Modular Building Sets - Rumours and Discussion

[Lyichir]

8 hours ago, alvinofdiaspar said:

Excellent point about accessibility with wheelchairs - I also want to see a quasi-functional escalator for modulars (unlike the fake one in GE) - New Elementary covered it a little:

https://www.newelementary.com/2021/10/lego-element-development-escalator-link.html

Yes, I'd like to see another set (modular or otherwise) use the working escalator, especially if it finally includes an up/down pair (which with the working ones could be geared together so they move at the same time).

[NewTown]

This is an amazing release! One of the best modulars for sure.

[Killian]

17 hours ago, Aanchir said:

 

Yeah, I'd definitely like to see another Modular Building with an elevator, especially now that wheelchairs are becoming increasingly common in other themes. A properly wheelchair-accessible modular with ramps and/or elevators where necessary would be a great future addition to the series.

 

 

Lego are releasing at least 2 Friends sets with wheelchair accessible elevators in 2022, so representing wheelchair users is something they are starting to do. I can imagine this being reflected in Modulars at some point

[ddavid]

3 hours ago, Killian said:

 

Lego are releasing at least 2 Friends sets with wheelchair accessible elevators in 2022, so representing wheelchair users is something they are starting to do. I can imagine this being reflected in Modulars at some point

As it should be! Surprised that it’s ranking so long. Ever since the first wheelchair from the Fun in the Park in 2016, the Modulars should’ve had at least step free access to the ground floor! A small ramp or just street level entry shouldn’t be that difficult to implement

[Maple]

26 minutes ago, ddavid said:

As it should be! Surprised that it’s ranking so long. Ever since the first wheelchair from the Fun in the Park in 2016, the Modulars should’ve had at least step free access to the ground floor! A small ramp or just street level entry shouldn’t be that difficult to implement

What's the point of having a ramp or access to the ground floor if there is no way for the wheelchair to go upstairs?

LEGO again has that whole useless alley, they could have made a four wide elevator there. 

[Faefrost]

So we're in the; 

"We Hate It!" "How dare it not have XXX?!?!" "How dare it be THAT color!" "For $xx we expect something much better!" "WORST MODULAR EVEER!!!!!"

...Phase of the Eurobricks Modular Lifecycle? It's become something of a Holiday tradition. The new Modular releases Jan 1 and we spend most of December complaining about it. Often with ever more bizarre complaints. (Lack of Wheelchair access? Really?) Only for it to be declared "BEST MODULAR EVER!" By the Spring. 

[Vindicare]

2 hours ago, Faefrost said:

So we're in the; 

"We Hate It!" "How dare it not have XXX?!?!" "How dare it be THAT color!" "For $xx we expect something much better!" "WORST MODULAR EVEER!!!!!"

...Phase of the Eurobricks Modular Lifecycle? It's become something of a Holiday tradition. The new Modular releases Jan 1 and we spend most of December complaining about it. Often with ever more bizarre complaints. (Lack of Wheelchair access? Really?) Only for it to be declared "BEST MODULAR EVER!" By the Spring. 

We’re nothing if not predictable.  it’s certainly inevitable that people will pick it apart for what could’ve/should’ve  been...I just appreciate what we have. Not having this or that inside has never bothered me because it’s just not realistic...or feasible at an affordable price. 

[RichardGoring]

To move it onto the next phase then, I was pondering either the possibilities of combining two. I'm not normally a fan of this, as you just end up with something larger for the sake of it, rather than meaningful benefit. But in this instance, you probably do want some more bedrooms and bathrooms. And a restaurant would be nice. As would an entrance to the terrace. And the frontage would look good extended over two base plates.

On the second, it would be great to use a 90 degree corner, and possibly even change the angle so the whole thing becomes a much larger triangle.

That gives you space for the lobby and a restaurant. A grand double staircase in the middle.

Then standard rooms, with bathrooms on the middle floor. Maybe a mezzanine out onto the terrace bar.

And two suites in the penthouse. Maybe even stairs up to a rooftop bar. Or pool? Perhaps a pool on the terrace, and the bar on the roof?

[Maple]

^A second floor restaurant that leads out to the terrace would be awesome. 

This is still the first modular since the diner that just doesn't well next to other, I don't mean architecture style, I mean literally. So that's something new from LEGO. 

Also I have no idea what would be the best modular ever, but it won't be this one by spring. 

Edited December 9, 2021 by Maple

[koalayummies]

I like this new modular Boutique Hotel, it is outstanding.

[Archer]

3 hours ago, Maple said:

.Also I have no idea what would be the best modular ever, but it won't be this one by spring. 

I’ve watched many “ranking” videos on YouTube, and while there are definitely many views on which is best Id say Parisian Resturaunt and Assembly Square are two of the most consistently high ranked modulates. 

[Maple]

6 minutes ago, Archer said:

I’ve watched many “ranking” videos on YouTube, and while there are definitely many views on which is best Id say Parisian Resturaunt and Assembly Square are two of the most consistently high ranked modulates. 

