Review: 10270 Bookshop
Posted by Huw,
10270 Bookshop is the 15th Creator Expert Modular Building and the first since 2011's 10218 Pet Shop to consist of two separate buildings on 16x32 baseplates.
It's also the first since then to feature a purely residential building, and of course is the first bookshop.
After a couple of modular buildings inspired by those in the New World that were perhaps not as well received by fans as might have been expected, this one returns to European influences and is much better for it.
Box and contents
I think the box artwork is beautiful. The colours of the sunset complement those of the buildings perfectly.
Inside, parts are packed in bags numbered 1 to 8: 1 to 4 for the bookshop and 5 to 8 for the town house.
Large baseplates are packed separately.
Instructions are provided on two books, one for each building. This is great if you want to concurrently build it with someone else.
At this point in the review I would normally show you a photo of the sticker sheet but, no, there isn't one in this set and that is to be applauded, although to be fair there are very few printed parts anyway.
I don't think there are any new elements in the set but there are a lot of recoloured ones. I started making a list but it became too long. If you're interested in such things I suggest you read New Elementary's excellent article where they are covered in depth.
Building 1: Bookshop
Ground floor
As is customary, the ground floor -- the bookshop part of the building -- is tiled throughout, with a very attractive light yellow/light orange and gold pattern, while the pavement outside the door has a neat diamond pattern using the new 2x2 triangular tiles.
Inside, the furniture is taking shape: the bottom of a book case and a counter, complete with old-fashioned till. There's also a small bookshelf, probably filled with second-hand low value books, outside on the pavement.
The shop's façade makes good use of the relatively new 1x1 half-circle piece to form pillars either side of the door and at the edges. The arch above the door uses an extremely clever technique involving the 1x2 plate with rounded ends which are connected together then bent to form an arch which fits inside the 1x8 brick arch.
The Birch Books tiles are printed. The orange leaves are rare, the yellow ones are new in this set.
Inside the shop are two bookcases, the counter and the best spiral staircase I have seen. It's built using 1x5 Technic plates with curved ends, each with 1x1 round plate underneath which keeps them in place.
The stairs lead to a removable landing with a small bookcase at the end.
First floor
The front of the first floor makes use of the 1x1 half circles for the pillars and window sills but is otherwise quite plain.
There's a small balcony at the back, complete with table and chairs.
Inside is a cosy sitting room with arm chair, grandfather clock, standard lamp and coffee table.
The spiral staircase continues up to the second floor.
Second floor
The front of the ground and first floors are like those you could see anywhere in the world, but the decorative elements on the outside of the top floor definitely give it the look of a Dutch building. The press release states that it was "inspired by the houses of Amsterdam" and that is clear to see here.
The back is plain and can be removed to access the interior.
Inside there's a bed with teal duvet cover and a teal chameleon in a vivarium next to it. The lizard first appeared in series 19 collectable minifigures, in light green.
Once the building is done the birch tree is constructed from Technic pins and connectors and I think this is a particularly outstanding and imaginative part of the set. Normally the slots in the connectors through which the black pin can be seen is unsightly but here it's been used to great effect to suggest the black markings on the bark of the tree. Genius!
Note the black sausages used for railings round the base of the tree.
There's not a lot of foliage, but what's there is very autumnal. There's a little blue bird nesting on a branch, re-purposing Kraven the Hunter's collar for its nest!
Here's the completed building:
Building 2: Town House
Basement
I imagine that the basements of real houses of this style would be normal height and partially underground but here we have a half-height one. It's mostly empty, just a small bench, a step ladder which can be removed through a small door at the back, and a mouse trap, which I think is a first in a LEGO set.
Outside, there's a small vegetable patch at the back.
An ingenious arrangement of tiles has been used to create the angled steps. A part usually found in gold in Ninjago sets has been used for decorative handrails.
First floor
The first floor features a bay window with medium azure window frames. The four pillars are made from Harry Potter candlesticks, held in place at the bottom with 1x1 round nipple plates.
Inside, there's a small sitting room with fireplace, table and chairs, a seat by the bay window, and a cabinet which is full of jars and things that can't be seen very well once the doors are shut.
A pink umbrella hang up on the hat rack by the door.
Second floor
Like that of the bookshop building, the second floor is also constructed in two halves. The front is very elaborately decorated and uses a neat technique utilising quarter circle tiles to create an interesting looking roof.
The back section is little more than a wall with a door out to a small balcony.
A double bed, which is relatively uncommon in LEGO sets, and a dresser occupy the interior.
The completed building looks spectacular. The teal really pops against the white and dark blue roof. I appreciate that the sides of the building are teal and not some neutral colour. There are some 158 teal bricks in the set, including 1x8s and 1x12s which are new in this set, plus dozens of slopes, plates and other parts.
The completed model
Side-by-side the two buildings look excellent and while completely different in style and colour, complement each other well.
As is often the case, the sides of the buildings are a bit of a mish-mash of colour but that doesn't bother me and of course it's not visible once connected to others.
Minifigures
Last but not least, the minifigures, which are never the focus of modular buildings but do of course bring them to life.
Five are provided, two females and three males. They are scattered through the bags so we can make assumptions about their role in the set based on the bags they are in.
So, based on that, and the picture on the front of the box, the brown-haired woman lives in the townhouse. The black haired one works in the bookshop. I'm not familiar with her hairpiece but I believe it's new in black.
The grey-haired gent might live in the house, too. The boy could be their grandchild. The box shows the man helping to get his toy plane out of the tree using the stepladder in the basement.
