Jump to main content Jump to site search Titanium oxo-clusters: precursors for a Lego-like construction of nanostructured hybrid materials CNRS, UMR 7574, Laboratoire Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Paris, Paris, France This article is part of themed collection: oxo-clusters, well-defined monodispersed nano-objects, are appropriate nano-building blocks for the preparation of organic–inorganic materials by a bottom up approach. This critical review proposes to present the different structures of titanium oxo-clusters referenced in the literature and the different strategies followed to build up hybrid materials with these versatile building units. In particular, this critical review cites and reports on the most important papers in the literature, concentrating on recent developments in the field of synthesis, characterization, and the use of titanium oxo-clusters for the construction of advanced hybrid materials (137 references).UPDATE: The #21029 – Buckingham Palace and #21030 – The United States Capitol Building sets went on sale September 1, 2016.
At the Nuremberg Toy Fair, two additional new 2016 LEGO Architecture sets were officially announced: #21029 – Buckingham Palace, and #21030 – The United States Capitol Building. It was widely known that these were coming out later this year, but we didn’t get to see photos of the new sets until today. These are exciting additions to the LEGO Architecture series, and represent two iconic global landmarks. The Buckingham Palace model looks like it’s nearly the same size as the recent #21024 – Louvre, which was just released in 2015. The set has some nice building techniques, including the sideways stacked plate technique which was also used in the Imperial Hotel set. (This takes advantage of the fact that the height of 5 plates is the same as the width of two bricks.) Upon a closer look, we see a base which is 26 studs wide, 24 studs deep, and about 8 bricks tall, not including the flagpole. (By contrast, The Louvre set has a base which is just 22 studs wide, the same 24 studs deep, and is a little taller at around 12 bricks high.)
Another interesting observation is that the main building is an odd number of bricks wide. The model must be attached to the base using Jumper plates to achieve this effect. This allows the central entrance of the building to be 5 bricks wide, which is convenient for building symmetrical sections with a gap in the middle for the main doorway. Clever tricks are used to achieve all 6 columns in that central section, using what looks like a mix of Door Rails, and Bar 4L attached using clips. My best guess for now is 800 bricks and a price of 79.99$. UPDATE: I’m pleased to report that it has an MSRP of just 49.99$ for a total of 780 bricks. I am excited to say that the model is a pretty close match for the real building. They were able to capture all 6 columns in the central section, and all four columns on the two wings. The number of windows is correct, too, with 7 windows on each side. This is a pretty high degree of accuracy for models in the series. The horizontal proportions between the columned sections and the wall of windows is good, but the building is too tall for the width.
This would be tricky to fix without losing a row of windows. Tan is commonly used in LEGO Architecture series to represent a wide range of “stone” colors, but it continues to be an imperfect match. I’m also a little disappointed by the statue which is crudely modeled using four tooth bricks. I am especially excited by the US Capitol Building set! It’s a really good looking model which captures a ton of details from the real building. We haven’t seen any really big LEGO Architecture sets since the 2013 release of #21017 – Imperial Hotel (and that set was recently retired.) By my count, the base is 48 studs 56 studs wide and 14 studs deep, with the bulk of the model about 6 bricks tall, and the tallest portion is around 17 bricks tall. I think this will be the second largest set in the LEGO Architecture series, with around 1200 pieces and a price of 124.99$ UPDATE: It ended up having just 1032 pieces, with an MSRP of 99.99$. The roof detailing is quite interesting, utilizing a variety of dish, round and sloped pieces to mimic the various roof features.
I think it is one of the more effective roofs for a set in the series, giving the model interesting details to enjoy for several angles. The exterior facade utilizes a ton of headlight bricks, which is effective in re-creating so many windows, but feels a little unpolished to me. If the price for this set is good, LEGO architecture Studio enthusiasts may find that this is a great set for parts, as it clearly contains a huge collection of white bricks, notably well over 100 of part #4070 – 1×1 Brick w/ Headlight, since they cover the front and sides of the building. The model is pretty faithful to the source material. The 16 columns across the center of the real building were reduced to just 12, but this has little negative effect on the composition. The model looked a little short to me at first glance, but it is actually looks like the proportions are quite accurate. I haven’t been this excited for a new set in the series in years! Subscribe to my newsletter for early access to new models and instructions.
You will receive updates to my Printable LEGO Brick Labels, and my book The LEGO Architect. (I promise that I won't email you very often.)iSign up now and start saving and organizing your favorite architecture projects and photos✖iFind the most inspiring products for your projects in our Product Catalog.✖iGet the ArchDaily Chrome Extension and be inspired with every new tab. Install here »✖hNominate now the Building of the Year 2017 »✖ LEGO® has unveiled the newest kit in their Architecture series: The U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. Originally designed by architect William Thornton in 1793, the building has gone through several iterations, including the addition of its iconic white, cast-iron, neoclassical dome in 1866. The 1,032 piece LEGO® set portrays the building in its current form, with its “striking white, columned façade with its famous steps and lawns.” The kit also features a removable dome, which, when lifted off, reveals “a detailed interior depicting the famous National Statuary Hall, complete with columns, statues and tiled floor.”