Modular Building Sets - Rumours and Discussion

[Transparency for Effect]

Sorry, the Simpsons house costing more.

Speaking of which, if I was going to get a single Modular Building or the Haunted House, what would it be? The latter seeing how it's just the one?

[Yocalyptus]

Im on my 4th modular! Excited to get my hands on the Pet Shop. Wohoooo! :)

Id like the next modular to be a:

School or

Museum :D :D :D

It would be nice to add them on the City im planning to make. :)

[madball]

Picked up my 3rd at the weekend... now have Fire Brigade, Grand Emporium, and Pet Shop. Will wait to next double points to get Town Hall. Then Parisian Restaurant next year. None of them built yet... waitng for my daughter to be a wee bit older then we'll build together. Starting our own modular buildings to incorporate into town... train station is the current one and will feature hopefully a modular tunnel too.

Next out the box should be one of the following in my book... Police Station, Museum, or Bank.

[Transparency for Effect]

Come to think of it, narrowing down buildings that are too costful (including Bricklinking individual pieces), already present in building type in town or just plain "eh", leaves me with the Grand Emporium and Parsian Resturaunt of the Modular Buildings and the Monster Fighters Haunted House for the hypothetical single £100 large building to occupy the town.

I personally think the Haunted House might be the better option; it practically completes the theme, it may be the most suited for a single large building in town (as opposed to just one modular?) and just plain looks awesome enough. Might change my mind, but it seems like the most reasonable choice to me.

Edited May 6, 2014 by Transparency for Effect

[Sammael]

It just occured to me. There are a whole bunch of modular buildings shown in the LEGO Movie. Once the BlueRay edition comes out, it will probably pay off to watch the city scenes frame by frame for clues :D

[mrpoindexter]

Many of those buildings are existing modulars in different color schemes or with extra floors. Some are scratch built for the film but would not be modular sets in the future given their size (don't expect a 20,000 piece skyscraper).

The town that was used in the film is actually on display at Legoland, CA right now.

Edited May 8, 2014 by mrpoindexter

[edgedmangahas]

I would like to see a museum modular. That would be cool.

[Off the wall]

I would like to see a casino.

[rollermonkey]

My initial reaction is that TLG wouldn't make a casino, but they did do Marina Bay Sands, so I guess it isn't completely impossible.

[nesquik]

My initial reaction is that TLG wouldn't make a casino, but they did do Marina Bay Sands, so I guess it isn't completely impossible.

The focus of that model is the architecture, rather than the purpose of the building.

[SeanM]

In all seriousness. Whatever comes next will need to be something to fill the entry level void left by retiring the Fire Brigade. Somethingthat acts like it, as a hook between City and Modulars and gets the whole family interested. If we give any credence to pattern recognition, It seems to go;

Corner - Commercial Building - Government or service Building - Corner - repeat

So what comes next could conceivably be some sort of governmental or civic building. Basic choices are Police, School, Hospital, Church, Post Office. Fire and Town Hall they already did. They will not do a church anymore. (Such a shame I so want a nice little church) Hospital may be tough to do. Post Office would be great, but I don't think it is the kid and family magnet that they would want. Which leads me to suspect either a Police Precinct House, complete with period squad car. Or a School with School Bus.Something instantly familiar to all, but done really really well.

I know a few people mention museums. It would be fantastic to get one. But I think it would not be that distinct of a build or building. It would be the GE's interior with some frontage similar to TH.

I totally agree with the civic building theory. I'd be surprised if they released a Police Station because I am not sure if it would fit with the current lineup. Museums, Transit Station, University, or Hospital seem very likely. Unfortunately I don't think Lego would ever release a church.. Too Risky. I'd prefer if they split back to 16 wide Modulars like the PS. I think it provides more variety and play-ability. Pairing upstairs apartments are possible with most of the following classic town sets: Auto Repair Shop, Post Office, Public Works, Pizzeria, News Station, Bike Repair, or Bank. New ideas could be Bakery, Club, Dance Studio, Workout Gym, Laundromat, Book or Music Store. If they make it 32 wide then perhaps a Factory, or Octan Corporate Office

I'll take anything, as long as Jamie is the designer!