The man carrying the flowers is sporting a torso that is new this year. Is he on his way to give flowers to the shopkeeper, or the woman in the house? That's up to you to decide...
The printed Moby Brick book cover is new in this set.
Verdict
For one reason or another last year's modular, 10264 Corner Garage, was not well received but I do not think that will be the case for this one. It is superb, and in my view the best since 10243 Parisian Restaurant. After a couple of American-inspired buildings it's good to be back to something more European.
It's colourful, varied and attractive. It uses the latest pieces, often in novel ways, to create interesting architectural features. The teal colour is wonderful. In fact, I like the set so much I'm running out of superlatives to describe it. Even the price is fair: in fact it's less than last year's Corner Garage for a similar number of pieces.
I'm struggling to find anything negative to say about it, but in the interests of a balanced review, I'll try:
- The town house lacks a tiled interior
- The tree could do with more foliage
- The interiors are small so there's not enough room for everything: there are no kitchens and, surprisingly, given their prevalence in sets nowadays, there are no toilets or bathrooms either
- The bookshop has so few shelves and books in stock it's a wonder it's still in business
- It's not as tall as some of the modular buildings
Really, I'm just nit-picking...
It will be available from LEGO.com on 1st January for US $179.99 / CA $199.99 / DE/FR €159.99 / UK £149.99 / DK 1299DKK. We'll remind you at the time!
Many thanks to LEGO for getting the set to me in good time to prepare this review on the day of the set's announcement. All opinions expressed are my own.
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121 comments on this article
I prefer the 2 buildings sided viceversa
That was fast! Had to almost double take when I saw the article name!
No stickers, no licenses, not GWP, not region exclusive, very well balanced prices...
Lovely and vibrant colors, always inspiring building techniques, lots of new and useful pieces.
Thank you Lego for the Modular Buildings!
Hope they live forever!
When I saw this set for The first time, a couple of hours ago, I really tought it was a fan MOC, and a good one. Then I realised it was a real set. Mostly I only buy Star Wars and some other licenced themes but I think tis will be my very first modular creator expert set.
The Chameleon actually originates from the last CMF series, it's not quite toony enough for Friends :P (The Bookshop owner's wild hair also originates from a recent-ish CMF series)
Loving the colors and the MOC-like use of those rounded 1x2s, a stellar addition to this wave
This is amazing
Thanks for the review. First, I'd like to thank Lego for continuing this fantastic series for another year. I'll definitely be buying this set, like I do all the others.
I also liked Corner Garage, and this building is something of a departure from 2018/2019's 50s-ish aesthetic. The color choices are very good: two reddish shades and two bluish shades complement each other well. The birch tree being in fall is a bit of a departure from the other Modulars, which are usually in spring or summer. This means that builders will have to change the foliage over to depict a consistent season.
What I would like to say is that the blue building is only two floors, but in addition, it doesn't scale like other Modular Buildings do. Brick Bank is thought of as a smaller Modular as well, but you can add another floor to it pretty easily to give it more vertical presence (perhaps by buying another set, or you could Bricklink the parts) Here, adding another floor is pretty much its own MOC, and there's no defined way it should look. The blue building feels small and I would prefer the $200 price point to a size compromise.
How does the depth of the buildings compare with Pet Shop? I think they could've increased them by at least 2 studs.
Edit: Nevermind, they look about the same.
Very nice set but I feel like calling this The Bookshop is pretty silly actually. So little of this is a bookstore, and what IS dedicated to the shop is super minimal. When I think of bookstores, even ones in the city, I think floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with thousands of books. There are books everywhere, and the store always feels warm and cozy. This set captures none of that. As much as I like the side-by-side modulars I think a bookstore should have had it's own dedicated set.
They should have called this set "Two Nice Buildings".
Love it. Always liked the format of Petshop and really didn't think Lego would go back to that layout again. It really feels like a pre-Detective's Office design and it's all the better for it.
Was the Reaction to Corner Garage that bad, I note that Smyth's still haven't gotten it. I wonder was that because of that specific set, or they were done with modulars. Personally, I only bought it a few hours ago, after this leaked... The first modular since GE, that I didn't buy at launch!
Nothing really spectacular, but good enough for me to purchase it after I skipped the DD and CG. :)
However, I'm just generally confused what LEGO's problem with animals is?
They produce so few new animals that I was almost happy that we get at least a new tiny bird.
But then they make it bright blue?? What bird on earth is this supposed to represent?
(Same goes for the white version of this bird, I still have no idea what this is supposed to be? An albino sparrow?)
Also, another thing that I cant understand: why oh why did they add a black 2x2 concave slope to the blue roof instead of a dark blue one?
This just feels lazy and moc-ish, imo.
Yeah, I know I'm nitpicking here, but sometimes its the little things that I find most annoying.
I would buy this if I could afford it. The colors are gorgeous and I love the architecture. I buy superheroes, hp and sw but this is an amazing set.
The book store needs some major help with the detailing inside — unless it is supposed to be a book store that is about to go out of business for lack of inventory.
I think the façades look great, but holy smoke it's a high price given that the heights and footprint sizes of the buildings are smaller/shorter than the Pet Shop set.
Kraven the Hunter's collar was first used as a nest for the 75952 Newt's Magical Creatures set. (And one now adorns my Madam Maxime as she should have been appointed originally.)
I like that they can split, it'd be fun to see them "sandwiched" around a non-splitting modular from both sides.
