The William & Mary community has embarked on an ambitious project to create a detailed model of its Historic Campus using Lego bricks. This initiative, which began in earnest in August 2023, aims to engage students, alumni, and local residents in a collaborative effort to celebrate the university’s architectural heritage.
The project will utilize approximately 200,000 Lego bricks to replicate key buildings on campus, including the Sir Christopher Wren Building, the President’s House, and the Brafferton. The first module of the model, a replica of the Wren’s west steps comprising 890 bricks, was installed on August 20, 2023, constructed by Bruce Christian, a member of the Class of 1973 and a long-time supporter of the university. Christian has committed to funding the entire model, despite not being an avid Lego enthusiast himself.
Community Involvement in the Build
The project is designed to be inclusive, allowing for participation from across the William & Mary community. Organizers plan to hold “facilitated builds” at various locations, including the Alumni House and Swem Library. The first community building session is scheduled for August 27, 2023, coinciding with the start of undergraduate classes. Additional events will align with significant university occasions, such as Women’s Weekend and Homecoming.
Charles E. Fulcher Jr., the director of Wren operations and events, is overseeing the project. Fulcher previously managed a similar Lego construction at the Washington National Cathedral. He remarked, “I thought it would be a really great fit here,” referring to the project’s potential to engage the community and educate participants about the historic buildings on campus.
Volunteers, including many from Swem Library, have begun sorting thousands of Lego pieces into modules. Fulcher emphasized the importance of this approach, saying, “Basically, we made kits that will join together to build the full model.” This modular design allows for flexible construction across various locations.
Educational and Nostalgic Elements
The model will eventually showcase a harmonious blend of colors, reflecting the campus’s brick architecture. Initially, the Lego version will display a vibrant array of hues, which will merge into a cohesive appearance upon completion. Ainsley Ruhl, a government major and intern at the Wren Building, expressed enthusiasm for the project, linking it to nostalgia for those who grew up with Lego sets. “It’s a fun way for students to interact with the building while leaving a piece of themselves behind,” she noted.
The completion of the model is projected for July 2026, coinciding with the 330th anniversary of the Wren Building, the oldest academic structure in the United States. Fulcher acknowledged that the timeline could vary based on community participation. “If there’s a looming deadline, we could open up the floodgates,” he said.
As the project unfolds, the collaborative spirit of the William & Mary community remains at the forefront. Bruce Christian articulated this sentiment, stating, “It’s the Tribe that’s doing it. That’s the most powerful piece of this.” The initiative not only celebrates the university’s architectural history but also fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose among participants.
Upcoming build events include:
– August 27, 2023, 10:00 to 14:00 on Sadler Terrace, open to the campus community.
– September 13, 2023, noon to 14:00 and 19:00 to 21:00, location TBA, open to participants in Women’s Weekend.
– October 3 and 4, 2023, 09:00 to 15:00, location TBA, open to students and families visiting for Family Weekend.
This initiative promises to not only create a striking representation of William & Mary’s Historic Campus but also engage various members of the community in a shared endeavor that highlights the university’s rich history and its commitment to collaboration.