’s ViewI built Fallingwater in approximately three hours. These aremy thoughts, looking back at a most enjoyable building experience,in no particular order:• This set is certainly not a toy. From its black professionalpackaging to the detail in the work, Fallingwater is strictly forits architectural beauty and significance.• The information is great, because you can learn a little bitabout Frank Lloyd Wright, without seeming like you’re readinga textbook.• The highlighted red bricks in the instructions are helpful becauseof the set’s unique building technique. Made mostly outof plates for texture and pattern, it can be hard to tell where toput the next plate. The clever puzzle box idea of sliding partsis something that I have never seen used before, but is awesomebecause they are so well hidden.• Fallingwater is very artistic, and the quotes from Mr. Wrightare, too. All the items of the set, from the box to the instructionsto the lessons in the book to the model itself, fit within aconsistent artistic theme.• Fallingwater lets you see the difference between how Adambuilds as an artist and how others build for play. The differentbuilding style really opens up your mind and your eyes tonew ways to build.• Even though Fallingwater looks fragile, it is still very sturdyunderneath. It is also very heavy because it has so manypieces!• The block’s studs are used only for landscape texture, andthe rest is all very smooth, like cut limestone.• I like the waterfall because it adds texture contrasts betweenthe water and the rocks.• I like the fact that there are really only three colors. The darkgreen adds a serious tone but also adds a liveliness in contrastto the tan and dark gray.• The unique use of just about only plates really does its job ofcreating the texture and pattern of limestone.In summary, this set is nothing short of awesome. Althoughit doesn’t have the playability of something like the MedievalMarket, its artistry and elegance provide the builder with amost rewarding and enjoyable building experience. I recommendthis set for older people who don’t necessarily playwith Lego but would enjoy building; however,younger people can enjoy it too! (Like me!)21