Great review and great pictures. Thank you.
Thanks for the thorough review and great pictures. It is a beautiful set and the colours remind me of jellybean row in Newfoundland. The bookstore may need to place an order on Bricklink to get stocked up, tho!
Absolutely gorgeous set. Miles better than the Corner Garage. Definitely considering getting this to go with the Detective's Office.
My only complaint is that the second floor of the apartment is a bit small but that can be remedied (being Lego and all). Looking forward to building this.
Reading the review, for which of course big thank you to Huw, I am now considering to add 2 of these as well as additional Parisian Restaurant. Note, I usually buy in multiples trains only... but this!? It is a must-have.
All the teal bricks is taking me back to the turn of the millennium with all the crazy teals in Technic and Bionicle sets. Wonder if the bright violet back from that era will ever return too?
I think this set is beautiful on its own, but I worry about the height. I would like to see this next to some of the other modulars to see how it scales in relation.
There's something about that autumn feel that works really well, just like with the treehouse.
Simply beautiful.
I'm not entirely sure what to think of this set; the townhouse looks incredible, and certainly a step up from the one I own from the Pet Shop. I admittedly mumbled 'Yes!' under my breath when I first saw the pictures, because this is the first modular in a while to seriously interest me. However, the back looks quite plain. That shouldn't be an issue when displaying it, but building it might feel a bit lacking. The interior is pretty good, again better than the one from the Pet Shop, but considering that it is fully furnished, the lack of necessities seems odd.
As for the bookshop, I'm definitely more of a fan of the ground floor than the first floor, although admittedly I love that roof. It's unfortunate that the ground floor is naturally full of windows, because the existing details could've been expanded upon and made excellent for me. However, the first floor is a bit of a 'nothing'. I would modify it somewhat to at least have some rogue bricks poking out.
That being said, both street halves are excellent, and the new piece colours are a massive draw for someone who would use them in their own buildings. I would get it on release day pretty much guaranteed for £130 I reckon, and at a push £140, but for £150 I'm probably going to hold off on this one unfortunately. Maybe for Christmas I'll force the 'treat yourself' mentality upon my savings? Anyway, very convincing review, and in astonishing time as well (when did you get your hands on this one?)
What a truly wonderful set! I haven't bought a modular since the Detective's Office, but I'll definitely be picking up this one. Love the European vibe!
@Huw:
The chameleon is a recolor from the most recent Collectible Minifigure Series (belonging to Johnny Thunder), and the black hair piece is a recolor from the Series 17 Dance Instructor.
I liked it immediately upon seeing the photo. Funny thing is we are taking a family trip to Belgium with a day trip to Amsterdam, so I am loving the Dutch influence. I need to save up for it, so not a Day 1 purchase, but will get it as soon as possible. The colors are nice, the details are great, and it appears that a lot of thought went into the design. I agree with the reviewer that this is the best one since PR. This will be a pleasure to build and own.
It amazes me how you are able to review lego sets the day they're revealed!
I really like this one. The printed Moby Brick is almost worth the entire set just for that.
It arrived late on Tuesday, I built it wednesday evening and for about 5 hours yesterday. I photographed it as I went along and more this morning, then wrote the review this afternoon.
Hopefully it doesn't appear rushed.
At times I think I work harder running brickset than when I had a full time job :-)
Amazing!
Definitely shallower depth buildings than Pet Shop which were ~16-stud depth buildings to these ~14s.
Seeing as there is only 1 book in the bookstore I can't help think of a (modified) Jurassic Park quote
Now eventually you might have books in your, in your bookstore, right? Hello? yes?
Perhaps that's what I will use my Malcolm minifig for
Looks great - I think this may be what my post-Christmas VIP points get spent on...
As an ex-bookseller (for a large uk-based shopshop) this would be the sort of place I would want to own and run in my later years (albeit with a few more books about the place!) :)
@legoig2000 said:
"When I saw this set for The first time, a couple of hours ago, I really tought it was a fan MOC, and a good one. Then I realised it was a real set. Mostly I only buy Star Wars and some other licenced themes but I think tis will be my very first modular creator expert set."
You say you mostly only buy Star Wars sets. I wonder if the fact that one of the minifigs in this set bears a striking resemblance to George Lucas, is what attracts you to it so much. :-)
@Hotzenplotz said:
"Nothing really spectacular, but good enough for me to purchase it after I skipped the DD and CG. :)
However, I'm just generally confused what LEGO's problem with animals is?
They produce so few new animals that I was almost happy that we get at least a new tiny bird.
But then they make it bright blue?? What bird on earth is this supposed to represent?
(Same goes for the white version of this bird, I still have no idea what this is supposed to be? An albino sparrow?)
Also, another thing that I cant understand: why oh why did they add a black 2x2 concave slope to the blue roof instead of a dark blue one?
This just feels lazy and moc-ish, imo.
Yeah, I know I'm nitpicking here, but sometimes its the little things that I find most annoying."
A quick Google search for bright blue birds reveals various beautiful species. My favourite is the Indigo Bunting:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Indigo_Bunting/id
Amazing set! Brilliant and detailed review and I am sure to pick this set up when I can
@Yelk is mad about the fact that they don't have the classic faces on the minifigs anymore, but I think it's fine. This is most likely going to be my first Modular Building set because it is SO GOOD!
Now that's some truly excellent furniture and other interior details, a huge step forward from the Corner Garage! I'm a bit disappointed that they've gone back to the old style architecture though, was hoping for a more modern look.
