When inventor Ole Kirk Christiansen developed an ingenious set of plastic bricks back in 1958, he cannot have imagined just how big a sensation his new construction toy would be. LEGO is now a world-renowned brand and has provided inspiration for countless creative kids around the world who have since become architects and urban planners.
The popularity of those iconic bricks is testament to the power that play can have in getting young people excited about the built environment — and the makers of Arckit are hoping their creation can provide a similar spark.
The Irish model-making manufacturers are currently raising funds via Kickstarter for their easy-to-assemble construction kits, each designed to appeal to a wide audience including hobbyists, design enthusiasts, students and professionals. Named Arckit Cityscape and Arckit Masterplan, the kits follow on from the original three-dimensional architectural modeling system launched back in 2014.
Arckit Cityscape
Concieved by designer Damien Murtagh, Arckit shares certain key qualities with LEGO. First and foremost is its modular nature — tiles and blocks can be clicked together in infinite variations, allowing you to create unique buildings and cityscapes with the composition and architectural character of your choosing.
Secondly, Arckit is colorful, particularly the Cityscape kit, which includes a beautiful pastel-colored set of roofs in a plethora of identifiable styles including domes, spires, gables and green roofs. The more professional Arckit Masterplan kit includes classic “architect’s” white tiles, as well as transparent bricks for glass elements.
Arckit Cityscape
Arckit Masterplan
Unlike LEGO, though, Arckit is more specifically geared toward aspiring and practicing architects. Its modular elements are clearly designed to be incorporated into the façades of buildings or the roof-scape of a model city. The system was developed as a time-saving alternative to the arduous process of manually constructing conceptual models in the architecture studio.
“In the past, designers and urban planners would show their concepts with traditional ‘cut and glue’ models or 3D drawings,” said the team behind Arckit on its Kickstarter page. “Arckit Cityscape, Masterplan & Masterplan Pro gives you the same hands-on experience, without needing any specialist skills.”
Arckit Cityscape
For more information on all three kits and to get your order in, jump over to the Arckit Kickstarter page.
All images via Arckit