Dubai, Art + Science = Architecture

The world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa of Dubai is being displayed at the Gail Borden Public Library, all of Legos. This 17-foot tall Lego tower will reside in the Library's first floor rotunda while the other 12 Chicago and world landmarks including the John Hancock Center, Marina City, Willis Tower, Trump Tower. the Chicago Spire, 7 South Dearborn, Fallingwater, the Empire State Building, St. Louis Arch, TransAmerica Building and the Jin Mao Tower will reside on the library's second floor as part of Art + Science = Architecture: A LEGO® Exhibit. The exhibit will be at the library through January 2015. The 12 other models range in size up to 15 feet tall. Some of the buildings are designed with one side open to expose internal structure so that visitors will be able to view the complex and intricate design and engineering that goes into the construction of the models—just like real buildings. This exhibit officially debuted at the Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago in 2009. "We are extremely pleased to be able to bring these amazing structures to this community," said Gail Borden Executive Director Carole Medal. "With children worldwide loving Legos, these structures will allow us to connect people with imagination, building, engineering and architecture." Trained as an architect, Tucker began experimenting with LEGO® as a medium for his art in 2003.Tucker’s work has previously been shown at many venues including the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, the National Building Museum in Washington DC and the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan.. Library officials are pleased to announce that Judson University will be assisting in sponsoring exhibit programming for this exhibit project. The library is seeking additional sponsors to further enrich programming. If your organization would like to be part of this dynamic exhibit, please contact Denise Raleigh at (847) 429 - 5981 or draleigh@gailborden.info. LEGO®, its logo and the brick and knob configuration are trademarks of The LEGO Group. This exhibit is sponsored by the Gail Borden Public Library Foundation and Judson University. About Adam reed Tucker: Adam Reed Tucker works in collaboration with The LEGO Group to design and distribute the LEGO Architecture line. Throughout his professional career, Adam has worked to develop educational programs to bring a greater understanding and appreciation in the areas of architecture, engineering, art, science and design. Through his work Adam strives to promote the brick as a medium and not just as a traditional toy. A Word from the Artist As an Architectural Artist my desire is to capture the essence of a particular architectural landmark into its pure sculptural form. I first and foremost do not view my models as literal replicas, but rather my own artistic interpretations through the use of LEGO® bricks as a medium. The LEGO brick is not initially thought of as a material typically used in creating art or used as an artist’s medium. I quickly discovered the LEGO brick was lending itself as naturally to my applications as paint to a painter or metal to a blacksmith. As I explore how to capture these buildings with the basic shapes of the bricks and plates, I find the possibilities and challenges they offer almost magical. Adam Reed Tucker – Architectural LEGO® Artist, Concept Designer & Creative Developer