Many thanks for the review, so many great photos!
@Hotzenplotz I'm pretty sure the white version of that bird is supposed to be a Dove. No light blue birds come to mind right away, but a quick google search and it might be the Eastern Bluebird.
What is wrong with US building aesthetic? We build things with function first and looks second (something we need to fix a bit). I won't be getting this one but I have to be honest I am very tempted to get it (need to get Ninjago Docks pronto).
I've been counting a bit:
The height of the teal Town House is about 24 bricks, the Book Shop about 29 bricks.
In comparison: the height of the Pet Shop is 27 bricks, the Detective's Office 22 bricks (the office itself, not the blue building next to it), the Brick Bank 26 bricks, Parisian Restaurant 28 bricks (without the chimneys).
I'm surprised at the constant Europe vs US architecture discussion, as if they are always mutually exclusive. Though the bookstore is a nod to Amsterdam perhaps, the apartment looks like a Victorian row house, a style famous in San Francisco. So while there are some buildings that may be associated with one area or another, there are many building styles which are found around the world.
I love this set, the exterior is a knock-out.
The black hairpiece is a recolor (or recolour) of the aerobics dance instructor CMF from Series 17, in dark orange. It's a great hairpiece, I'm very pleased to see it again (and in a new color!)
Is 31561 now officially referred to as the “round nipple plate”?
SO. MUCH. WANT!!! No other words... plus I'm really busy lol. Thank you Brickset and LEGO for brightening my day!
@ritzcrackerman said:
"The black hairpiece is a recolor (or recolour) of the aerobics dance instructor CMF from Series 17, in dark orange. It's a great hairpiece, I'm very pleased to see it again (and in a new color!)"
Thanks.
Last two modular sets have been disapointing. The set looks nice but like many have said the book shop isnt selling many books. Again no hospital. The city set hospitals are very average and I wonder how many years it will be before Lego bring out a Modular Hospital. I would love to see them do it properly with some 4000 to 5000 pieces.
I think this set looks totally fantastic! Really wonderful. Just awesome.
@Huw
Thank you for all your hard work, toiling with Lego all day long. ;-P
Excellent review!!!
Well I was underwhelmed with the leaked FB photo as it looked rather empty inside. The full revie rectifies that however and has really raised my appreciation of this set. I still think the shop is bereft of books and as you say Huw, might well be going out of business!!!
Bird Nest is brilliant, hoping to make this my 2nd modular.
Fantastic review! I like it when the bags of pieces are pictured. Only Other thing I’d love to see are the pages with the list of pieces! :)
Otherwise, great reading and detailed descriptions! ????
Nice set. I started collecting modular sets only 2 years ago. I'll get this one to. Number 12 for me. I like all the sets from the outside. Inside is a bit small for most sets, room size compared to furniture. But you have to use your imagination to a bit.
The birch feels a bit off, but otherwise the set looks absolutely beautiful. I was saving up for Parisian Restaurant, but now I think I'll probably just buy this instead.
One thing that bothers me, however, is the trend of Modular Buildings slowly shrinking. Back when the series first began, you'd usually get three full 32-wide floors of gorgeous buildings. Now you usually get upper floors that are narrower than ground floors, buildings (or half-buildings) with only 2 floors, bigger roofs masquerading as additional floors, etc. And now with this set, once again you get a building with only 2 floors, and balconies that make the rest of the floor smaller...
Hotzenplotz, couldn't the white bird be a dove? Maybe the blue one is an Indigo Bunting? Pretty, I think.
CopperTablet , while it doesn't scale well without modification, a number of the Modulars from this decade seem that way to me. At least this teal one you could easily swap out the door for either a picture window or 4 of the 2x3 windows and I think it would look decent. (although the one house number would be on the high side). Although you're right for the bookshop, since an extra second floor would have an overhang. Might not be hard to remove. I would need to see the instructions.
I like it, but for some reason it feels a little plain to me. And I wish the houses weren't exactly the same depth--that makes the backside seem a little weird to me.
I also find the absence of a lavatory and a kitchen to be disappointing; are there any real houses that lack those, or at least a hotpot in the second case? And it would be nice to have one more bookshelf in the bookstore, maybe right in the middle. I'll probably add one to mine, at an angle in the available space. I think that would look nice.
Ha ha, 'Moby Brick'. I see what they have done there. :)
Surprised they priced it at $179 instead of $199 like the corner garage.
The exterior looks fantastic. Very impressive, although the teal house could do with another floor, it does look a tad small. Interior could have been a bit better. As already said, more books in the book shop. The rooms are small which is limiting I guess
I must buy it!
This looks just great. Ánd: no BeNeLux-tax!!! (According to LEGO.com same price as Germany&France for us dutchies!)
Me like, me want!!
@Baldarek said:
"I was saving up for Parisian Restaurant, but now I think I'll probably just buy this instead."
Get the PR if you want it. Its the best of the line in my opinion but opinions aside, its going to be unavailable very soon and you'll have at least a couple years to get this one.
I love this! The interior may need work, but that is the fun of LEGO. I am late collecting these buildings, so this is a first day buy for me! I only have Assembly Square and Parisian Restaurant but skipped the last two because I don’t like the modern aesthetic. The Book Store will fit in great with Assembly Square! I just need someone to sell me Green Grocer for less that $500+!!!
This is such a cool set! I really like it, but sadly don't have the money to get it. I do feel inspired to build my own modular building now though!
