Escadas Apartamentos

This is a fascinating building design. I have to assume it's divided as asymmetrically inside as it is outside. The stepped design (literally "stairs apartment") means that every story is smaller than the one under it, but if it's divided into two apartments on the lower levels, then singles, then multistory apartments on top, then it totally works. Regardless it's a beautiful building tkel86.

The White Tulip

I will admit I have very little knowledge of Russian architecture. In fact, beyond onion domes on colorful buildings or monolithic concrete structures, I'm really not aware of much more. So I found this wonderful building by buildingmaster1966 fascinating not only for it's brick construction, but for opening my eyes to a gap in my knowledge. Time for some google image searches and a little learning.

Old Chinese Building

When I lived in London I walked through Chinatown all the time, it was one of the routes of my regular commute. I found it appealing because it was always buzzing with it's own energy, and I remember thinking that if it was even infinitesimally close to what it was like to be in Shanghai or Beijing, those places must be intense. But it also had a very paradoxical tranquil side that I really can't explain, how could it be hopping and zen at the same time? And that's sort of the vibe I get from this wonderful MOC by builder HCK_1974. It is at once busy, and relaxed, and so very appealing.

Brick Bank Is On The Money!

As a huge fan of the wild west as a setting and LEGO theme I was delighted to find the "Brick Bank" by builder Paul Trach. It looks as though Paul has decided to upgrade the Creator set 10251 and repurpose it for the Wild West Theme. Paul explains he has built this for a competition over at his LUG Rogue Bricks. I've seen some other really strong entries already and the Lug seems full of great builders, but this is so far the standout for me!

The builder has gone to great lengths to ensure a level of quality that runs all the way through the MOC from top to bottom. The roof has a super water barrel and that funky little winch (was it used to install a small safe in the managers office upstairs?) and the brick built signs show a dedication to doing things right - no easy way out with a sticker here! Did I mention the use of the flat silver ice cream tops for the railings -  tekkers!

Let's also take a moment to admire the 45 degree angle of the build itself. There is some serious SNOT work going on here and I love it. The façade of the building has some fine decorative adornments and a delicate clock (don't be late to deposit your money).

Possibly my favourite detail on the build is the way in which the lattice work on the windows has been crafted using whips, these are highlighted by contrast to the trans green stained glass window panes constructed behind it.

As if those details aren't enough Paul has thrown in some authentic looking swing doors,  a beautiful pair of flowering cacti, fantastic use of the light grey ingots on the snot work base of the building and a delightful selection of dapper looking minifigs.

Paul's stream is full of great builds in a variety of themes - head over and take a look!

Haw Pha Bang

I will admit I had never heard of this temple before this morning, but after seeing this jaw-dropping build by EugeneTTs I had to do a little research. The real building in Laos is stunning, and after seeing it I have even more appreciation for the attention to detail and accuracy of this model. Both are absolutely beautiful.

Legoland Theater

I love movies, always have, and I love going to the movies. There's something so special about the shared experience in a darkened space that you just don't get at home. Of course you also don't usually have to walk on a floor covered with "cinemuck" and have to listen to some jerk on his phone when you watch at home (if you do, you have my sympathy). So this excellent theater by RVA LUG resonates with me. And with the custom lighting, cool posters by none other than Paul Lee and clean, retro look, it's an absolutely awesome creation. Check out the video to see the lighting in action.

Axe Tree Tutorial

Trees are hard to build. They're fragile, finicky and difficult to make convincing, or at least interesting. Even more rare than a good tree is the instructions on how to build it. Well builder Full Plate is providing just that, a tutorial on how to build this tree which uses a novel methodology of axes and droid arms. Head on over to this tutorial hosted by our pals at Eurobricks. How ironic, a tree built from the very thing designed to chop them down.

Toys R Us

Although I have a real problem with Toys R Us and their price gouging ways, I seriously dig this TRU Modular by builder wenyehng. The theming, color scheme and style fits TRU's identity perfectly, and the addition of the characters, toys and of course Geoffrey is the perfect finishing touch.

Dunholm Taverna

Ever see a picture or visit a place that brings you instantly back to a nostalgic memory from your youth? Well, for whatever reason, Dunholm Taverna took me right back to my days of playing Infinity Engine games like Baldur's Gate and Icewind Dale which I attribute to creating in me a love for all this medieval. The creator of this MOC, Wochenender, reminds us that not all castle creations need be castles, in fact some of the best entries into the genre are those that put us into the every day life of your average citizen.

The Dubuque

Having grown up in a very small town, large buildings still captivate me, especially those building with architectural flair. I'm also fascinated with miniatures, probably because of my cinematic background. So when you can combine the two with supreme skill, you've got my full attention. This is the Dubuque, by Barton Thinks, and it's marvelous. It's just one of many excellent micro scale modular buildings, click through for more pics.

TV Repair

It actually doesn't seem all that long ago that this was a thing. Sure everyone had a TV, but they were built to last and when something did go wrong, you called a guy or took it to a place. Now TVs are practically disposable. Of course they also look WAY better, cost way less and weigh nearly nothing. This MOC by LegoJalex pretty much sums up the fate of the TV repair shop.

Feel The Power

There's a distinct beauty to simple, real-world structures. Not a classic architectural beauty, usually not aesthetic beauty, but more of a rugged utilitarian beauty of form following function. This small power station and office by LegoJalex is just sort a structure. No apologies, no flash, no grandeur, just built for purpose. Yet, it's got just enough panache, just enough style to make it simply appealing.

Like Watching Grass Grow, Without All The Excitement

Hey BrickNerd readers, we're counting down for our first ever BrickNerd Live Build. Join BrickNerd Nerd-In-Chief Tommy Williamson as he builds set 70809 Lord Business' Evil Lair live. The event starts at 12:00 PM PST and goes until 2:00PM PST. This is our first live event and should be something like watching a train wreck in extremely slow motion, how can you resist?

Update: That was fun! Thanks to everyone that stopped by to say hi and make it a good time. There will be more. Here's the replay if you're really bored and/or into self torture. 

Townhouses

Life in the big city means two things, endless choices on where to eat, and stacked humans. I've never lived in an apartment or townhouse such as this excellent micro scale version by T.Oechsner, but I've always been fascinated by them. I imagine it might get tiresome if you lived above something like a music store, but above a lovely cafe or bagel shop, mmmmm.

Lecture Theater

This is absolutely beautiful. Not only from an aesthetic perspective, but also from an architectural viewpoint.  The use of proper structural support in this MOC actually ADDS to it's beauty, that's an accomplishment. And just look at that floor! I'm gobsmacked. Outstanding work qi_tah.

Skull Tower

This is gorgeous. There is so much rich detail and texture on this MOC that it almost looks like a illustration. The rock and stone work, the distressed tudor buildings, the subtle angles and slopes, it's all just fantastic. Leonardo Davidy, you are a master.