To me it you would need to break it up in the first 5-6 and the later modulars because LEGO introduced so many new pieces. Heck Cafe Corner doesn't have window pieces! The cinema would be the last of the old style or the first of the new. So in old style my favorite would be Green Grocer. The new one would be impossible for me to say between PR, DO and AS.

[Vindicare]

10 hours ago, RichardGoring said:

To move it onto the next phase then, I was pondering either the possibilities of combining two. I'm not normally a fan of this, as you just end up with something larger for the sake of it, rather than meaningful benefit. But in this instance, you probably do want some more bedrooms and bathrooms. And a restaurant would be nice. As would an entrance to the terrace. And the frontage would look good extended over two base plates.

On the second, it would be great to use a 90 degree corner, and possibly even change the angle so the whole thing becomes a much larger triangle.

That gives you space for the lobby and a restaurant. A grand double staircase in the middle.

Then standard rooms, with bathrooms on the middle floor. Maybe a mezzanine out onto the terrace bar.

And two suites in the penthouse. Maybe even stairs up to a rooftop bar. Or pool? Perhaps a pool on the terrace, and the bar on the roof?

I’ve always thought an extended corner would be neat. A regular 32x32 corner with a 16x32 extension. This would would benefit from that feature & could give you more rooms & maybe a ground floor restaurant in the expanded area. 

10 hours ago, Maple said:

^A second floor restaurant that leads out to the terrace would be awesome. 

This is still the first modular since the diner that just doesn't well next to other, I don't mean architecture style, I mean literally. So that's something new from LEGO. 

Also I have no idea what would be the best modular ever, but it won't be this one by spring. 

I have my Diner on the left side of AS & I think it works nicely there. 

[Bainter-ban]

Any news/rumours on the GWP?

[LegoDW]

Will be interesting when BH is available for all.  Right now the only ones with the set able to review with set in hand are the Lego Ambassador crowd, which is typically very pro Lego.  This set is growing on me, just wish was a little taller as typically a hotel is a taller building in a city.

[Blazej_Holen]

8 hours ago, LegoDW said:

Will be interesting when BH is available for all.  Right now the only ones with the set able to review with set in hand are the Lego Ambassador crowd, which is typically very pro Lego.  This set is growing on me, just wish was a little taller as typically a hotel is a taller building in a city.

But this is not typical hotel ;) Its Boutique hotel…. ;)

[LegoDW]

3 hours ago, Blazej_Holen said:

But this is not typical hotel ;) Its Boutique hotel…. ;)

i stand corrected, this set is perfectly sized. 

[Follows Closely]

13 hours ago, LegoDW said:

Will be interesting when BH is available for all.  Right now the only ones with the set able to review with set in hand are the Lego Ambassador crowd, which is typically very pro Lego.  This set is growing on me, just wish was a little taller as typically a hotel is a taller building in a city.

I agree. I don't like the strategy LEGO uses to create a positive buzz. It's manipulation, unfair, and ultimately caused distrust and is a disservice to the community.

I am disappointed that my four main sources of LEGO news all had nothing but great things to say about the free set they got before the rest of the LEGO peasants.

There are plenty of areas of constructive criticism. The most obvious to me is the gap on the left wall. The gap on this set is way worse than the corner garage and not one of my four sources called that out. Throw some crawling vine, or snot it, or something.

[crowe-k]

On 12/9/2021 at 4:05 PM, koalayummies said:

I like this new modular Boutique Hotel, it is outstanding.

I agree, I think it looks amazing. Day 1 purchase for me.

[jus1973]

It’s always interesting to see the comments on a new modular.  Especially when its ‘constructive criticism’.  The thing i think we all forget, is that there is probably a target price point for designers to work to, and that may not be the price we see, but an internal one based on the cost of producing the number of each individual part required.  When it comes to the more intricate bits which high end moccers will always fix on their own designs, but because of this ‘cost cap’, the designer can’t fix it.  I think the cost of the Corner Garage, which surprised quite a few of us, might be explained by this.  

I’m just guessing here, of course,  but I know this is a business model that is used in some industries.

Edited December 11, 2021 by jus1973

[GregD]

Very happy with this modular, loads of character and the shape is iconic, I love the light nougat bricks and the overall colour scheme.  I like the blue colour on the art gallery (traditional blue which I think has been a little lacking throughout the series), and I like the coral flowers which adds a new colour.  Definitely one of the best ever modulars for me, really I like them all in their own way.

I’ve even grown to like the palm tree.  The art gallery is great and no problem for me about the size, just a little cosy place!

 

[Maple]

12 hours ago, Follows Closely said:

There are plenty of areas of constructive criticism. The most obvious to me is the gap on the left wall. The gap on this set is way worse than the corner garage and not one of my four sources called that out. Throw some crawling vine, or snot it, or something.

It's LEGO! You can fix that yourself! No criticism is allowed when it comes to LEGO around here.