I'll probably buy it when it's retiring in 2024 at 30% off. Got to get that discount.
Oh my gosh, this looks amazing! So fresh and unique in terms of colors and aesthetics, but also filling an important niche in terms of subject matter.
I'm surprised how many comments I'm seeing saying that they'd wished for the bookstore to be bigger. I can imagine LEGO dedicating a full 32 studs to some huge bookstore chain like the US-based Barnes & Noble and Books-a-Million or the UK-based Waterstones, but to me a small, independent book store is much more in line with the quaint, nostalgic character of the Creator Expert modular buildings.
With regard to the more understandable comments about expecting to see more books, I think that their apparent scarcity is just due to the angle these photos (and the official ones) were taken at. The tallest bookcase in the shop is against the wall opposite the shopkeeper's desk. I'm surprised at how few pics I'm finding of the set from an angle where you can see this. Best I've found so far is in Zusammengebaut's review: https://zusammengebaut.com/lego-creator-expert-10270-buchladen-im-review-ueberzeugt-das-neue-modular-building-83971/
Really impressed with the bay window construction — it's a big advancement over the bay window technique in Green Grocer or Pet Shop that left deep grooves between adjacent windowpanes. The stone archway over the bookshop's entrance, the dormers and angled front steps on the townhouse, the armchair in the bookseller's apartment, and the bed frames in both buildings are likewise amazing innovations that make great use of parts introduced in the past few years.
I'm not at all surprised to see that Wes Talbott's first modular building is so outstanding! It's a natural extension of his skill in crafting warm, cozy, and elegant structures and living environments, which we've already seen at a smaller scale and a simpler building level in the Friends and Elves sets he's worked on: https://brickset.com/sets/list-14049
@ChrisPChicken: Agreed — in general, no city I've been in on either side of the Atlantic was homogenously American-looking or European-looking. A lot of American cities have European-looking buildings, and a lot of European cities have American-looking ones.
It's possible that there might have been less overlap between European and American architectural styles in the early 20th century, and that it might be in that historical context that people are shocked to see European and American architectural styles in close proximity. But even then, it seems like it's not a very useful distinction, considering how both America and Europe have wildly different architectural trends and traditions associated with different locales.
It's not as though it's typical to see a London department store, an Amsterdam canal house, and a restaurant with a Parisian mansard roof in the same neighborhood anywhere in Europe. It's not like buildings resembling American architecture would be much MORE unusual to find alongside those different European styles!
Great review overall! Looking forward to building this!!!
@armint said:
"I prefer the 2 buildings sided viceversa"
Agreed. Putting the townhouse to the left of the bookstore would do a better job of covering up most of the off-colored bricks showing on the sides of the buildings. Should be a simple adjustment to move the lamppost and birch tree to the other corner of each buildings' respective sidewalks.
I'm actually content that the bookstore's interior isn't overly full of books leaving me room to add and mod as I see fit. I've got a bunch of the newer buildable books from other sets like the Moby Bricks one that will be fun to place in this store.
^ The tree and lamppost clash a bit if you swap the buildings round but that's easily remedied if you want them that way.
Major step up from last year's modular building for sure, but honestly I can't say I'm a huge fan of detracting from the overall structure to add more interior detail because ultimately what matters is the exterior, how often are people going to lift the levels to look inside?
I would've preferred if the town house was the usual three stories high, but given how splendid this looks either way I'm kinda nit-picking.
G'day Huw, great review! Do you know if Lego will ever do a modular cathedral? I imagine the stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings, decorative interior and Gothic architecture would look spectacular! Thoughts?
I have not seen a single person anywhere on the Internet complain about a lack of vehicles in this set. I know the previous year's designer loved cars, but it's better off without them.
Gosh I can’t believe another year has gone by. Yeah another modular set! And this one does look amazing. I had to do a double take too, as I didn’t realize there had been an announcement, but I guess this was leaked early, so we can salivate on it!
I own all of the modular sets, minus the last 2, just haven’t gotten around to buying them yet, but still plan to. They are all fantastic in their own rights. I know a lot of people liked the Pet Shop one where the buildings could be separated and split apart, it would be great to see more like this, so you can change things up and make a town your own interpretation.
Well done LEGO designers! Can’t wait to see this one in January!
I think it would be nice if Lego made more sets like this one where the two buildings come apart, but sold them separately to make them more affordable for people like me with a smaller budget.
@Baldarek said:
"One thing that bothers me, however, is the trend of Modular Buildings slowly shrinking. Back when the series first began, you'd usually get three full 32-wide floors of gorgeous buildings. Now you usually get upper floors that are narrower than ground floors, buildings (or half-buildings) with only 2 floors, bigger roofs masquerading as additional floors, etc. And now with this set, once again you get a building with only 2 floors, and balconies that make the rest of the floor smaller..."
I think the earlier (pre-Parisian restaurant) modulars cheated more on interiors, though - for example with the Pet Shop apartment still being moved into, and the very empty shop in Grand Emporium. I can see comments here that others don't value the interiors but I definitely do (and people definitely would complain about interiors at the level of the early modulars - they complain when a Star Destroyer doesn't have an interior!).
So overall I am okay with the balance they are striking.
I absolutely love it. The exterior is beautiful, and I really think the birch tree, there, is my favourite part.
The interiors are gorgeous too. The book shop is so quaint, and the town house is cosy and lovely. I can't be the only person who's relieved at the lack of a bathroom and toilet (we don't need them in every single building, guys).