[Off the wall]

When I research the history of Lego and modular buildings, it usually says this product line was meant for AFOLs, so I don't understand the concern with 'playability'. Also, most 16 wide modular MOCs look like shoe boxes. Thankfully, the PS was a classic using 16 wide buildings. If lego can pull off another set of 16 wide buildings that have some texture and architectural detail, I'm fine with it.

Maybe a homeless shelter, a state unemployment office or a massage parlor.

[Moebius118]

I totally agree with the civic building theory. I'd be surprised if they released a Police Station because I am not sure if it would fit with the current lineup. Museums, Transit Station, University, or Hospital seem very likely. Unfortunately I don't think Lego would ever release a church.. Too Risky. I'd prefer if they split back to 16 wide Modulars like the PS. I think it provides more variety and play-ability. Pairing upstairs apartments are possible with most of the following classic town sets: Auto Repair Shop, Post Office, Public Works, Pizzeria, News Station, Bike Repair, or Bank. New ideas could be Bakery, Club, Dance Studio, Workout Gym, Laundromat, Book or Music Store. If they make it 32 wide then perhaps a Factory, or Octan Corporate Office

I'd definitely get a museum or hospital or post office.

A university/college has a rather large footprint, I'd be curious to see one done and then be first in line to get it.

My fingers are crossed for a bank as a modular very soon. Seems overdue.

A Nightclub, Arcade or Jewelers would also be picks of mine.

Any Octan related building would be a dream come true for me. I'd die of anticipation just on the news alone.

I'd love for modular industrials but I'm sure that will never happen.

Oh oh oh! Also a Library.

Edited May 21, 2014 by Moebius118

[nesquik]

I'd suggest that a Post Office (P.O.) would be a strong contender for a future modular building.

As I've argued in earlier comments, the theme has evolved swiftly and now has greater emphasis on how the storyline accompanies the environment. So while the architecture is still integral to the product, the designers have come to realise that the models work better as a complete stage for characters to be the stars of. This is almost a complete opposite to Café Corner, which although still looks pretty, has no interior and no backstory. The modular buildings then were more or less an attempt at market research, and didn't have the same level of anticipation or draw to a vast age group as today.

Keeping all this in mind, I believe a P.O. would fit the bill perfectly as

1. There are enough iconic templates for how a P.O. should look like in the eyes of the builder. I'd pick out just one example of how older P.Os have a tradition in England for being situated in small, cosy streets, where it's normal to see housing built around them. That alone creates a lot of potential for the design and construction. And who could forget the red Telephone box and letterbox?...
   
2. While vehicles have rarely been impressive parts of these products, there's a good opportunity to design a classic parcel van for the mail to be delivered with. During the 1950's and even earlier, when village Post Offices were usually dependant on Morris Minor mail vans.
   
3. There is nothing the least bit controversial about Post Offices in general. Other kinds of building such as Police Stations have already been interpreted in other themes (such as City), and while this is true about fire stations, the Fire Brigade modular building was an entirely iconic design that fans could associate with, because it evoked a time and place. That is the reward with these products - not being able to reconstruct a city with necessities. The products are designed to work independently; libraries, gyms, casinos, banks, dentists are simply not iconic enough to follow the previous modular buildings as marketable Creator products. Not only this, but you also have to consider the build experience. A library may seem good in the imagination, but not a single LEGO designer would expect the customer to have to build bookcase after bookcase after... These buildings are supposed to be fun to construct with lots of variation.
   
4. Finally, a village Post Office would be the perfect scale for the current modular building line-up. The ground floor would contain a small shop and collection/drop-off kiosk, the first floor would be a living space and there could even be a loft area.
   

Edited May 22, 2014 by nesquik

[Herky]

While I think a post office would be great, and the pics you provide certainly look great, I am not sure that TLG would go this route. I feel the museum idea has a lot of merit, we have seen in the Cinema how they can put posters up, so it wouldn't be a stretch to do works of art or sculptures, a nice kiosk like most museums have with rooms full of art.

