# Toy Block Topography Artist JR Schmidt Turns New York into a LEGO Land By Katie Pagnotta | Published 2012-11-19 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-map References: [cargocollective](http://cargocollective.com/jrschmidt/Lego-New-York) & [society6](http://society6.com/artist/JRSchmidt) Motion designer and 3D artist JR Schmidt built a miniature New York City [LEGO](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-hokusai-the-great-wave) map piece out of blocks. The art piece is an intricate pattern of [colorful blocks arranged](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blockitecture-frank-lloyd-wright) to resemble New York City. The rendition is dead on, and the uncanny resemblance between the block map and a real picture of the city is unreal. Schmidt tried to make the artwork as authentic as possible and it shows. Schmidt got inspiration for the piece from topographic pixelated images of the city, using them as a reference of how to cluster the blocks together and create color patterns for details like buildings and proper elevation levels. The LEGO map Schmidt has created is visually impressive, and his technique of breaking down the process in steps demonstrates his devotion to authenticity. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.5/10 - Popularity: 40% | Activity: 58% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Lego-based Art Installations:** There is an opportunity to explore the creation of more art installations made from LEGO blocks that feature real-life locations around the world. - **3D Printing:** There is an opportunity to explore using 3D printing technology to increase the efficiency and precision of building LEGO-based art installations. - **Pixelated Art:** There is an opportunity for artists to create more pixelated art using real-life locations as inspiration for their creations. ### Where This Applies - **Art and Design:** The art and design industry can explore how to incorporate innovative materials such as LEGO blocks to create unique pieces of artwork. - **Tourism and Travel:** The tourism and travel industry can leverage LEGO-based art installations to create unique attractions that draw in visitors. - **Architecture and Engineering:** The architecture and engineering industry can explore the potential of using pixelated images of real-life locations to create accurate maps and mock-ups for building planning and design. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Big Apple Toy Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/machi-town-new-york.md) - [Artwork-Inspired Building Block Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-hokusai-the-great-wave.md) - [Iconic Artist Toy Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-ideas-bob-ross.md) - [Lego-Centric Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brick-my-world.md) - [Buildable 3D Superhero Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gotham-city-skyline-set.md) - [Building Block Snow Globes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-lofi-girl-snowglobe.md) - [Abstract Art Block-Puzzle Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/31210-modern-art-set.md) - [Retro Space-Themed Puzzled Posters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/john-carter.md) - [Building Block Board Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-settlers-of-catan.md)