And the lack of stickers just makes this 10 out of 10.
@twodoors: Probably not. Lego generally avoids including religious elements such as houses of worship in sets. Besides, you wouldn't typically see a cathedral that directly abuts other buildings to either side like a modular building—most cathedrals are free-standing.
But there is just one ‘book’ piece here right? It would be great if they included more.
Is it possible to stand a minifig on that landing with the roof on? The hair of the bookshop woman looks a little tall for that, no?
The official photos don't really show the bookcases in the shop, but they are there! Sure there's only one 'book' element, but quite honestly it's huge and you'd not get many of them in the shop. The tile elements do a good job of representing books anyway. I love it, even the low townhouse, and I suspect the shop building is probably taller than quite a few of the more recent modulars, like PR, DO and BB.
Love this.... <3
@hotzenplotz maybe the blue bird represents a bluebird?
I'm behind schedule on my modulars (ideas sets have been too good to pass up lately). I'll get this one definitely (eventually). I still haven't gotten the 50's Diner. (I'm definitely passing on the corner garage).
I will absolutely modify the interior of the bookstore (like I had to to the horrible Cinema interior) to include a coffee bar/cafe on the first floor, taller book shelves on floor 1(w/a ladder), and just MORE books. I'll move that bedroom over to the empty pet shop apartment and build a kids book area on the third floor and more books on that 1st floor landing (taking one of those windows out... honestly, why are there so many windows?? Bookstores don't really have that many to protect the condition of the books). I really don't see any reason for a bedroom on the top floor. The owner can live in another modular!
This reminds me of a gorgeous little bookstore in my wife's small hometown. It makes me happy!
I love this! A bookstore and a teal house? Awesome!
I realize this will be immediately self-disproving, but I haven't seen a single comment comparing this to Market Street (10190) because of its scale, dual baseplates, or architectural style. That may simply be due to how long ago that set came out and how few people picked it up, but I consider it validation that it didn't count as a true member of the modular buildings.
The spiral staircase design is nice but, yeah, think it'll be sacrificed for more book shelves.
Been amassing a book collection from around the brick-verse and this is the perfect set to house them.
Some incredible details and colors here. But I hope I don't offend the designer but this doesn't look like a bookstore at all. Seems like a museum/library. I've been to a couple of these with homes that have nice collections turned into museums, landmarks, etc.
But doesn't have the detailing of a highend bookstore neither. Strange.
Ah, looking more closely I think if they cluttered more books in there. Stacks of books, more books atop tables, shelves. A small cart holding books. That might help with the home/antique bookstore feel.
When we all buy this and talk about it, are we going to call it the B.S.? D:
I'm in the extreme minority of people who think the smaller vertical scale of this set, especially the townhouse juxtaposed with the bookshop, lends itself well to layouts that mostly contain smaller buildings as it won't stick out like two sore thumbs. Bonus points for being two discrete units each with its own baseplate. I don't even mind the fact that teal is being used for walls again so soon after 10260 Downtown Diner just two years ago (though Wes's story adds to my sympathy as well).
If this is affordable enough, I may well call it my first Modular Building set. I might even mod the units into more standalone ones that are camera-friendly on all sides so it looks right at home in my layout. It's a Creator Expert set, right?
I'm also in the clan of people liking well detailed interiors. They make for great build experiences, and then who knows, when kids get in the picture...
The smaller size is also a plus. Making those buildings artificially big is not necessarily good design. Also, the smaller ones (Parisian Restaurant, Detective's Office, Brick Bank, Pet Store and Green Grocer) all fit super nicely on a single Kallax shelf each, with the taller sets being displayed on top of the bookshelf.
The first thing I thought as a dutchman: definately a canal house.
@Paperballpark said:
"The official photos don't really show the bookcases in the shop, but they are there! "
All three are visible in my pictures. A proper bookshop would have them wall-to-wall, not just a couple of free-standing ones.
I love it, but now they’ve designed another terraced style house I’m going to have to buy 2 and reverse one of the builds. (I have 3 houses from the pet shop so far) Then figure out what to do about the house number.
Next I’ll add more books, and a book signing event :)
My first thought chimed with a lot of other people - that the townhouse was a little short. Still it looks good; I've been a year behind with modulars for a few years now, I'll hopefully buy Corner Garage in 2020 and this new one the year after.
Looks cool, but I just wish they made them a few studs deeper. The rooms, especially the upstairs rooms at or above the back balcony levels, are just soooo tiny. It's like a little brick jail cell.
But I will definitely be continuing my modular collection. I actually quite enjoy the mix of styles from all over the world. It would be boring if it was just Euro styles over and over again. The worst thing they could do is become predictable and not experiment.
Bookstore with one book?
@Lyichir said:
" @twodoors: Probably not. Lego generally avoids including religious elements such as houses of worship in sets. Besides, you wouldn't typically see a cathedral that directly abuts other buildings to either side like a modular building—most cathedrals are free-standing."
G'day @Lyichir, thanks for the reply. I imagined that might have been the case, as with anything war related. Nonetheless, there's an opportunity to do something special, just like the Taj Mahal (Cologne , Notre-Dame, Westminster Abbey). Perhaps it also provides an opportunity to do some "inclusive" architecture from different faiths? Food for thought.
I love this set! I bought the Parisian Restaurant over the summer (my first modular) and I'll definitely be picking this up next year. I also love the Downtown Diner- those are my 3 favorite modulars.