A library would also be very cool, we know they can do books, but I wonder if they would do individual books or just do a shelf with an insert that just looked like books. There are a lot of possibilities there too. I just wasn't as enamored with the restaurant as most folks...wish it was more of an Italian restaurant or Chinese instead.

[SeanM]

When I research the history of Lego and modular buildings, it usually says this product line was meant for AFOLs, so I don't understand the concern with 'playability'. Also, most 16 wide modular MOCs look like shoe boxes. Thankfully, the PS was a classic using 16 wide buildings. If lego can pull off another set of 16 wide buildings that have some texture and architectural detail, I'm fine with it.

Maybe a homeless shelter, a state unemployment office or a massage parlor.

I think Playability = telling of stories through level of detail and unique features, etc.

Unemployment office? Not much playability there... BUT how about a modular Department of Motor Vehicles office?

"Adding to the realism of Lego Creator line of Modulars, your newlywed minifigure couple from the Parisian Restaurant become frustrated as they wait in long lines at the archaic DMV office. Admire the level of detail with unimaginative crumbling walls, dirty seating, and a broken automated kiosk. The groom eventually becomes so infuriated with obese bureaucratic officials that he gets arrested by a trigger happy police officer. Set includes special printed tiles including traffic tickets, late vehicle registration notices, and divorce papers."

For the record, I'm not a fan of the town hall.

Edited May 22, 2014 by SeanM

[Off the wall]

I think Playability = telling of stories through level of detail and unique features, etc.

Unemployment office? Not much playability there... BUT how about a modular Department of Motor Vehicles office?

"Adding to the realism of Lego Creator line of Modulars, your newlywed minifigure couple from the Parisian Restaurant become frustrated as they wait in long lines at the archaic DMV office. Admire the level of detail with unimaginative crumbling walls, dirty seating, and a broken automated kiosk. The groom eventually becomes so infuriated with obese bureaucratic officials that he gets arrested by a trigger happy police officer. Set includes special printed tiles including traffic tickets, late vehicle registration notices, and divorce papers."

For the record, I'm not a fan of the town hall.

DMV would be very realistic. Minifigs sitting in display, collecting dust and not moving for months at a time. Pretty much describes the DMV.

Problem with a post office is that it's about as timely as a blacksmiths shop.

Edited May 22, 2014 by Off the wall

[SeanM]

Agreed, I don't think a 32 wide post office would be a good idea. Same goes for a library because both are obsolete and kind of boring BUT a small book store would definitely work and

instead of a giant 32 wide hospital I think a dentist office or even pharmacy would work just as good in the 16 wide format. I could see them releasing a 32 wide science/history museum, but I'd be just as happy with a 16 wide antique shop. I'm sure what ever they come up with will be good since Jamie is moving back in the right direction with the PR. Either way I hope to see split 16 wides soon because I'm running out of space!

[Faefrost]

When I research the history of Lego and modular buildings, it usually says this product line was meant for AFOLs, so I don't understand the concern with 'playability'. Also, most 16 wide modular MOCs look like shoe boxes. Thankfully, the PS was a classic using 16 wide buildings. If lego can pull off another set of 16 wide buildings that have some texture and architectural detail, I'm fine with it.

Maybe a homeless shelter, a state unemployment office or a massage parlor.

It is and it isn't. Like you don't really expect a lot of play gimmicks to sets like PR. But it is nice to have at least one set that lights up the eyes of the entire family while it is still on the shelf. The Fire Brigade really filled that roll. It attracted a much broader range than just AFOL's being a bigger and better take on the classic and always present City Fire Stations. The roll up door, Fire engine and firemans pole added a little extra zing to the set that let it act as a gateway bridge between Lego's classic younger toy builders and AFOLs.

DMV would be very realistic. Minifigs sitting in display, collecting dust and not moving for months at a time. Pretty much describes the DMV.

Problem with a post office is that it's about as timely as a blacksmiths shop.

Which they have made a large number of. I think I have 4 or 5 Blacksmith shops in my collection. MMV, Kingdoms, Ninjago, etc. I do agree that a Library or Post Office might not seem quite timely. Kind of like sitting a rotary phone down in front of a modern child. Of the two the Post Office is probably the more recognizable.

