# Toy Blockitecture Building blocks become the basis for quirky and youthful architecture. By [Katherinev123](https://www.trendhunter.com/katherine), Contributing Editor | Published Mar 29, 2012 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/toy-blockitecture ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.1/10 - Evidence articles: 9 ## What is the Toy Blockitecture trend? **Toy Blockitecture:** Architects are turning to building blocks for inspiration, with an increasing number of structures taking after toy blocks like LEGO and block games such as Jenga. These structures, which offer a novel and quirky way to break up the landscape of traditional highrises and grey-tone buildings, also appeal to consumers' youthful sides, as they represent items that most of us have played with as children. Nostalgia unquestionably has a powerful appeal, and while it is more often used in traditional advertising, it can also be effectively translated into other areas such as architecture and design. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 9 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 22, 2011 to Feb 22, 2012 - Published: Mar 29, 2012 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Examples of the Toy Blockitecture trend 9 featured examples from Apr 22, 2011 to Feb 22, 2012. - [Tilted Cargo Crate Construction](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecorre-complex): ECORRE Complex Revolutionizes Recycled Building (Category: Eco) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate unconventional building materials to create unique and sustainable architectural designs, such as using angled shipping containers. - [Colorfully Layered Cafes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mocha-mojo): The Mocha Mojo Coffeehouse Looks Like a Playful LEGO Land (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The hospitality industry can capitalize on the trend of colorful cafe design to create unique dining experiences that appeal to a younger demographic. - [Building Block Cathedrals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abondantus-gigantus): The Abondantus Gigantus is a Church of LEGO (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The construction industry can explore the use of alternative building materials like concrete to create visually stunning and innovative structures like the Abondantus Gigantus. - [Building Block Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wahroonga-preparatory-school): GGF Architects' Wahroonga Preparatory School Looks Made With LEGO (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Innovative architecture could make learning spaces more fun and engaging for children of all ages - [Jenga-Inspired Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cafe-kureon-by-kengo-kuma-and-associates): The Cafe Kureon by Kengo Kuma and Associates is Multi-Dimensional (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Architects can explore the use of layered structures and grid-like arrangements to create visually striking and efficient designs. - [Toy Block Fortresses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-sandcrawler): 'Marshal Banana' Recreates the Star Wars Sandcrawler Using 10,000 LEGO Pieces (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborating with LEGO enthusiasts to develop new and innovative toy concepts using LEGO components. - [Jenga Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orange-architects-the-cube): Orange Architects' 'The Cube' is a One-of-a-Kind Apartment Complex (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Real estate developers and firms need to focus on designing architecturally unique and modern living spaces with functional yet creative features to address the preferences of you… - [Building Block Eateries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cafe-boo-bah): The Cafe Boo Bah is a Kid-Friendly Restaurant (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Kid-friendly cafes and restaurants can disrupt the hospitality industry by offering unique and entertaining experiences for families. - [Building Block Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/museum-aan-de-stroom): Antwerp's Museum Aan de Stroom Offers a Look into the City's History (Category: World) Implication: Incorporating unique building materials such as brick-like structures can set a new standard for sustainable and aesthetically pleasing architecture. ## Themes within the Toy Blockitecture trend ### Building Block Architecture Architects are turning to building blocks such as LEGO and Jenga for inspiration to create novel and quirky structures that appeal to consumers' youthful sides. ### Colorful and Layered Structures Distinctive cafes and other structures are designed with bright and bold colors, layered structures, and unique forms that appeal to younger, more design-conscious consumers. ### Jenga-Inspired Architecture Architectural design inspired by Jenga, with blocks placed at different angles for a visually interesting facade and efficient structure, appeals to younger, architecture-forward consumers. ## What the Toy Blockitecture trend means for industry ### For Architecture and Construction Novel, quirky, and playful building block architecture offers an enticing alternative to traditional high-rises and grey-tone buildings, driving innovation in the industry. ### For Kid-Friendly Spaces Kid-friendly cafes and restaurants, as well as educational institutions with playful architecture and decor, create a long-lasting relationship between business and consumer, and offer opportunities for disruptive innovation. ### For Luxury Living Spaces Innovative, architecturally unique luxury condominiums with modern and chic interiors appeal to younger, new-money crowds in competitive urban markets, driving innovation in the industry. ## Trend signals for Toy Blockitecture Trend score 5.1 out of 10, from popularity 77%, activity 70%, freshness 8%. - 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