brickextreme2

Hi RogerSmith, You raise some good points. To clarify, I'm not referring to the separability of the floors, but the architectural design. Visually, Lego has recognized that separated floors is visually more appealing as it creates balance of height between the floors (including the bottom floor.) I hesitate to raise the following point as I don't want anybody to get too hung up on this one point as I recognize it could be challenged. Lego makes it easier for us to buy multiple sets and stack them. I admit that this could possibly be worked out in the build, but I'm thinking through the options for this build and they all seem less sturdy from a construction perspective than what Lego would do. Take another look at this build and think about how buying a second set would easily enable us to make it taller. For example, the white disc that overlaps the second floor and roofline would be problematic, adding another floor over the balcony inset would look odd, etc. There is ways to build with clear windows and not have studs show. Flat tile moulding around the windows, such as the approach used on the edge of the cafe of Assembly Square is one option. Or different window setup. I should of been less transparent on my personal taste (i.e. commenting on my opinion of the color scheme). However, it's not just a personal taste. Lego has established certain architectural rules throughout their builds that are entirely broken with this model. For colors, they almost always expertly chose colors that contrast or go together tonally. There is something wrong with the colors (btw - look closely and notice the odd placement of brown in two places high left side in the balcony inset area). They recognize that our eyes and mind consistently find these rules pleasing.....even if we don't care for specific design features or elements. Interestingly, overall I like the build and would end up buying it (modifying something if it bothered me that much). I believe this is an experienced MOC builder, but not an expert Lego one. My city has some decent MOC modulars, some of which I "borrowed" techniques by much more talented people than I on this site. When non-lego enthusiasts see the city, they can't point out my MOCs vs the Lego sets. However, I would never consider applying to Lego for a job as I recognize that my creations wouldn't stand a chance. Referring to Malcom Gladwell, it's the "blink". My very first impression was that this is a "fake", but I have been known to be wrong once or twice ;-)

o