Agreed, I don't think a 32 wide post office would be a good idea. Same goes for a library because both are obsolete and kind of boring BUT a small book store would definitely work and

instead of a giant 32 wide hospital I think a dentist office or even pharmacy would work just as good in the 16 wide format. I could see them releasing a 32 wide science/history museum, but I'd be just as happy with a 16 wide antique shop. I'm sure what ever they come up with will be good since Jamie is moving back in the right direction with the PR. Either way I hope to see split 16 wides soon because I'm running out of space!

I've long thought a classic corner Pharmacy and Soda Fountain, ala the classic US Rexall drugs chain would make a really nice Modular. With a Doctor or Dentists office above it would make a great little Medical scene for the town without having to shoehorn a Hospital into a 32x32 space.

[rollermonkey]

Local LEGO store got a big shipment of GE in this week.

Either it's not going anywhere, or TLG is clearing stock.

[Off the wall]

Local LEGO store got a big shipment of GE in this week.

Either it's not going anywhere, or TLG is clearing stock.

Good news. I'm building a four story 96 x 64 GE and need a few more.

[Wodanis]

I totally agree with the civic building theory. I'd be surprised if they released a Police Station because I am not sure if it would fit with the current lineup. Museums, Transit Station, University, or Hospital seem very likely. Unfortunately I don't think Lego would ever release a church.. Too Risky. I'd prefer if they split back to 16 wide Modulars like the PS. I think it provides more variety and play-ability. Pairing upstairs apartments are possible with most of the following classic town sets: Auto Repair Shop, Post Office, Public Works, Pizzeria, News Station, Bike Repair, or Bank. New ideas could be Bakery, Club, Dance Studio, Workout Gym, Laundromat, Book or Music Store. If they make it 32 wide then perhaps a Factory, or Octan Corporate Office

I'll take anything, as long as Jamie is the designer!

TLG would never do a church or other religious creations as it is not part of their core values. Same way they do not do WW1 or 2 themes. A combo dance studio and gym on a 16 wide would be interesting. :) they tried to do a bike shop with the town square set but would be cool if they did a really detailed version.

I'd definitely get a museum or hospital or post office.

A university/college has a rather large footprint, I'd be curious to see one done and then be first in line to get it.

My fingers are crossed for a bank as a modular very soon. Seems overdue.

A Nightclub, Arcade or Jewelers would also be picks of mine.

Any Octan related building would be a dream come true for me. I'd die of anticipation just on the news alone.

I'd love for modular industrials but I'm sure that will never happen.

Oh oh oh! Also a Library.

A jeweller is a pretty good idea! Could tell a story with that.

Both your suggestions about an octan building are fun. I'd love to see something made for it but I was thinking that may fall into the city line.

[Faefrost]

TLG would never do a church or other religious creations as it is not part of their core values. Same way they do not do WW1 or 2 themes. A combo dance studio and gym on a 16 wide would be interesting. :) they tried to do a bike shop with the town square set but would be cool if they did a really detailed version.

I'm not sure that describing it as "not a part of their core values" is quite accurate. Lego is privately owned and operated by a family of reasonably devout Christians. Faith certainly was a part of their core values from early on. When they were selling into a less global market and had a more homogenous work force they did offer Church models and a common Christmas gift to employees was a Lego made cross. As they have grown and expanded they have opted not to portray or offer play that involves real world conflict. They also recognize that they are selling into a broad mix of faiths. As such they neither use their business to proselytize for their faith nor risk offense of others. Feeling that child's play should be as inclusive as possible. (Understandable these days. Just look at all the fun they had surrounding Jabba's Palace ). The religious restrictions are not quite on the same level of the much deeper true core value of "no war toys".

Edited May 23, 2014 by Faefrost

[Wodanis]

In truth Faefrost I couldn't recall what the name of that portion of TLG's doctrine is. It is interesting to note that 'no war toys' policy was shaped from the event of the Second World War. Anyhow, back onto modulars!

[glendo]

im really after just simple shops.... like the pet shop ( 2 x 16's), but simple street stores like 'high st' stores. not every release has to be a grand statement.