The newly renovated Central Library, Fifth Street and Denver Avenue, continues to inspire imaginations of all ages with its architectural beauty.
One library customer was so impressed by the building, he created a LEGO model of the renovated library.
Ricardo Montoya, a 2012 graduate from Oklahoma State University’s School of Architecture, began building LEGO models in middle school, which fueled his interest in pursuing a career in architecture. He is now a structural engineering intern with 360 Engineering Group, PLLC, the structural design consultant for Central Library’s renovation.
Library customers have the opportunity to see Montoya’s Central Library LEGO model at a display on Central Library’s first floor throughout February. This display will include library resources highlighting architecture and LEGO art available for all ages to check out.
“I used LDD, a free software, to create a digital model and ordered the exact types and quantities of LEGO bricks for this specific project,” recalled Montoya. “This is the largest custom model I have built. It has approximately 1,000 pieces and took 16 hours to build.”
Central Library is not the first of Montoya’s Oklahoma-specific LEGO models. He recently built models of Guthrie Green and The Boxyard in Tulsa, and the Devon Tower, Chesapeake Boathouse and Skydance Pedestrian Bridge in Oklahoma City.
“I would like to bring an awareness to the great architecture in Oklahoma,” he said. “LEGO models are a fun and visual way to highlight great design and the community who takes who takes enormous pride in their projects.”
Montoya documents the process of creating his LEGO models on his website, http://katyandricardo.squarespace.com/. He also invites LEGO builders to contact him with ideas or to become part of a local LEGO network.
Tulsa City-County Library regularly presents LEGO activities for children and teens to build and share ideas while expanding their knowledge of STEM-based learning. Participants can either bring their own blocks or use materials provided by the library. February events include:
· LEGO Club – Feb. 6, 10:30-11:30 a.m., South Broken Arrow Library, 3600 S. Chestnut, for ages 5-18.
· LEGO Lab – Feb. 6, 13 and 27; 4-5 p.m.; Martin Regional Library, 2601 S. Garnett Road; for ages 6-12.
· LEGO Animation Workshop – Feb. 11, 2-4 p.m., Zarrow Regional Library, 2224 W. 51st St., for ages 10-18. Participants will make their own animated mini movie using LEGOS and the free Stop Motion Studio app.
· LEGO Club – Feb. 23, 4-5 p.m., Glenpool Library, 730 E. 141st St., for ages 5-11.
· LEGO Club – Feb. 28, 6-7 p.m., Zarrow Regional Library, for all ages.
For more information on Tulsa City-County Library programs and resources, call the AskUs Hotline, 918-549-7323, or visit the library’s website, www.tulsalibrary.org.
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