A 24-year-old Logan resident and architecture master’s student, Luke Savonoff, has designed a standout LEGO creation that will be part of an innovative exhibit at this week’s World Science Festival in Brisbane.
The impressive model, a custom-designed, 4500+ LEGO piece building, was created by Mr Savonoff from scratch using LEGO’s Studio Brick Link software.
The design, intended for the “LEGO City of the Future” project, showcases his architectural skills and passion for sustainable urban design.
The project, organised by the Queensland University of Technology student ambassador program, brings together students from the Faculty of Engineering to showcase urban design, architecture, and engineering concepts through LEGO constructions.
The exhibit, a four-metre by four-metre city, is part of a larger initiative aimed at engaging the public and inspiring future generations of architects, engineers, and urban designers.
Mr Savonoff, who is one of the few master’s students in the ambassador cohort, was tasked with creating a custom campus building made entirely from LEGO.
This building will be featured alongside other student-designed structures, adding a personal touch to the exhibit.
“We wanted to create something that was not only engaging but also showed a variety of elements from different fields such as electrical engineering, urban design, and architectural engineering,” Mr Savonoff explained.
“Our hope is that the display can continue to inspire future students for years to come and serve as a resource for workshops promoting student engagement.”
The LEGO city will be part of an ongoing initiative at QUT, designed to last beyond the event itself.
Mr Savonoff’s contribution, a detailed representation of a QUT campus building, will stand as a demonstration to both architectural design and sustainable construction practices.
“We collaborated with local stores, like Brick Resale in Coopers Plains, to source second-hand LEGO pieces,” Mr Savonoff said.
“Using these recycled bricks was not only a way to keep costs down but also a more sustainable approach, which fits the ethos of the project.”
A strong advocate for alternative pathways to success, Mr Savonoff shared that his own journey into architecture was unique.
Homeschooled throughout his education, he didn’t follow the traditional route into university.
His experience highlights the importance of exploring different opportunities and being open to new paths.
“Staying curious and being open to trying something new is key,” Mr Savonoff said.
“I didn’t go straight into uni after school. I worked as a landscaper and found my passion for design, and now I’m studying architecture while working as an architectural assistant. It’s all about finding what works for you.”
Mr Savonoff also sees the growing challenges of urban sprawl and housing affordability in Australia as important issues to address through future projects.
He expressed interest in working on urban design solutions that incorporate sustainable principles to combat these problems.
“I’m interested in projects that can help solve housing issues and contribute to a more sustainable future,” Mr Savonoff said.
“In a place like Logan, where the population is rapidly growing, it’s crucial to think about how we develop our communities and the environment.”
The LEGO City of the Future exhibit will be on display during the World Science Festival on March 28 and 29 at the Queensland Museum in Brisbane.
