They called it London's first skyscraper. Now you can help to turn it into London's smallest skyscraper.
Behold, a Lego version of 55 Broadway. Well, not quite. It's a careful replica of the icon, whose creator needs your votes to see it realised as an actual Lego product.
55 Broadway, above St James's Park station, has been a London landmark for almost 100 years. Built as the headquarters of London Underground, this was London's tallest office building in London at the time of its completion in 1929. Hence, it's often known as the city's first skyscraper.
Architect Vincent Westbrook, who also has a new book on modern maps of London, painstakingly replicated the famous building using Lego's design software. If built, his conception would use almost 5,000 bricks and stand around half a metre high.
Says Vincent: "55 Broadway's unique triangulated/rhomboid plan, intricate chamfers, and stunning façade setbacks made for an exciting yet demanding build. I’m pleased with the result, though I believe some further refinement — such as customised tiles for the podium and windows — could enhance the model further."
Lego actively solicits product ideas on its website, allowing creators to design and upload their designs. Models that attract the most votes are considered for production. So, if you want to own a modernist classic in miniature, give his design a vote now.
The design coincides with the 150th birthday of architect Charles Holden (born 12 May 1875). It also comes as 55 Broadway approaches its centenary — work began in 1927. The building is no longer owned by London Underground, and is currently being converted into a hotel.
