[2012-07-29] Build with Chrome

50 years ago, something amazing happened...Lego came to Australia! Throughout the year, there have been various activities and events held around Australia for what is being called the Lego Festival of Play. Unfortunatley, it's more of a Sydney celebration, rather than a national one, with only a couple things happening anywhere else. In late June however, something was released for everyone in Australia to enjoy, and even New Zealand. Actually, the whole world can join in. What I'm talking about is Build with Chrome.

Not sure where that map is showing, but if that's to scale, I'd hate to be under U right now.

Lego has teamed up with Google, and the end result is pretty awesome. A combination of Google Maps and Lego Digital Designer allows you to build a 3D Lego model online, and post it to any location in Australia and New Zealand. I know I said anyone can join in, which is true, but you can only build on those countries, since it's part of an Australian celebration. There are 8 billion plots (sites) to choose from, and with each one having the capacity of 1000 Lego bricks, that's a total of 8 trillion bricks to potentially play with - not even all the Lego in the world would be 8 trillion bricks (not including minifigures or special parts, this is just bricks). On average, using a population of 7 billion, each person around the world has 54 bricks, which only gives a total of 372 billion bricks...just over 1/24 of the bricks available in Build for Chrome. Unfortunately, they're not real, however Lego do keep an eye on it, so if you're good at creating, you may just see your design on a Lego box in the near future.

My first creation...ended up in my neighbours yard somehow. It's nothing in particular, but I used all of my 1000 bricks, never waste free Lego.

Whilst the idea is really awesome, it is a little hard to navigate (the map that is, not my 'building'). You can type in any address, and it will take you there, but due to the grid like orientation of the plots, it's difficult to select the exact one you want to build on. Some plots overlap two or more addresses, but even more confusing, is that most houses aren't aligned exactly in the North-South direction, so there most likely won't be a plot that corresponds exactly with your house, or whatever other location you've chosen. The good thing about missing your target, is you can always try again.

I still missed it, this one ended up in my other neighbours yard.

There's some really clever, interesting and weird creations all throughout Australia, and New Zealand as well,  including the ocean all around. So take a look, and why not even build one for yourself.

Chris