My favorite Modular by far remains the Detective's Office, but this new one looks very nice too. After the low point which was CG last year this is so much better. Love the autumnal theme.
@twodoors: LEGO has definitely shown religious buildings/structures/symbols in the Architecture line, especially as part of the larger skyline sets. I think that they try and keep religious stuff limited to that, though, since that way they can focus on the geographic and historical significance rather than the religious significance.
In other themes, it's sometimes trickier to maintain a focus on those things — especially minifigure scale sets, in which expectations of detailed interiors and setting-appropriate minifigures makes it harder to avoid imagery which might seem like a representation or endorsement of a particular faith. For example, putting a priest/pastor minifig in a particular style of clerical robes might generate uproar in places where people have experienced violent conflicts between different faith groups in living memory.
And even giving equal representation to different faiths isn't necessarily an ideal remedy. After all, there are people of many different faiths who might find it sacrilegious to use the iconography of their religion to sell toys to kids.
I do think there's other contexts where LEGO could work elaborate cathedral-style stained glass into the Modular Buildings series in the future — for example, a building inspired by Belgian art nouveau.
But other architectural features associated with cathedrals like flying buttresses would be a lot harder to find a place for in this particular series, since as @Lyichir mentioned they tend to show up only on free-standing structures.
wonderful review, can not wait to build this.
please correct the tags, it does not even show up with the Creator Expert Modular Building link at the beginning of the article and the release date should be tagged 2020 for us civilians.
Off topic but I can not understand all the negative comments about the Corner Garage, it is an amazing build with great geometry, it would appear that most people maligning the set have never seen it in real life and have definitely not built it.
Just need Bernard, Manny and Fran minifigures, and a disgusting kitchen.
This is the first of the modular buildings to really tempt me..
@Aanchir said:
" @twodoors: LEGO has definitely shown religious buildings/structures/symbols in the Architecture line, especially as part of the larger skyline sets. I think that they try and keep religious stuff limited to that, though, since that way they can focus on the geographic and historical significance rather than the religious significance.
In other themes, it's sometimes trickier to maintain a focus on those things — especially minifigure scale sets, in which expectations of detailed interiors and setting-appropriate minifigures makes it harder to avoid imagery which might seem like a representation or endorsement of a particular faith. For example, putting a priest/pastor minifig in a particular style of clerical robes might generate uproar in places where people have experienced violent conflicts between different faith groups in living memory.
And even giving equal representation to different faiths isn't necessarily an ideal remedy. After all, there are people of many different faiths who might find it sacrilegious to use the iconography of their religion to sell toys to kids.
I do think there's other contexts where LEGO could work elaborate cathedral-style stained glass into the Modular Buildings series in the future — for example, a building inspired by Belgian art nouveau.
But other architectural features associated with cathedrals like flying buttresses would be a lot harder to find a place for in this particular series, since as @Lyichir mentioned they tend to show up only on free-standing structures."
G'day @Aanchir, thanks for the reply. I hadn't considered the minifigures - that makes complete sense! I'll hang my hopes on a Creator Expert Building. Lego have done Big Ben & Tower Bridge. Maybe they'll do Westminster Abbey at that scale? Time will tell, I'm certain there would be a market for it. Cheers.
I'm fairly happy with this set. Its a bookshop, which was the last building I was expecting and it made me very happy when I learned that. Yes, there are not enough books, but then there are never enough books in a store for me, so that was a given. Yes the house next door could do with being a bit taller and have more furniture, but the pet shop and townhouse have less than this and having furnished the cafe/motel and grocer's store at my own expense, that's something to do after I've brought and built.
My only complaint with the garage last year was the position of the toilet and the lack of a walls to shield the vets and apartment from the smells which the garage might generate, but then as its not a real garage, that is a moot point.
I'm not entirely sure adding another floor to the house would work, but I'm interested to see the results of such an experiment.
I'm looking forward to this set and while I appreciate we all have different views, it is a little disheartening to see the amount of complaints about what's wrong with it.
As a modular collector for years, I have been saddened at the current trend of buildings. Beginning with the Diner, the designs have become "childish" and less of the adult "classy" feel and design. Today's Bookstore, Corner Garage (quite boring) and Diner (pink, really?) are a far cry from Brick Bank, Emporium and Palace Cinema. Why is Lego using teal and pink and color schemes from the Friends line? Very disappointed in the current trend and Book Store. I had high hopes that Lego would amend their ways and designs. Sadly, I am once again disappointed.
"...in my view the best since 10243 Parisian Restaurant. After a couple of American-inspired buildings it's good to be back to something more European..."
My thoughts exactly!
This is a great set to help balance the lack of residential space. I think the tree will be the difficult piece to integrate into the street depending on what is placed to the left. Secondly, the only set that has never really fit in was the art deco diner. It's a great set with tremendous detail but clashes by color and design with everything else.
I love this even more after seeing your review - thanks! Definitely agree about the paucity of books in the bookshop... but that should be easy enough to remedy.
I think this is superb. Well done TLG
being a bookshop theme, perhaps the separation will allow the two modular being used as book ends? very clever design and certainly on my to get list.
@skiwolf7 said:
"As a modular collector for years, I have been saddened at the current trend of buildings. Beginning with the Diner, the designs have become "childish" and less of the adult "classy" feel and design. Today's Bookstore, Corner Garage (quite boring) and Diner (pink, really?) are a far cry from Brick Bank, Emporium and Palace Cinema. Why is Lego using teal and pink and color schemes from the Friends line?"