The alley is 5 wide, Just extend the patio all the way down, you can fit a few chairs and small potted plants. It only be 75 pieces at most.

jus1973, the price point is clearly $200USD, however the price every where outside the USA went up, LEGO can afford a few more pieces in the set. 

Edited December 11, 2021 by Maple

[LegoDW]

Planning on changing the figures up a bit.  Going to add at least one more hotel employee and a maid.  Planning on adding a shop keeper for the art gallery, someone artsy.  Other figs are fine for guests,  One guest does need to have a dog thou....this is the Boutique Hotel after all.  

In my city, the back of the building will not be able to be viewed.  Thinking I might move those 4 windows (2 per floor) on the back and extend the building to the right by 1/2 a base plate.  Would require reworking the hotel rooms by could allow for

1st floor, public bathroom, indoor eating area

2nd floor  this one is going to be difficult as floor so chopped up.  Maybe can clean it up and make two nice rooms.

3rd floor, adding and additional suite

 

Looking forward to modifying this set, can't wait for it to be released.

 

 

 

[Vindicare]

9 hours ago, jus1973 said:

It’s always interesting to see the comments on a new modular.  Especially when its ‘constructive criticism’.  The thing i think we all forget, is that there is probably a target price point for designers to work to, and that may not be the price we see, but an internal one based on the cost of producing the number of each individual part required.  When it comes to the more intricate bits which high end moccers will always fix on their own designs, but because of this ‘cost cap’, the designer can’t fix it.  I think the cost of the Corner Garage, which surprised quite a few of us, might be explained by this.  

I’m just guessing here, of course,  but I know this is a business model that is used in some industries.

Exactly. I keep that in mind when I look the sets over & with my criticisms. There’s only so much they can do. We’ll never get THE perfect Modular because it would then be unaffordable. 

[Aanchir]

15 hours ago, Follows Closely said:

I agree. I don't like the strategy LEGO uses to create a positive buzz. It's manipulation, unfair, and ultimately caused distrust and is a disservice to the community.

Honestly, I disagree? Sending sets out to reviewers for free means those reviewers get a platform to share their thoughts about sets whether they feel positively or negatively about them, whereas if reviews only came from people who actually went out and bought the set with their own money, then they'd mostly only be reviewed by people who considered them a worthwhile investment in the first place.

Certainly, some reviewers might feel happy enough about getting free sets that it influences the tone of their review, but I think examples like Brickset's reviews of Assault on Hoth and Dom's Dodge Charger demonstrate that even reviewers receiving a set for free can still be brutally honest about any negative thoughts or feelings they have about them, and that LEGO does not "punish" reviewers or sites in any way for publishing negative reviews. And so I think any time a review feels dishonest in how positively it frames a set, that's more the reviewer's fault for being negligent/unprincipled than LEGO's fault for sending them that set in the first place.

16 hours ago, Follows Closely said:

There are plenty of areas of constructive criticism. The most obvious to me is the gap on the left wall. The gap on this set is way worse than the corner garage and not one of my four sources called that out. Throw some crawling vine, or snot it, or something.

Perhaps those reviewers genuinely weren't too bothered by that? I mean, I didn't even take notice of this issue in any of the review photos or official pics I've seen, since I was more focused on the exciting details on either side of that gap. Now that you point it out, I agree it's somewhat disappointing (especially with the wall colors showing through on the roof level), and I do wish it had been mentioned in some of the reviews I've read, but it still strikes me as a fairly minor fault in an otherwise lovely exterior design with very clever geometry.

For my part, I found the leaves of the tree especially disappointing from the very first photos. Instead of fanning out realistically from the top they seem to criss-cross every which way, and the connectors that attach them are poorly hidden, making the whole tree feel tacky and artificial. And that's a much bigger frustration for me, considering that the trunk design is otherwise pretty lovely, and has the sort of textural detail I've been hoping to see in a LEGO palm tree build for some time!

But the reviews I've seen so far mostly give the palm tree a lot of praise, and I get the impression that the reviewers genuinely DO like the overall palm tree design more than I do, regardless of how they obtained the set. Maybe for them the look of the leaves and trunk matter more than how they go together, or maybe the "aha!" feeling of seeing a build this unique and unprecedented outweighed any concerns about "realism".

For that matter, maybe the design is simply easier to appreciate when you can see it from all angles in real life and hinge the leaf positions to your liking than when all you have are other people's photos to judge by. Certainly there are plenty of sets I've built with features that had originally seemed awkward or disappointing to me in photos, but that I gained more appreciation for after seeing how they look and how they go together once I had them in hand.

In any case, I see no reason to think the folks who have reviewed this set were at all dishonest or insincere in the feedback they gave it. The reviews I've read so far are by experienced reviewers who have demonstrated (even in portions of their Boutique Hotel reviews) that they have no trouble speaking up about aspects of a set they find weak, messy, frustrating, ineffective, illogical, or just plain boring. So I think it's safe to assume that any weaknesses they didn't take special note of are just ones they didn't find especially noteworthy.