Seasonal Influence

[WesternOutlaw]

Over the past few weeks, I can't help to notice the number of gardens, flower shops, and spring creations that are popping up on the Trains & Town forum. I think it's great!

It got me thinking, does the weather and/or the season influence what you build? -particularly relating to Town and City creations.

As the weather warms up, and the grass, trees, and flowers begin to bloom, does this inspire you to build Spring creations?

If so, are you planning to build something Spring-related? What are you planning, and what would you like to build?

Spring ahead and share your thoughts...

[Ricecracker]

For me, no. If something I build happens to relate to the season, it's because I decided to make a specific building, or creation, and it's a coincidence. I usually choose something to build, regardless of the season, and build it. If the inspiration happens to have snow on it, and it's winter, again, it's only a coincidence. I'm interested in what other people have to say though.

[WesternOutlaw]

Interesting thought Ricecracker. Let's see what a few others say.

[Skinny Boy]

Well, yeah I suppose. The seasons definitely have an affect on my mood, which in turn would make me want to build. I may build better when i'm happier, but maybe I would'nt necessarily build a happier creation when i'm feelin good

[MetroiD]

If something I build happens to relate to the season, it's because I decided to make a specific building, or creation, and it's a coincidence.

I'll second that. Asi came up with the idea of a flower shop quite some time ago... ordering specific parts off Bricklink, checking out different ideas, sketching stuff, etc. was all a part of the process and we definitely took our time with our Fleurs des Leutres building. We were certain that we wanted to build exactly THAT building once I started the Divco Flower Truck. And since it was ready within a couple of days, I guess you couldn't really say that the season has influenced this specific MOC too much (it was still snowy around here during that time...)

It was however a charming coincidence, working on something so bright and flowery and then going out to see the flowers and trees in bloom... Gotta love springtime :)

Furthermore, Brickster here is absolutely right in suggesting that there is a connection between the season and the MOCs, since after all the things within our surroundings which we find most oustanding are often the ones we choose as an idea to implement in a MOC, even if we don't always consciously realise it. Sometimes it might even work the other way around... for example, during the winter time I had all but forgotten the sound of a motorcycle's engine and the lovely roar of a revving bike. Hence the multitude of two-wheeled MOC during that period, I guess (not that I'm done with those, NO SIR! )

[Eilif]

Brickington was always meant to represent an idylic island vacation town. As such, it's pretty well permanently spring or summer there regardless of the season in the real world. At different times I've considered taking on the challenge of a fall or winter scene, but the LEGO palete of foliage parts just doesn't lend it'self as well to those seasons, and I'm not interested enough in the challenge to try.

Spring and summer are also great seasons for having lots of minifigs out on the streets doing things and adding visual interest to my layout.

As to my recent flower shop, I don't want to psychoanalyze myself too much, but it could well have been a yearning for spring that finally brought it about. We had a few warmish days and weekends here and there, but the weekend I built it we had a surprise snow and ice storm here in Chicago!

[prateek]

no, not really. i just build what i want

[Eilif]

Brickster,

Has EB ever had seasonal building contests? It might be something cool to see in the future.

[WesternOutlaw]

Not really for Spring, but last winter, we had Snowbox Derby and Build & Decorate a Train Car. These were very much seasonal.

[Ricecracker]

we had Snowbox Derby

Yes, but that was only for the Fellows and staff. I agree that it would be a great idea.

[WesternOutlaw]

Yes, but that was only for the Fellows and staff. I agree that it would be a great idea.

We added the Sideline Scenes to expand the contest to all, but my point is that we have had a few seasonal contests.

So getting back to the topic, I think that not only does the weather impact MOCs, but even building contests.

[Ricecracker]

I think that not only does the weather impact MOCs, but even building contests.

Well, if the contests are inspired by the seasons, then, in turn, the MOCs will be.

[Eilif]

I had forgotten about the train car. Maybe we'll see more in the future.

Slightly off topic, who made the sweet orange SUV?

[WesternOutlaw]

Slightly off topic, who made the sweet orange SUV?

Blogged on Classic Town from CoolerTD's Brickshelf images.

Here's the link.

[Lt. Col. Thok]

Seasons don't affect my tabletown - I pretend its in the tropics.

Mind you, hurricanes are a nasty sideaffect...

[MarcusV3]

Season's don't really affect my town much. I mean all throughout winter I didn't make a single wintery thing. I think my town is permanently in spring and summer because those are my two favorite seasons.

[WesternOutlaw]

Interesting,

So for the majority, seasons do not affect Tabletowns. Many of you build what you want to build throughout the year, with perhaps some very slight seasonal effect from EB/building contests.

I was really thinking that seasons do impact your MOCs, although most of my creations center around the dusty streets of a barren ghost town, idealy in Fall.

[Klaus-Dieter]

That's a great and very interesting topic, TheBrickster!

Some days I built this greenhouse with LDD. Here in South Germany it's spring since about one and a half week and it's very warm and green. But I do not know that this atmosphere inspired this my MOC. Of course it's very seldom that you build somethings Christmas related in summer or a beach bar in winter. But nevertheless I do not think that seasons in general influence what I build.

I more think that you do that unwittingly: When it's spring you see all the flowers, all the green outside, ... and then you unintentionally build something which has to do with spring, flowers, ....

Klaus-Dieter

[Darth_Legois]

I dont get Seasonal Influence probable because in the part of Australia where I live its mainly warm all year round accept soon it might be "cold" for acouple weeks. It gets cooler but not really cold.

[Brickthing]

I live in Auckland, New Zealand, which means that 50% of the time it's anyone of the four seasons in no particular order, and the other 50% of the time it's raining. Also, my I've been working on my bedtown slowly since the beginning of the year and progress is too slow for me to consider seasonal variation in what I build.