This kind of baffling prejudice against colors popular with girls like pink/azure/teal, and the implication that they're inherently childish or unsophisticated just because you don't like them, seems to call your own maturity level into question, rather than the maturity level of the sets you're criticizing.
Perhaps you didn't know it, but long before the LEGO Friends theme existed, Bright Bluish Green ("teal") was a TREMENDOUSLY popular color among AFOLs, and that popularity was a factor in the decision to bring it back years after it was retired from the LEGO color palette. For that matter, LOADS of adults like the color pink, just as much as kids do.
In the Diner's case in particular, the bright colors also help to maximize authenticity to the 1950s Miami Beach style art deco influences that inspired it. And the pink color of the convertible is also a specific nostalgic reference to the popularity of pink cars in the 1950s, including Elvis Presley's 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood — which many adults were probably expected to recognize.
Needless to say, plenty of AFOLs are mature enough to appreciate creative, deliberate color choices like these. If you aren't, that's something you're gonna have to work through on your own.
slightly underwhelmed by this set, although it is far better then the corner garage...
Will get this, but only when at sale...I'm thinking of not wanting to pay more then 120€ for this one...
@ bricks4everyone
I study birds, he is either a indigo bunting or a blue grosbeak.
@ Aanchir
Agreed
Very underwhelming.
On the plus side LEGO have brought the price down. Having at least one of all the modular buildings, you end up feeling obliged to buy the next one... I for one passed on Corner Garage due to the ludicrous price. Most likely pass on this as well.
I realize the majority see this as the next ***amazing*** product, but the color of the residence, it’s absolutely horrid. And then next to the book shop, makes it even worse.
Then a book shop without books? Seriously?
Maybe when it hits 20% off I’ll buy and change out the color... maybe.
@Aanchir: Interesting. Your statements are far-fetched and grossly inaccurate. Please refrain from further comments on my opinions until your personal maturity level improves
@skiwolf7 said:
" @Aanchir : Interesting. Your statements are far-fetched and grossly inaccurate. Please refrain from further comments on my opinions until your personal maturity level improves"
Everything Aanchir said is correct, though. Mike Psiaki, who designed the Downtown Diner, made it pink and teal because pastels were popular accent colors for the Streamline Moderne aesthetic, often as neon lighting (which Lego elements don't really reproduce). The pink allows the set to homage the 1950s, but also the 1980s (which was heavily driven by 1950s nostalgia). It evokes media such as GTA: Vice City, which features a pink and teal color scheme in many places.
Furthermore, this is the comments section and everyone is free to comment on your own contributions
Coppertablet,
Seconded. Couldn't have said it better myself.
A little surprised at the negative comments on DD, personally it's one of my favorites from the last few years. And although Teal wouldn't be my first choice for a house, it really adds personality to the town. Don't we all have that one neighbor who "stands out" a bit, to put it nicely? Same thing for that one quirky businessman on the street who wanted a 50's diner. (Actually, I have one of those about 2 miles away.)
Yeah, there are some '50s diner chains like that in America, like Johnny Rockets.
Modular, as a premier Lego product line, was always intended to feature different architectural styles and designers. The aesthetic was distinctly different between Market Street and Cafe Corner even back in 2007, and then Fire Brigade changed things up yet again two years later. Furthermore, I'd contend that Modular is always slightly childish and a realization of a fantastic Lego city that exists in people's mind when they play with Lego, rather than rigid, real-world depictions of buildings. Cafe Corner is way too small to be an actual hotel. Palace Cinema only seats six minifigures. The diner and Corner Garage both reflect that.
in the designer video it says you can add multiple floors to the town house if you buy more sets... and they've swapped the door for a window... does it come with instructions to do that...?
The more I look at it, the less I like the height of the townhouse. It already looked too short, but it is glaringly obvious it needs to be fixed now. Plus, the depth is too short also.
I still like the Birch Book store, but I think the tree is too tall. I love the roof on the townhouse, but I'm torn on the azure color. I may have to do some swapping on that, which to me defeats the purpose of buying these super expensive sets. I shouldn't have to do that just to like it. Maybe that means I should quit buying LEGO? Who knows
I'm starting to really dislike it.
At first glance, I was kinda: "I guess that's a nice enough front", but the more and more you look at it, the more it starts to look like a tweaked Creator 3-in-1 build, like if you took one of those sets and built a back and baseplate for them. More like a fan project than an actual set.
What I love in modulars: details, details, DETAILS. And this is severely lacking in them. It's priced the same as the Parisian, but I feel like it's not even half as nice. When you double up on the doors, windows, walls, stairs, etc. very little space remains to do something. If you take the Parisian, detective office, Brick Bank, diner, etc. and look at the floors, there's so much details that tell their own little stories. This doesn't have any of that. It's lacking a soul.
I might've enjoyed this if it was two buildings in a set the size of 10255, but this just feels claustrophobic.
I'd probably LOVE a set like this if they made it just the bookstore with proper detailing and an apartment above it.
The Parisian Restaurant was really a high point in recent modulars. The level of detail, both front, back and interior on that was really great. The recent offerings have been relatively plain in comparison. I'll probably buy this eventually. Of course, I've been saying that since the release of the diner and I still haven't bought that one or any after it. The recent modulars just haven't been inspiring me to drop that kind of money. I do find the color scheme on this endearing though and I like that the design of the front complements the Parisian restaurant. I DO like it. Just not enough ...
Great review. It will look good next to my Parisian Restaurant.